Been dying to have Aztec-inspired or spider web manicured nails? If you’ve noticed the influx of well-manicured nails on Eckerd’s campus and want in on the action, you’re in luck! Eckerd’s own Alice Nordwall and Alex Fenn, have created the company “Compulsive Nail Art,” selling pre-made acrylics and even painting students nails in their dorm room.
How did you start this company?
Alex:”Basically, over the summer I started creating designs on my own nails with all my free time and realized I was good at it. I advertised my designs on Facebook and tumbler and started getting requests for jobs. I’ve always loved art, so this is my new outlet.”
How did you learn how to create all those intricate patterns?
Alex: “I discovered nail pens and experimented with paintbrushes and acrylic paints. Some of them are inspired by stuff I see online, but none are exact copies and I always cite the originals. I come up with a lot of original ideas that sell pretty well, but the majority of people make specific requests and I make the designs.”
Do you see a future as an entrepreneur?
Alex: “You cannot open a nail salon without a technician’s license. My dream is to open a nail salon in New York City, I don’t know any place where you can get these types of designs.”
What is your favorite fall design?
Alex: “The big sellers are the Aztec designs and the neon animal prints. As far as fall goes, the Nightmare before Christmas, the Halloween designs, I love the eyeball ones. The pot leaf is also pretty big. Guys like to get Pokémon designs too.”
What tools can you not live without?
Alex: “Nail pens, I have a giant chest of them. I probably have over 200 nail polishes. I love having my nail wheels so I can paint nails while I listen to my books on tape.”
Alice: I appreciate the extractor fan the most, we do all the nails in our room and it helps to get rid of the fumes. The quick dry topcoat is essential – the Salley Hanson insta-dri polish.
Know any tricks to keep your nails healthy and maintain a manicure?
Alex: “Manicures- I put a top coat on everyday. I recommend acrylic nails, but if not then I put on a topcoat to keep my polish from chipping. Maintaining cuticles are really important; soaking you nails in oil is always a good thing. The best way to have healthy nails is to have healthy cuticles.”
Alice:”Egg whites on your nails are good, too.”
What are the average rates of your services?
Alex: “The average rates are $15-30 depending on the design, and acrylics are usually $22. They are FREE if we go to an event sponsored by the school. I also sell packages online that people can order on etsty.com. “
If you were to be stranded on an aquaglide in Frenchman’s Creek with anyone, who would it be?
Alex:”Jake Gyllenhall holding my dog. My dog is my best friend and I would do her nails if my boyfriend let me.”
Alice: “Jack Johnson with his guitar so he can sing with me.”