Tokoroa nail technician up with the best
Tokoroa’s Amanda Viviers is literally nailing her profession.
The nail technician is now the North Island’s best after being awarded runner up New Zealand nail technician of the year during the 2017 Beauty New Zealand Association Awards. In first place was the South Island’s Rachel Stevens.
The mother of three, who works from her home based salon Viviers Beauty, said the placing came as a huge surprise.
‘‘I think it is still sinking in to be totally honest,’’ she laughed.
‘‘We had to send away evidence which included writing a 2000 word essay about ourselves, why we came into the industry, what we have achieved since being in the industry, endorsements from clients, and then pictures of what we do.’’
‘‘After that they announced the top three and I had to go before a panel of judges in Auckland and they asked me more questions. I thought I bombed that,’’ she said.
But Viviers, who has been a nail technician for only four years, was wrong.
‘‘The three of us went to Te Papa in Wellington for an awards night and I was adamant I was getting third place as the other ladies had just been in it so much longer,’’ she said.
‘‘I was ready to go up for third place so I had my phone ready to take a photo of Rosa Kerr (who actually came third) when the announcement came.’’
‘‘I actually swore as it was completely unexpected. As my husband said I was the only runner up who actually looked like they had won first place, I was so excited.’’
‘‘I still had my puffer jacket on so the girl beside me and my husband had to help me get it off as I couldn’t go up on stage with it on and represent Tokoroa,’’ she laughed.
The former preschool teacher said she enjoys every day she works and business was booming.
‘‘I like it because I get to gossip all day,’’ she laughed.
‘‘It is becoming more popular as more famous people are getting their nails done and my late nights are full until the end of next year.’’
‘‘Nail art has also become a big thing and art is my forte. I am just lucky enough that I have a good client base and they like what I do,’’ she said.
She said her trophy will take pride of place in her salon.
‘‘It deserves its own little shelf,’’ she laughed.