X'Treme Nailz Special Edition Sep/Oct 2021

special edition

ISSUE 04 | Sep/Oct 2021

X-Nailz Vocalist

Carole

Gray

Unmasking alopecia

the X-nailz divas

X’TREME SHOE GAME

X’treme Nailz Directory CEO/Editor | Jonathan W. Fields

Executive Assistant | Michelle Stackfield Finance & Travel Manager | Lynette Renee Speed Brand Ambassador | Lena Cole Event Planning & Productions | Terri Stevens Sr. Graphic Designer | Régis Sudo Sr. Photography | Donna Dymally Photography | Ron Morales Videographer | James Gatti Videographer | Fernando Garcia Nailz Consultant | Lena Cole Nailz Consultant | Tonie U Nail Consultant | Desiree Winbush Fashion Consultant | Linda Houston Fashion Consultant | Jessica Goodwin Writer | Dark Gable Legal Consultant | Stuart Gavzy Publishing Consultant | SHWEIKI MEDIA Publishing Consultant | BLURP

Magzter Digital Newsstand

Dark Gable Productions Unlimited, LLC 44920 W. Hathaway Ave Suite 1485 Maricopa AZ 85139-9900 623-313-6890

Jonathan W. Fields CEO/Editor 623-313-6890

Michelle Stackfield Executive Assistant 404-573-7776

I See Ya Looking at My Nailz................................... 05 Ask Chelle................................................................ 09 Carole Gray.............................................................. 12 On Location with Lena Cole.................................... 18 Delicious Dee; Nail Care.......................................... 22 Natalia Cukrowska................................................... 26 Maria Ortiz................................................................ 30 Ava "AJ" Jones........................................................ 39 X’Treme Nailz International’s 27 Game Changing X’Treme Nailz Divas in the USA................................................................ 46 Lynette Renee Speed Talks Nailz Passion.............. 86 Brittney Jackson...................................................... 90 Deborah Frew.......................................................... 98 Shareece "Mz. ReeRee Gregory............................ 107 Terrisita................................................... 112 Trina Miller................................... 120 Divas Shoe Game....................... 128 Comedian Luenelle Campbell...... 137 The Hip Hop Chronicles Cardi B........ 138

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Wanda I. Melendez Education | Graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus Status | Married Home | Bayamn, Puerto Rico Children | None Birthdate | April 17th

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As an X’treme Nailz Diva for close to forty years, I have been asked almost every question one could possibly imagine about my nails as well as some, one could not! For this issue, I’ve chosen a few questions that I’ve found to be very interesting and ‘clean’….

LOL! So, here you go:

Q. Explain how you interface your X’Treme Nailz with the work that you do? Are there pros and/or cons involved?

A. Over the years, I’ve had various occupations. When I started allowing my nails to be extreme, I was a hairstylist/salon owner, during a period where X’Treme Nailz were only seen at hair shows.

I soon became known not only for my hairstyling and fashion style, but now my nails and extravagant nail art were added to the vibe.

The attention I received increased my clientele who not only came to have their hair styled, but now

their nails were a regular integral of their appointments! My nails encouraged them to try the ‘new’ craze of sculpted nails equipped with the then popular nail art and jewelry. Soon some of my clients would stop by just to see what design I had created that week as well as to watch me work with my then approximately six-to-seveninch nails!

After twenty plus years in the salon, I “semi-retired” from the field and entered corporate America, I initially scaled the length back to about two inches and “plain” colors…that is until, I became com-

fortable with my surroundings and regrew my nails once more solidifying my stance in the X’Treme Nailz realm. Of course, there were some minor challenges, such as keeping the attention on your presentation and NOT your nails, but then, WHY wear them if not for the attention! This did not prove to be a devastating con, because it was known that I could do my job and do it well, I just had extremely long, designed nails with my then corporate suits and high heels!

Fast forward, I moved from corporate America to the field of criminal justice, where I worked for over ten years in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Harrisburg City Police Dept. as a Program Manager and Nationally Certified Homicide Specialist. As with my other occupations, I became known in the courtrooms, judges’ chambers, district attorneys’ offices, by my victims’ families and so forth for my extravagant nails and designs.

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(For my families, I have been asked to wear their loved ones’ favorite colors during the homicide trials. This has been an honor as my nails appeared to bring comfort to them as they usually concentrated on the designs and gently handled my nails during the court proceedings) Often, I would have someone come to my office to see the, “Look of the Week”. I have even been called to the bench by a few judges to see per se Look!

Today, I am a Case Manager at a residential program that houses homeless teenage mothers and their babies. This again, has been extremely rewarding as well as another way to lead with the Nailz!!

Although, my nails aren’t as long as they have been, I still wear them between two and sometimes three inches at the most. Once again there are NO cons with this as I don’t focus on my nails, but more on the aspect of carrying myself as a woman with the hopes that these young ladies emulate the way that I carry myself and my actions…and they are!! I see them as well as my peers now paying more attention to the way they dress. I am now witnessing the young ladies/staff now getting their nails done, waiting to see what my nails look it upon returning from the weekend off, asking if I like theirs and suggesting NEW colors that I should try next! Like me, they are now talking with their hands!

