How passion, patience and commitment led to celebrity clients

Anele Xala is a self- taught nail technician who specialises in press-on nails. A childhood dream has become a reality for Anele Xala, a self-taught nail technician who specialises in press-on nails. She takes us on her journey from practicing on her sisters to creating on-trend nails for Grammy award-winning South African R&B singer Tyla.

@anailspressons

orking with Tyla and her team was truly an amazing experience, from the initial planning stages to bringing their vision to life. I was part of preparing her for her performance at the Coke Studio 2024 event in Johannesburg. At 22 years old, Tyla is the youngest African soloist to win a Grammy, so she is a big deal. It was exciting, joyful and a bit stressful, but it all came together beautifully in the end.

This is a significant milestone in my career and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of it. It is just the beginning of my professional journey and I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will arise from this experience and the inspiring people I’ll get to collaborate with in the future.

When I first noticed nails

I’ve had a passion for nail art since primary school and have been perfecting the craft ever since. I started by practicing on my sisters and mother and eventually did my first set on a client in high school. It was an epic fail! This demotivated me and, although I was still interested in nails, I didn’t do other people’s nails until I was at university and needed to make ends meet. I decided then to revive my side hustle.

What got me going again

During this time, I volunteered for a project that required someone with cool nails and fell back in love with the art. I started doing nails for my roommates, friends, and others.

My nail career was cut short when I got a job I loved that was not in the nail industry. But the passion was still there so I started a press-on nails business. Long story short, it was a great decision and I’m still growing as a business.

I am continually inspired by others

I was inspired to develop as a nail artist when I saw experts doing it on YouTube. Seeing talented artists create stunning designs sparked my passion. Today, with so many available platforms, it’s easier than ever to find inspiration, learn new techniques, and continually improve as a nail technician. The accessibility of resources motivates me to keep evolving and striving to be better than I was before.

Where I am now

I’ve built a strong following on my platforms and established a loyal client base that regularly orders from me. I’ve also been fortunate to collaborate with influencers and celebrities, such as, dancer and singer Kamo Mphela, singer and songwriter Lordkez and Tyla of course. These experiences have not only elevated my visibility but also allowed me to grow as a nail artist. Working with Tyla was a truly unforgettable moment and a major milestone in my career. It reaffirmed my passion and reminded me how far I’ve come.

My favourite products

My preferences change with every trend, but right now, I’m obsessed with cat-eye gel polish —it’s one of my favourite techniques. This method is both simple and stunning, requiring a special gel polish and a magnet. The magnet activates the particles in the polish, creating mesmerising designs that shift and change with the angle of light. It’s a beautiful way to make nails stand out with minimal effort.

My go-to techniques and signature style

My signature techniques are heavily inspired by current nail trends. I enjoy staying connected to what’s popular in the nail art world. One of my favourite techniques is creating 3D nail art, which allows me to showcase my creativity and technical skills.

So far, my favourite sets have been fruit-themed nails — they’re vibrant, fun and eye-catching. These designs not only highlight my abilities as a nail tech but also inspire me to push boundaries and refine my craft. I would love to connect with both aspiring and established nail technicians, sharing techniques and encouraging creativity within the industry.

My advice for aspiring nail technicians

Don’t give up, practice consistently, and stay grounded. The beginning is always the hardest, but with dedication and persistence, you’ll see your skills improve and your craft flourish. It’s crucial to have a genuine passion for nails. Don’t pursue this career solely for financial gain, as you won’t truly enjoy or appreciate the journey.

If you approach it with love and commitment, what starts as a hobby can transform into a fulfilling career. Trust the process, stay patient, and believe in your ability to turn your passion into reality.