Meet Shannon Foster | Nail Tech & Artist (drawing/painting)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I believe that in my heart being creative brings so much to the world. I knew I was an artist in 3rd Grade, and it just stuck with me. I had many people throughout the years who encouraged me to keep at it with my artistic abilities. So every year I told myself to learn something new in art, but for becoming a nail technician was a hidden talent. I never really thought of becoming a nail technician till I realized my nails could be mini canvas. So I decided to make being a nail tech be my career and drawing and painting could still be a part of my life. I’ve been a nail tech so far for 9 years, but an artist all my life. I don’t think it’ll ever change for me!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the beginning it was confusing because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in life. My start of my career I worked in a lot of manufacturing, and retail, it was so fun for me because it was just so many different things I learn. How to build different products, to selling in retail, learning to deal with customers. Looking back and seeing all that I have done, I must say I am proud of myself, it made me become versatile. In those times, I would always get compliments here and there about my nails, so I guess even when I didn’t know my true career was showing. One day I just took that push and decided to go to school for nails. Little did I know I would be here. The struggles is being in debt, trying to stay a few steps ahead. Once I got a taste of working for myself it made it very hard to want to work for someone else. The lessons I have learned are so much and I’m still learning. Keeping a schedule, taking care of my clients, making sure I have all the products, learning new trends, finding out social media is playing a big factor in small businesses. My big lesson is having to keep up with the trends. I want people to remember me or even know me by my love for my work, that the time I give is for you. It’s not just a career to me, but my creative life I give to others, to make them happy. That no matter what attitude my clients come in with, I know for a fact they are going to leave with a smile.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If its a beautiful day walking up Camelback mountain is always a challenge, the Zoo is probably the best, either Wildlife or Phoenix. I love to play pool so going to the pool halls are always a plus for me. If I’m the person to take out and show a good time we would be all over Phoenix.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All my teachers throughout my school years. They pushed me to join contests, they have given me free supplies, my work was always displayed for shows. My parents, Tony and Lori Foster, even though they never showed it, in this time now they always tell me how proud they are that I never stopped believing in myself. My siblings, Tim, Tonia, Michelle, Tiffany Foster. All my friends are my support, Tim Daniel,, Mandy Schultz, Jeremy Gibbs, Tracy Price, I know there are many more, they have bought from me, they have helped me in many ways I couldn’t explain. They for sure helped me get to where I’m at. My clients, Darlesa Orschlen, Tina Harter, Rachel Bart, Debra Campeau, Amy Moultane, Patricia Smith, Shawn Bernhard, Kris Floor, who follow me and trust my work, I know I have many others as well, I couldn’t be successful without them. Even though they are no longer apart of my life, two exes, haha I have to give them a mini shout out because in that time we had love they gave me some push to keep being the artist I am, and that love I had for them brought out so much creativity in me. Lastly, my beautiful daughter Miluna Shea, she is my new beginning. She makes me want to do so much better, because I want her to always know there’s a way around everything. When you don’t feel like doing one hobby, find another. My daughter changed my perspective in this world, she makes me want to paint the world with love.

Instagram: @shanstar77

Image Credits
Shannon Foster