Hilarious!!! Even the babies are attracted to my vibrant colors and stones! I love it, and the fact that

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in my sixties I still have the fashion respect amongst these teens!

Then as an incentive for accomplishing milestones, my amazing nail technician gifts them a nail service! Icing on the cake for all involved for sure!

Q. Regarding the maintenance of your nails, what would you say is your overall cost?

A. I am ‘vested’ in my nails, and I make sure that they have the best care possible. This makes me very particular in who maintains them.

With that being said, I have at a time or two paid in the upwards of close to two hundred dollars for my service. When I pay this amount, it is for something special that I am having done. Otherwise, I spend around $70-$100 for my services. Like I said, I am vested in my nails!

Q. What type of polish do you prefer?

A. Today, my preference are the gel polishes. I can have an array of colors and the polish stays put and fresh in between services. I pay a little more for this, but it is money well spent. I have no signature color or style, although I’ve worn the stilettos, I usually fluctuate between the coffined or squared shaped. My colors choices flow with my mood!

Q. Do you have a personal nail technician, or do you do them yourself?

A. I used to do my nails myself, but since I’ve been away from the industry, I enjoy sitting on the client side of the table. This is MY time to be pampered and I love it.

(I still come to the salon with ideas, though, but mostly, I let my tech’s creativity flow.) So, yes, I have a tech, that I absolutely love! A real down to earth Erykah Badu-type sister from Philly named Naimah Q. How much time is spent on maintenance?

A. I religiously have my nails done about every two weeks. Sometimes I will stretch it out to three weeks, but never any longer than that to maintain the overall health of my nails. There are also times that I’ll stop in for a polish change if a special occasion comes up or if I’m in the mood to do something different in between my appointments. Otherwise, it’s every two weeks and I usually spend about an hour to an hour and a half for my nail services.

Well, these are my answers to this issue’s questions. As you see, I love my nails and a few of this interesting journey we are having together! Lol…My X’Treme Nailz are an extension of me, and I am an extension of them! Soooo, until then…….Why blend in when you can dare to be different!

Continued peace and abundance of blessings, ‘Chelle

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“….I tell people that right now, I’m just sitting back, relaxing and watching God take care of me. That’s the only thing I’m concerned about. I’m also learning to treat people right, and try to leave an impact on the lives of those around me, because they don’t see anyone like me because God only made ONE me!

—Carole Gray ’Treme Nailz International was happy to catch up with this beauty. No stranger to us, Carole Gray is the original brand ambassador and spokesperson for Internationally Flyy Nailz, currently known as: X’Treme Nailz International. During her tenure, Carole represented the X’Treme nail brand with regular appearances at Hollywood and the surrounding area’s star-studded and red carpet events, bringing the attention and awareness of our X’treme nails divas to the forefront! “Being the spokesperson for Internationally Flyy Nailz was just a stretch of wonderfulness! Back then I wore really extreme nails and like the other members, we had a great time! We would meet many stars while attending celebrity studded events.

Also, being the brand ambassador opened many doors for me since then and I am sooo, happy that the

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Carole Gray So, I say that I grew my nails from the early 1980s until around 2016, when I actually cut them completely down. You know, people still ask me to this day, how I do this and how I do that? I let them know that if you walk in a salon and come out at this length after never having long nails before, you cannot know how to do anything. I finish by telling them that back in the eighties, when I started letting my nails grow, I adapted to what I needed to do and learned how to use them.

So as they grew, I became very comfortable working with them.”

platform is still around connecting women who are expressing themselves through the lengths of their nails!”

Carole started her nails in the early eighties, and over time, she came to allow them to reach the length

of approximately seven and a half inches long. “My mother always had long nails, so I actually wasn’t trying to grow mine. It so happened that as my nails started getting a little longer, I let them. Then I started going to the nail salon, and they just took off growing from there.

Once again, the commonality between nail divas is that so many people assume that because they see the nails, these divas are completely helpless. The assumption is collective ‘internationally!’ “I keep saying that I’m going to make a ‘How To’ video with me showing several things that I do during a normal day functioning with my nails. (pausing) Yes, I’m going to do it! You know, I was in the grocery store line one day, and after getting my change, some quarters and things dropped to the floor and no one came over to help me pick anything up. Now, when I picked up my quarters with the tip of my nails, the people in line actually started clapping because they wanted to wait and see if I could actually do it.

So, yes, I’m going to make a video of how we as X’treme nail divas func-

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tion on our own WITH our nails.”

Personally, I am anxious and really hope that Carole blesses us with the ‘How To’ tutorial so that I can pick up extra little tricks and pointers, like how to ‘effortlessly’ put the ball of my tongue ring back on!

