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Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
My name is Pria @bhambnails - I have been doing nails for around 4 years, I am self-taught and come from an art and design background. I started doing nails in a salon at the weekends alongside my full-time job and finally left my other job to work full time. I have been full-time freelance for just over a year now and I love it! I love being my own boss!!
You did a BA in Textile Design - did this help shape your amazing creativity?
Yes definitely, I have been drawing and painting since primary school and this is why I love nail art- I am still able to be my most creative self but on a much smaller canvas!
What is the moment when your love affair with nails began?
It definitely began when I discovered Wah! Nails back in 2009/2010 I started doing my own nails at home which I loved.
After working in nail salons you took the plunge and chose to follow a career as a mobile tech. What made you take that step?
I had been building a client list during this time working in salons and knew I wanted to be my own boss, it took me a long time to become full-time freelance so I continued to work another job on the side and do nails in the evening. After 9 months or so I left my other office job and started full time as I had a good list of regular clients and knew that I couldn't put off doing this job full time as it made me so much happier than any other job I had worked before.
What's the most amazing and the hardest element of being a mobile tech?
I would say the most amazing part is all the wonderful clients I get to meet, a lot of them are my friends now and I love them plus all the amazing celebs I get to work with. The hardest part of being a mobile tech is that I could continue working 24/7 I am not so good and stopping and sticking to working hours- something I aim to improve on this year once we finally get back to normal.
Your designs could be seen as ‘alternative’ compared to mainstream nail art, how much of your own personality, taste and style goes into your work?
I would say a lot of my personality and style goes into my work - I also think a lot of my client base are alternative also as I am drawn to similar people which means they like a lot of my designs and style. I love tattoos and a guest spot in a tattoo studio doing nails sometimes so am constantly inspired by the lovely ladies I am surrounded by at the studio.
Nail Art is your speciality, what’s your favourite nail art design to create? And what’s the one you’re totally bored of?
I love to do something challenging and different so when someone brings me something unusual or a different type of image for reference I love it! On the other hand, you can't beat flames or old English- I have done calligraphy since I was young so I love practising old English and you would think I am bored of flames but I 100% am not- there are so many different ways you can do them! I don't get bored with designs that often as I think there is always a new way to change it up.
What are your go-to TGB products?
Teddy BIAB, Marshmallow- cannot live without this colour it is the perfect natural base colour, Jet Black, Daisy & Blooming Gel!! All must-haves!
Describe your nail style in 5 words.
Alternative, bold, bright, illustrative and rude (ha) I love a swear word!
What do you think will be the upcoming summer trend and colours to watch out for?
I think a lot more marble alternatives will continue to be a trend this summer, along with new lighter styles of tortoiseshell designs and terrazzo.
You have an ever-growing list of celebrity clients, do you find working with VIPs easier or harder than the general public?
I don't really think of them any different to my usual clients - they are all so lovely and easy to work with.
What would you recommend to someone wanting to pursue a nail career in the celebrity world?
I would say go for it :) There is no reason not too, but ensure you value yourself and not do work for free. For me I like to work with people I get on with and can have chat with more so I personally don't want to work with clients that are not interested in Nail Art or someone I don't gel with ( haha gel with )
You have worked on several LFW shows, what has been your favourite?
I have done quite a few seasons of LFW I think one of my favourites was the Moschino Menswear many moons ago! Lots of famous faces and the setting for the show was amazing!!
What influence do music and fashion have on your nail designs?
I love referencing music and fashion to help me create new designs- I have a few clients in the music industry so love creating new nail ideas for their music videos.
Who do you admire in the nail industry?
There are so many amazing nail techs I love and admire, some to name a few include: @astrowifey, @asabree, @nailsbymh & @beautyworksbyamy all do such amazing nail art and are so creative and innovative with their designs.
You do so many Celebrities, what’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you whilst doing Celeb nails?
I don't know if I can remember any funny stories I feel like there have been too many! Once a long time ago I did FKA Twigs nails in a hotel room and all the power went out so had to improvise - we ended up having to go back to her house and was singing along in the taxi she was fun and is lovely!
If you could pick anyone, whose nails would you love to do the most?
Hmmm.. that's a hard one cause I've done so many amazing peoples nails. I would say it would be great to do RuPaul's nails :)
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about the nail industry, what would it be?
That's an easy one it would be that all work is paid for, no free shoots/editorial or free posts!
What is your one piece of advice for someone starting/wanting to get into the nail industry?
I would say that practice is key, with any skill you need to be practising and learning constantly. There are always new techniques and styles to be learning so you will also be growing as an artist which is key.
Besides nails, what else do you love to do?
I would love to be an illustrator (although I do consider myself a nail illustrator) but I would love to create designs for print and fashion.
What are your thoughts on the importance of education in the nail industry?
I think this is so important - it is always changing and new products are always joining the industry so we should always learn more.
What has been your most memorable moment to date when it comes to your job?
Doing Serena Williams nails for Wimbledon 2019
Follow Pria to check out her latest designs. @bhambnails
