News
How Broken Nails Sparked My Passion and Success
Jul
When a student recently asked me, “Do you miss doing nails?”
I had to pause and think.
Yes, I sometimes miss the banter, the stories, the familiar faces that filled my salon and academy. But more than anything, I’m grateful for where this journey has taken me and how it allows me to now help others avoid the mistakes I made.
Because today, I’m not just a nail technician. I’m a teacher, a mentor, a creator, and someone deeply passionate about seeing others succeed where I once struggled.
A Time Before Gels and Gelpolish
It might sound ancient to some, but when I started over 25 years ago, we didn’t have the tools or products you see today. There were no builder gels, no soft gel extensions, and certainly no convenient Gelpolish bottles.
There were acrylics, regular nail polish, or nails buffed to a high shine.
I spent most of my teenage years biting my nails, until one day, I made a decision that changed everything: I booked my very first nail appointment.
Getting French acrylics at my local salon took over two hours, and it wasn’t cheap. I had to work a couple of days just to afford it. But the moment I walked out of that salon, I felt something new: pride, confidence and power. It was worth every cent.
But while sitting in the chair, watching every step, something clicked.
This wasn’t as impossible as I thought.
I found myself drawn to the process, curious, inspired. By the time my nails were done, I wasn’t just admiring them, I was already thinking about getting the products and trying it myself.
That was the beginning of everything.
From Poland to Ireland
When I moved to Ireland in 2007, I barely spoke English. I did my own nails and never imagined I’d one day teach or run a business. But Ireland gave me an incredible gift: the opportunity to grow.
I saved money from every job I could find and invested it into courses, both in Ireland and abroad. Step by step, I built up my skills and confidence.
In 2013, I became a Magnetic Nail Design trainer. By 2016, I became the official distributor for Magnetic in Ireland. It was an incredible achievement, but not the end of the story.
I Had a Salon… and I Closed It
I opened my own salon and ran it with pride. I had many amazing customers and student. But the pandemic changed everything.
Like many others, I had to make tough decisions, and eventually, I closed it down.
But endings often open new doors.
I began focusing on something I truly love – mentoring others. Offering training, and helping salon owners find solutions, not just products. I got to meet incredible women across the country, and I realized that this new chapter had its own kind of magic.
I’m Still a Nail Tech at Heart
Even though I’m no longer behind the table full-time, I still practice on models, learn new techniques, and test products at Magnetic HQ. I’m still kind of a student and always curious, always improving. I’m also a creator when writing manuals, developing new training, and shaping the future of nail education.
I’ve simply grown beyond one role into many.
There are so many directions a nail career can take, but what truly excites me is seeing talented women fall in love with the craft of nail styling, open their own beautiful spaces, and grow into confident salon owners.
That’s where the real magic happens: when you create something of your own, welcome your clients into a space that reflects your vision, and eventually, maybe even lead a team.
My own path has taken me into education, product development, and working closely with salon owners on everything from technique to business strategy. It’s a different side of the industry, involving marketing, logistics, planning, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work not exactly what people imagine when they think of nails!
But what I always come back to is this: the joy of working with your hands, connecting with clients, and building something real and lasting. That’s the heart of it. That’s where your journey begins.
The Journey Never Ends
From my first French acrylic set to standing in front of classrooms full of future nail bosses. I’m still on my journey. And every step has been worth it.
Thank you for being part of it. And remember: this industry isn’t just about nails. It’s about confidence, community, creativity and creating a life you love.
Don’t be afraid and THINK BIG. Think , plan and execute your plan, that eventually your side hustle becomes a full time job.
Good luck with everything,
Love,
Joanna_Magnetic Figasinska