Now, trust me, I can get it on, just not always ‘effortlessly!’ Maybe it could be a collaboration of ALL the nail divas, showing similar things that they can do with their nails throughout their daily lives! Now that would be a great video! What do you think, Carole? (smile) Unfortunately, sometimes in our lives we are all served lemons. It is also those ‘lemons’ that allow others to recognize that we aren’t so different from them. Just because we wear extreme nails, we are everyday women facing the same challenges as our sisters without

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the long nails. In 2008, Carole, diagnosed with breast cancer, was told by her doctor that because of her upcoming treatments she would lose her 7” nails. That they would just ‘fall off ’ so she may want to have them taken off in advance. “You know, when you do something every day of your life, it becomes a part of you. My nails became a ‘huge’ part of me, so when my doctor suggested that I have my nails taken off before they fell off, that wasn’t something I was willing to do. So I had my mastectomy, went through my series of radiation and chemotherapy and to my doctor’s surprise, she said, “I don’t understand why your nails didn’t fall off! They turned black, but they didn’t fall off! They are just like nothing ever happened!” I say that to say that I know God is involved in all

things, He is the head of my life and in everything that I do! I try to put Him first, and be myself. I am not better than anyone else.

I overcame breast cancer, and I deal with the same everyday trials and tribulations as the next person, but having my nails allowed me to keep a piece of myself as I fought and conquered my battle with cancer. God knew that and allowed my nails to remain intact!” In 2015, 2016, however, Carole wasn’t feeling well and began experiencing pain in her arm. She then removed her nails completely because of the weight, discoloration and the age of the nails. Missing that part of her, Carole returned to wearing them in 2018. Once again, Carole and her extreme nails reunited, but this time they are not as extreme.

It is now 2021 and Carole, a can-

cer ‘overcomer’; as she prefers to be called; remains cancer free and nails intact! What a true blessing!

A blues artist, Carole stated she doesn’t travel as much now and continues to make her musical debuts in and around Los Angeles. She has also joined her ‘beau’, Cedran Smith, founder of Cedran Designs Art/Entertainment Media as a celebrity media co-host with their entertainment production company, C & C Productions Entertainment Media where they interview the Who’s Who of Hol-

lywood and entertainment’s elites.

This year it honored them to be a part of the 93rd Oscars virtual media team. To this opportunity and the success in this genre, Carole credits our Owner/Editor, Jonathan Fields for opening those doors to her as his former brand ambassador. “I met my beau through Jonathan around ten years ago now, I guess, something like that. I don’t recall right now. But when I was the ambassador, I would attend celebrity events with Jonathan where we would interview and photograph the up and coming, the hottest as well as veteran celebrities. Cedran was a part of Jonathan’s team, and that is how we met. So, because of what I did with Jonathan back then, has led Cedran and I to co-host our media company. I mean, I can’t tell you how many celebrities we have met and interviewed, but it has been one giant step after the other and I know that God just keeps doing it!” I am a firm believer that a Higher Power guides our destinies and once we wholeheartedly allow Him to guide our journey, the doors open and by His grace we can walk right through and enjoy all that awaits us! Yes Carole, He grants us those unbelievable, ‘one giant step after the other’ moments. So, enjoy them, you’ve earned them!

We switched gears and talked about some things that she has come across over the years as an extreme nail diva. Yes, she also has been asked the usual question, “Yes, over the years I have been asked this or that as we probably all have.

Yesterday there was a lady at the wig store, we were about the same age and she got ready to ask me. I was like, we will not go there about the fingernails. That question is the most disgusting thing to ask anyone! Oh my goodness, it just amazes me anytime that I hear it. I have to do this video with long nails and I’m going to do it. Yeah, I believe I’m called to do this on behalf of us all! I believe our nails attract people and they don’t know how to deal with people who are different.

People who step out of the ‘normal’ zone being themselves. People who go against the norms that are set by someone else. You know, and I’m going to put up a post one day that says, ‘I do not need your permission to be myself ’!”

The parameters of being ‘different’ in a society of man-made normalities, life has a new meaning when you have been close to ‘not being’ or have lived through tragedies and losses. For some of these individuals, the idea of just being yourself has a brand new definition. Those that have always walked that straight line of conforming, the idea of being yourself, may mean speaking up for yourself and taking chances. For those that have always done things their way, the meaning may intensify to them experiencing more, pushing that envelope closer to the edge. Then there are those that may have experienced none of these ‘lemons’ and continue to live in their truths. Regardless of the categories one finds themselves in, everyone should be

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comfortable in being their most authentic selves without asking you nor I for permission to do so.

match my contacts and nails to my outfits and my beau’s signature is a cowboy hat.”

As an entertainer, we were curious if Carole coordinated her nails with her stage outfits and if she had a signature color. “Yes, I love red and as you know, I wear prescription contacts. So most of the time I match my nails to the same color as my contacts! I’ve been wearing them for about thirty years and I’ve gotten addicted to them. I have pretty much every color in the rainbow!

