Today we’d like to introduce you to Yukiho K Montgomery.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yukiho K. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I had interest in nails since I was a young girl. My grandmother always wore a clear coat on her nails and I asked her, “why are you wearing clear manicure?” She said, “when you get old, your nails won’t have a shine anymore, so I use clear one to make it look nicer.” Then my interest was becoming more bigger and wanted to do nails for her. I started learning about nails eventually.
There wasn’t ‘nail school’ close to my hometown, Yokohama Japan, at that time; whenever I met nail artist I always asked questions and those ladies would teach me the skills without any hesitation because they were so happy to teach me. More and more, I’ve learned knowledge and skills, I’ve started to do it on my own and of course my grandma’s nails. Then I started to do it for my friends and their friends… Since my mother owns a beauty salon, I was able to do her clients’ nails sometimes as a side job while I was working at the office.
Then I met my husband who was in US Army; we got married, had a baby boy, and I’ve moved to Chicago in 2008. Even I’m being a mom, I still wanted to pursue my dream of being a nail artist in Chicagoland. Soon after I had my second child, beautiful daughter, I went to school to get a license and one of my friends introduced me to an aromatherapist who let me use her space to expand my career.
My techniques were learned in Japan which is famous for unique and detailed nail designs. I love making different designs for each one of my client’s characters, none of them are the same, I always take their opinions and I put my artistic side on to it. I take my time and effort on making nail designs because it’ll be there almost a month; I only use high-quality gels that mostly come from Japan so my clients can enjoy it every time they see it till next time they come see me.
It’s not just Nail arts and designs, it’s part of their lifestyle. I’m glad to help them with their little happiness with them. I want people to know more about my unique Japanese nail art and enjoy it!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s kind of smooth ride. Since many Japanese lives here in NW suburbs, they want their nails done by Japanese nail artist. I’ve been very fortunate enough to have clients who wants their nails done by me. Without my surroundings help and support, I couldn’t come to this point. But from now on I’d like to expand more local clients, I’d like them to know my unique techniques from Japan!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Frostee Nailz Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m specialized in gel nails, high-quality soak-off gels. I do designs with gel, most of the time, and designing with freehand drawing, too. Also, since I love colors, people called me “color crazy”. They say my color coordination is very eye catching and very unique. I’ve learned my nail techniques in Japan.
Since my country is famous for “detailed” and “meticulous” to make something, I was able to learn detailed skills. My teachers were on me to make it perfect all the time. Once I apply gels on my client’s nails, it’ll last 3-4 weeks sometime over a month. I make sure they can enjoy it till next appointment! That’s set myself apart from others and I’m proud to be able to do something different from others.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Most of my clients are Japanese, Asian ladies at this point. I’d like to show my detailed technique to local ladies more and more. I was totally shocked some of my clients told me “It’s hurting my nails when I went to local salons”.
Getting your nails done suppose to be relaxing time. It shouldn’t be hurting you or your natural nail beds. I care about their own natural nails health, not only making designs and art on it. I usually educate my clients the way to make their nail stronger without taking chemical supplements. “As natural as it gets is the best for yourself” is my number one policy for many reasons.
And also, I’m renting a space to do nails now. I’d like to open my own salon in near future! Currently, I’m working on to have a strong, highly skilled partner who can do nails with me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2015 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Suite 111 Arlington Heights, IL 60005
- Phone: 224-388-4026
- Email: frosteenailz@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoxo_frostee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frosteenailzdesign/
Image Credit:
Kimiko Tanaka , Yukiho Montgomery
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