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Graduate Spotlight: Karis

"Not only do I get to create something beautiful every day, but I get to see how my work can make people feel."

Meet Karis! She’s a talented graduate from the Nail Technology program at Academy of Beauty Professionals: Appleton, WI. Karis provided a testimony about her beauty passion and her experiences within the beauty industry.

If you’re passionate about any aspect of the beauty industry, there’s a chance you’ve thought about pursuing a career in beauty. Whether you’re exploring the field or you’re ready to take the plunge – getting to hear the first-hand experience from a previously enrolled learner gives you the inside perspective you’ve been looking for. In her own words, here is Karis’s story. 

Art medium(s): 

Nail Acrylic and Gel Polish

How do you describe your
nail art?

I would describe my nail art, in its essence, as wearable art. For the majority of my life I have painted on canvas, and I have translated my artwork onto a smaller canvas that is accessible to more people. It is artwork that people are able to enjoy throughout their day by simply looking at their hands.

Were you always interested in following a creative path?

I have always enjoyed art and more creative outlets, but I actually graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in biology with an emphasis in healthcare.

Why do you love
what you do?

Not only do I get to create something beautiful every day, but I get to see how my work can make people feel. I love seeing people walk away feeling happy and beautiful because we got to create something together. My work is both a creative outlet as well as a way to connect with people.

What is your personal favorite design to date?

My personal favorite set will forever be the safari animals I painted. They are on a mannequin hand, which is great because I can keep the artwork with me.

Have you faced any challenges as a nail artist? 

I believe a lot of the challenges stem from me being my own worst critic. From pushing myself to better my skill, I would get frustrated that my work didn’t look like the pictures I would see of other nail artists on Instagram. But I would remind myself that we all start from somewhere and practice makes perfect… growth is a constant progression. I want to always keep learning and growing and getting better.

One thing most people don’t know about nail art?

It is very precise work, and you are working directly on the client. Someone is watching you the whole time you are working, which is a fun dynamic, but at the back of your mind… you’re hoping they are liking what you are doing. Another unique aspect is (that) the art isn’t meant to last… it’s fun and lighthearted art.

Karis enrolled in our January 2021 class and graduated in the Spring of 2021.  

Find Karis on Instagram @nailsbykarisfiedler and Nails by Karis Fiedler on Facebook.

About our Nail Technology Program

If you have a passion for nails, and love helping others, then pursuing a career as a Nail Technician could be right for you! Nail Technicians play a powerful role helping others look and feel their best.