You know I don’t know how to do things in moderation. I have to go overboard! My doctor told me I needed bifocals, and I told him I don’t want to wear glasses, especially not bifocals. I’m a vocalist and I entertain, so I do not want to be on stage with bifocals on! Now with the media company, we absolutely have a look! When we are doing the celebrity interviews, I

Carole stated she doesn’t see the extremes in her entertainment circle. “You know, when I am out here performing and attending events, I haven’t seen many people with nails. The most I see them is on social media. Even when I walk into the salon to do them, all eyes are on me, or looking downwards, saying that my nails are too long to service.

I went through that for a minute.

A lot of technicians don’t want to work anymore. They’d rather service multiple shorter nails, so there is quantity now versus quality.”

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Soon, we brought our conversation to a temporary close. We talked about our families, health, God, entertainment, vacation, relationships, fashion and, of course, more girl talk. We ended the interview

portion of our conversation with Carole, leaving us with whatever it was she wanted to say to you, our readers. “I’m an eccentric dresser.

I love the bling and all of that. I believe it’s been a part of my destiny because I’ve always been like this. Anyway, this lady told me that if I was going to look like this, dress like this, and wear my nails like this, then I was going to have to know who I am. I’ve kept those words with me for all these years and as sure as I’m talking to you Michelle, that was about 40 years ago. Also, don’t worry at all. Every time someone walks past me and makes a remark or something, I just remember those words. Because of my dark skin, I’ve got this racist thing going. I’ve been called ‘Blackie’, told I am too dark and then I remember who I am. I am a child of the most high God who has molded me with his right hand and protects and guides me. He is

my helper, my hope, my healer, my provider, my refuge and my rescuer. He is who I lean on every day.

So I don’t have time and you don’t have time nor does anyone else that wants to pursue their dreams, whether it’s loan deals, some kind of strength they’ve been seeking, personal look they are achieving, or whatever to dwell on the negatives. So I don’t worry about all the side remarks and things like that.

I remember back in my younger days, people would say things about me, like some of my family would make me cry. They would say things like, ‘Mama, left you in the oven too long’ and things like that. It’s funny now, but back then things like that hurt bad. So today, I rest knowing that God loves me and that’s all that matters. So that’s what I was saying. You know, just be yourself. When you’re doing the extreme things like what we do, you’re going to get the funny looks

because they’re not used to seeing “different”. That’s the reason, it’s not an excuse, but that’s just the way people are. The saying goes: Why blend in when you can stand out and be different. It’s okay to be different because when you were created, He didn’t create you with someone else. He created you as an ‘individual’.

“The one thing that I’ve learned is that we have to be careful with what we let come out of our mouths. If we are not careful, we are drawing negative energy into our pathways. If you speak nonsense, you may be passed over for your blessings. You know, we all want abundance, health and wealth, but when you speak negativity, you can’t act accordingly or in order making you not in agreement with His word. God has a plan for me and that plan is to see me playing His plan right!”

On that note, we salute you Carole, and wish you nothing but love and success. We wish you continued health and we respectfully thank you for coming on board in the very beginning, representing all the X’Treme nail divas internationally while living in your authentic truth and encouraging us to do the same!

Carol can be found at: Facebook: Carole Vocalist Gray Email: carole@cedranandcaroletv.biz

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On Location with Lena Cole t’s that time again for this LNB. Being the Brand Ambassador for X’Treme Nails International Magazine has been amazing with traveling and meeting new people. Most recently, I made a trip to Houston, TX along with the CEO/Founder of Ambi’ance Uncut and X’treme Nails International Magazines and my Assistant/daughter, Krystle Wilson. We had the opportunity to attend a premiere of Burnie Problems, written by comedian, author and director, Derrick Ellis at Phil and Derek’s Restaurant and Jazz Lounge located in Houston.

Derrick Ellis was hilarious in his stand-up performance and after the show he came out to meet with us and took the time to pose for photos. He was very nice and we are looking forward to seeing

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him again in other upcoming attractions. While still in Houston, we caught up with entrepreneur, Shareece Gregory who hosted a Sunday brunch to die for and I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people! It also gave me a chance to get reacquainted with my dear friend, Shareece, who is such a delight to be around!

Thank you Shareece, for that wonderful experience!

Prior to our Houston, TX visit, Ambi’ance Uncut and X’treme Nails International, myself and my Assistant, Krystle Wilson, were invited to be on the set of the making of a movie in real time.

We met with movie director Laura Poindexter as she was shooting the autobiographical featured film, “Cameras Rolling”. Afterwards, we chopped-it-up with Ms.

Poindexter to discuss some future promotional opportunities with Ambi’ance Uncut & DGPU. Overall we had a wonderful time at Laura’s “Unshakable Faith Productions’’ studio and were treated like royalty. Thank you, Ms. Poindexter for allowing us to sit in on the movie set where all of the actors were great in their performances.

I was also honored to be a guest on Bar Talk ATL radio talk show host, Marcella Phillips, Aka, Lady M. in Atlanta, GA. In attendance was Jonathan Fields, CEO/Founder of Ambi’ance Uncut and X’Treme Nailz International Magazine, The Real Hair Junkies of Houston, TX with Creator/Producer Lena Y Mingo and master stylist/cast member, Skylor Eric Ford. This was an amazing interview and I

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am looking forward to other interviews with this wonderful radio talk show host, Lady M. Coming will be another exciting time for me and a great experience. I will be attending The NFL Players Association’s Charity Golf Tournament in Beverly Hills, CA and the New York Fashion Week in Manhattan, NY, just to name a few in the month of October.

It has been an honor meeting people on this amazing journey, like talking to a few upcoming long nail beauties that I met in Atlanta, who were so excited when they saw my nails. They had so many questions.

They wanted to take pictures with me and my nails and know what they had to do to get their nails to grow out long. It was so much fun educating them on how to care for their nails.

I met other ladies with long nails and they had just as many questions as those young adults. It was fun to educate them as well.

I am looking forward to meeting and interviewing other Long Nail Beauties around the country. Stay tuned, because there is so much more to come!

Until we talk again, remember….

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!

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Nail fungus is a big thing and ladies there are so many different ways that we can prevent it as the nail tech and as the client. Nail fungus usually comes from air pockets in gels and acrylics which allows you to store water and moisture when your nails are lifting or when the acrylic has not been laid correctly on the nail bed so nail techs let’s practice patting the acrylic onto the nail bed for full coverage, leaving no air pockets in the acrylic or on the nail bed which is all about ratio! And clients… let’s make sure we wear gloves when dealing with a lot of water! Make sure your nail beds stay as dry as possible and when the nails are lifting and you just can’t make it to the salon a little nail glue goes a long way in protecting the natural nails! Also shake your hands dry after drying them off. But if all else fails and you do get a fungus…air is the answer. Give your nails a break and there are several over-the- counter Nail fungus treatments that u can get from your local CVS, Walgreens etc. Just follow the instructions and you will avoid the dreaded FUNGUS AMUNGUS.

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As a licensed Nail tech I really enjoy experimenting with different nail shapes and styles. This allows me to give advice to my customers on what shapes will best compliment their hands. A lot of people are surprised when they see me rocking stilettos. Just because I do hair and nails doesn’t mean I can’t have my preferences. Let’s talk about my two favorites, Cat and Coffin Nails. First of all I love Cat Nails! They allow me to pick things up easily and I can even use them to separate hair! They can be a little dangerous for clients with small children or jobs that require gloves. However Coffin Nails are my favorites because 1) they have a narrower natural look. 2) Usually there’s no issues when working with kids or wearing gloves!!! Basically my motto is “no matter what the shape, always wear what compliments your hands”!

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Europe’s Hottest Nailz Artists: Poland’s

Natalia Cukrowska ’Treme Nailz: Natalia, Where exactly in Poland are you located?

Natalia: Krakow City X’Treme Nailz: How is the nail industry viewed in Poland?

Natalia: In Poland we have a developed nail industry with nail stylists and clientele. So the nail industry is a big part of our domestic economy.

X’Treme Nailz: I understand you are the Owner/Nail Artist at Story of My Nails?

Natalia: Yes, that is true.

X’Treme Nailz: Natalia, do you provide manicures, pedicures, nail art, extensions and supplies?

Natalia: Yes, fortunately X’Treme Nailz: What makes the Story of My Nails unique?

Natalia: Probably me, because the Story of My Nails is me! You know, I never wanted to do anything that was just average. I wanted to have a regular customer and be the ‘mark’. When someone mentions

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Natalia Cukrowska of Story of My Nails, they will say, “Oh, I know her, she is the best!”

X’Treme Nailz: How long has Story of My Nails been in business?

Natalia: I have seventeen years of experience in the nail industry, but Story of My Nails was created in 2016.

X’Treme Nailz: Who are the main clientele for Story of My Nails?

Natalia: A woman who appreciates my skills and my profession.

She loves long nails and reckons with my opinion.

X’Treme Nailz: What are the price ranges at Story of My Nails?

Natalia: Well, my work is worth any price (laughing), but for sure, I believe my proces for now are too low for my skills!

X’Treme Nailz: How, if any, did the pandemic affect Story of My Nails?

Natalia: Well, my clients are still with me, so the good thing is that

the pandemic didn’t affect Story of My Nails.

X’Treme Nailz: Natalia, how did the pandemic affect you personally?

Natalia: The pandemic gave me more time to deepen my passion for extreme nails. I also had more time to focus on myself and to create a new project to win many championships.

X’Treme Nailz: What changes did your business make to ensure the safety of your staff and/or clientele?

Natalia: In Poland, we have specific national regulations so that the clients in our industry are 100% safe.

X’Treme Nailz: What percentage of your clients are X’Treme Nailz Divas?

Natalia: I believe it’s about 40% for sure.

X’Treme Nailz: Does Story of My Nails conduct any teaching and/or classes for nail technicians or students in general?

Natalia: Yes, of course.

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X’Treme Nailz: Natalia, where do you see Story of My Nails in the next ten years?

Natalia: Well, it’s hard to say. I’m hoping that my dreams will come true that in the next ten years my skills and teaching will be available globally.

X’Treme Nailz: How do you feel about the X’Treme Nailz Movement that is going on worldwide?

Natalia: It’s really exciting! I think that it’s great and makes me very happy!

X’Treme Nailz: What is your personal philosophy/motto about long or extreme nails?

Natalia: Always do what you want and fu*k the haters!

X’Treme Nailz: In America, we host nail seminars and expos occasionally. Do they do the same

thing in Poland? If so, can you explain how that might look?

Natalia: Yes, of course. We have wonderful and powerful events here in Poland. A few times a year, we host big seminars and expos where sellers showcase their products for the stylists to purchase. There are also workshops taught by master stylists in the industry and you have the opportunity to participate in championships.

X’Treme Nailz: Are there any other services that we haven’t mentioned?

Natalia: My nail work is my whole world and it’s where I devote all of my time.

X’Treme Nailz: As a bonus, X’Treme Nailz is offering free advertisement for your business for Story of My Nails.

Natalia: Oh, this is really great news for me and I am really excited for that! Thank you!

X’Treme Nailz: Natalia, we’re going to be hosting a major X’Treme Nailz Expo in Los Angeles in the summer of 2022 and we would love to have Story of My Nails attend.

Natalia: It’s a big honor for me and I appreciate that and I hope that someday I will have the opportunity to come to the United States and meet all of the amazing people from the nail industry.

X’Treme Nailz: This has been both an honor and a pleasure to interface with you, Natalia.

Natalia: I’m really thankful for your interest in me. It has been a pleasure for me as well to have this opportunity! Thank you so much!

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Maria Ortiz “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”­—Maya Angelou

How fitting are the words of Dr. Maya Angelou when we think of this beauty! Born in Newark, NJ on November 26, 1976, she would later make personal decisions and life changes that would influence the lives of thousands. Maria Ortiz, foster and adoptive mother of three and a full-time nail techni-

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cian, has placed Newark, NJ on the map for her unique clientele.

She is a self proclaimed ‘Jersey-Rican’ and this issue’s ‘Mega X’Treme Nailz Diva’, and it is truly an honor to call her a friend!

X’Treme Nailz: Hey Maria! Finally, right? It is a pleasure to sit

down with you for an interview!

“Jersey-Rican”? Where did that come from?

Maria: It’s a ‘new’ word! (laughing) People always mention my strong accent and wonder how I have it since I was born here and have lived here for most of my life.

My parents were both born and raised in Puerto Rico before coming to New Jersey in the seventies.

Both of them were pastors, and we traveled back and forth to Puerto Rico during my childhood until we finally settled here for good when I was in the eleventh grade.

My mother still carries a heavy accent and where I live is heavily Spanish influenced, so I left with the accent and it has never gone away even though I only speak English! So, it’s the ‘Jersey-Rican’ thing! (laughing) X’Treme Nailz: You are a ‘veteran’ in the nail industry now! How long have you been in the game?

Maria: I’m forty-five years old now and I actually started doing nails when I was around seventeen or eighteen years old. So, almost thirty years professionally!

X’Treme Nailz: Almost thirty years definitely gives you ‘veteran’ bragging rights in this industry!

So tell us, how did it all begin?

Maria: Well, I remember coming in from high school one day, and they filled the apartment with the heavy acrylic smell from my aunt practicing on my sister’s nails. It drew me to the table and I just remember her reaching into a little black box with all of her supplies and tools that they issued from the beauty school back then and I was like, “God, what is this?” I was go-

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ing on and on about the smells, the buffing blocks, trinkets and acrylic powders, totally in love with everything! It was so intriguing and the most amazing thing I had ever seen! So I got introduced to the whole nail world at that exact moment! I told my aunt that I really loved this and was interested in doing nails! She told me I would be eighteen in two months and had to graduate high school before I could register for classes, but she would take me to the school and pre-register me. After begging, I got my parents’ permission and could visit the school and let everyone use me as their guinea pig for class credits and I fell more in love with the industry. As soon as I graduated, the rest was history. Three months later, I was doing the principal of the school’s nails! I had picked up the techniques so fast and I was so fascinated with wanting to know more. It became a passion that I discovered in myself!

X’Treme Nailz: This brings back so many amazing memories of cosmetology school for me. You know you’re a veteran when you remember the cosmetology ‘black box’! We carried all of our supplies in that heavy case and you had to carry it every day! (laughing) We didn’t have drills then either. Everything was done by hand!

Maria: Yes! It was so heavy, right?

That box opened in two sections and tilted trays like the professional make-up kits do today! Loved it!

Right, we didn’t have drills then, and we sculpted those nails and smoothed them with our files. I remember and I still have techniques I can only use with a file and no drill could ever achieve that finished perfection.

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X’Treme Nailz: Exactly! Even though I am now longer active, I still keep my files on hand to clean up any imperfections that I may ‘feel’ after leaving the salon! So, tell us about your unique clientele!

Maria: I cater to the long and extreme nail goddesses. I mean, I do short nails because I've been in the field for so long and have clients with shorter nails. I can’t bend them and they've been my clients for about nineteen or more years! (laughing) I love them like family, so I will not abandon them, but I cater and specialize more in the longer nails. The reason I fell in love with long nails was because of the discrimination that other nail techs hide. You know, for some reason, when you talk to someone about long nails, something that's different, there’s usually something negative to say. They don't see the beauty in them.

X’Treme Nailz: How did you designate your techniques mainly to our long nailed divas?

Maria: Okay, this is how it began and I’ll try to make it short (laughing). This is how I met my first client. She was a walk-in and her nails were maybe ten inches long!

When I saw them, I was blown away because I was used to working on really short French-manicures and creating designs, but never ever on extremes. I didn’t even know if I should have been disgusted, but I knew I wanted to touch them! So I told her that unfortunately I couldn’t do them because I didn’t even know where to start, but there were other techs in the back that would take her. She came back from the back and was crying. I asked what was wrong

and found that no one wanted to do her nails because they were too long. She said that they wanted her to cut her nails in order to be serviced, and I saw the desperation on her face. She said that the salon came highly recommended, and I felt so bad for this lady. I told her I was good with designs and I would do her nails, but if I messed them up, I would cover them in some great 3D artwork! I would add vines, lines and whatever, but I had never done this before and I want to do them. I told her I only take appointments and if she could come in the next day, I would take care of her. I was like, what the hell did I just do! I started regretting it because I didn’t know what I was getting into. At the same time, I was relieved. The next day, she came in and I started working on her nails. They were lumpy in various areas and I smoothed them out real neat with my files and worked on her polish. I cleaned underneath them and I filled them in, which lifted in about three to four days, but she didn’t even care.

I had stones and all kinds of art on her nails and she loved them! She had an enormous smile and was so happy! It took me seven hours to do them, and everyone around me was complimenting me on my work and afterwards she was receiving many compliments as well!

I fell in love with the craft all over again and to see the happiness on this woman’s face was more than enough. It just blew my mind!

I look back on that and it was a beautiful moment! I perfected my skills, and she became my walking billboard, recommending me to other people.

X’Treme Nailz: Amazing! I love it! You are truly respected in this

industry. I’ve interviewed a couple of your clients and they absolutely love you! I also interviewed a few prospective techs and extreme nail wearers and you are their inspiration to either pursue the field or wear the extremes.

Maria: Oh my God. You're going to make me cry!

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, there are so many other techs and influencers that they could follow, but your name was the first name mentioned! These ladies were on the west coast and the midwestern areas and beyond! It speaks volume for your personality and your character. You are admired for your compassion, sincerity and protectiveness that you have for your clientele and others that are shamed, and have provided a haven, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging where women with long nails can feel free and accepted for being themselves. You’ve become a trendsetter, and icon and have placed Newark, NJ on the map for our extreme nail divas internationally. For this, we say thank you!

Maria: I’m humbled and I thank you. The reason I’ve embraced this extreme nail world is being a transgender for over twenty-six years. I know discrimination firsthand. When I came out, it was the mid-eighties, and it was a huge taboo then. Today, everything is so liberal, and it’s no big deal. You know, being gay is one thing, but being a transgender, you’ve escalated things to a whole new level that people were not ready for, especially for someone like me! I was petite, tiny framed, out ‘tricking’ myself here and there. A lot of girls out there couldn’t stand that, and it was

so complicated for me to come out because my parents were pastors and now they had to deal with this world. But it wasn’t cool. I walked the block of our city being discriminated against and bullied, so, yes, I know how it feels. After I met all the girls and I saw the discrimination on social media, I immediately embraced them. Sincerely, this is a no-no, and I decided to create a haven that they would never forget, and I did.

place, their haven! One day, someone inboxed me on Facebook and called me "Goddess Maria” and said, “Your nails look beautiful today!" I fell in love with the ‘goddess’ name and I gave it to the group!

Twelve years later, we are the ‘Long Nail Goddesses of Newark’. There's so many of us now.

X’Treme Nailz: Is this when the Long Nail Goddesses of Newark were created? And how long does it take you to create those works of art?

Maria: Again, I’m humbled. I'm not saying this because I want to say that I'm all that. But I am all that. I mean, I worked hard for my empire, you know, and I think I just have to pat my back sometimes. There is a lot of sacrifice, a lot of family missed birthdays, picnics and so forth so that I can cater to my girls. People are traveling from five to six hours away and staying in hotels just to have their nails done by me. So it's like, I built an empire and I love it! I try to teach my employees how to be the same way. I can’t do everyone, I can’t, and I understand that. So I am here to share my success with anybody, whoever wants it. That prompted me to start my YouTube channel.

Maria: It’s the reason it started, yes. The name came later, but it can take anywhere from one to six hours depending upon the repairs, length or the intricacy of the design.

How were the ‘Goddesses’ formed?

Well, I was working on a client and another long nail client came in for a repair. As she waited, I introduced them. They started talking about nail haters, and tricks of the trade with long nails amongst themselves, and I joined the conversation. We talked for minutes, that later turned into hours before we knew it, and at that moment I realized I wanted to get all of my long nail clients together for a regular gathering and I did! So every two to three months we kept on getting together and the group just got bigger and bigger as time passed. I make sure that it is catered to the max! We have these big, enjoyable parties where we wine and dine. We talk about nails and relationships or anything they want. It makes them forget about the real world for a few hours, the harshness and the cruel words regarding their nails. It’s their safe

X’Treme Nailz: This, my friend, is one reason you are loved so much in this community.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, this is where some of those that I have spoken to are following you. They are learning from you and have been inspired to not only wear the extremes but to attend school and achieve their licenses so that they too can cater to and encourage long nail goddesses to enjoy being themselves!

Maria: Amazing! There's many people that like getting their own nails done and there's also many that don't want to do them. So,

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I taught them one-on-one. You know, I tell them, ‘This is how you have to put this’, ‘This is how you apply that’. I’ll teach anyone that wants to learn how to do long nails, period! I'm not selfish with giving of myself!

X’Treme Nailz: So tell me Maria, as a long nail diva yourself, what is the strangest thing they have ever asked you about your nails?

Maria: Oh yeah, man, they've been the most. The most awkward for me was, “Do you take your nails off to go to bed?” I was shopping, and was like, “Excuse me?” Um, yeah. I put them on my nightstand and put them back on in the morning. Are you kidding me? These are my nails. She was so amazed.

There have been other questions like, “How do you pick your nose?” and, of course, “How do you wipe yourself?” Yeah, you get this all the time, but at the end of the day, you have to have patience. It just comes with the territory.

I really want to thank Jonathan for making this platform for us to talk, allowing us to show that we are more than nails. This is not only about nails, this is a lifestyle.

X’Treme Nailz: Now that was a first! Never heard of someone asking if you take your nails off to go to bed!

Maria: Exactly and of course, there are others.

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X’Treme Nailz: I think that when some people are presented with things that they are unfamiliar with, they are unsure what to say or ask.

Maria: There you go! There you go! My nails are a part of me. It’s the same thing as dating for me.

I’m a foster mom, I’m a transgender and I love my nails. All three are me. You can take it or leave it. I have a list of lines….” You are not the first...”, “I don’t want you to think...”, “I'm a...”, “No I don’t...”

This is Maria, and this is who I am and this is what I come with. You take it or you leave it.

X’Treme Nailz: How long are your nails now?

Maria: I just cut them. They were just seven inches and I just cut them, so they are about three inches now. I have a toddler in my house, so it was very hard for me to change diapers. At one time, my nails were super long, like close to ten inches and I was so excited when I saw there was a foster available and they told me they had to go, and I did because they were getting in my way. Then I had a toddler and then another one and I thought there is no way I can be that fast with three children and a toddler, my nails were slowing me down. So they are now down to three inches. With the children in the house, I don’t believe I’ll let them grow that long anytime soon.

X’treme Nailz: So, what are the pros of wearing extreme nails?

Maria: I like to stand out. I definitely do! Everywhere I go, I'm the one being stopped. “Can I see your nails?” I always wear them

colorful. I like it because I have so much space to put on rhinestones and use my nails as a canvas. So, for me, my pro is that I can draw whatever I want by expressing my feelings.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, this is our way of expressing ourselves.

Maria: Exactly X’treme Nailz: What do you think about the platform that has now allowed the long nail divas to tell their back stories?

Maria: I really want to thank Jonathan for making this platform for us to talk, allowing us to show that we are more than nails. This is not only about nails, this is a lifestyle.

These are mothers. We are grandmothers, aunties. We could be you or one of your family members, you know? It’s like people like cars, tattoos and piercings. We just like nails and it is going to be respected.

So Jonathan has opened the doors to people who could actually read our stories and know we are human beings behind our nails and we deserve our respect. So I'm very grateful and now we will be known not only for our nails, but for our stories as well! I’ve told him I am proud of him and that I’m glad we have the same common quality.

X’treme Nailz: Yes, it has been amazing! There are so many stories that have been shared and so many more to be told.

Maria: Yes, and I thank you so much for that. You also have inspired me to keep going. I like the trendsetting that we're doing, and then I guess I needed somebody to tell me that and it’s been uplift-

ing. Sometimes you need to hear it from other people, even though people think I know it all because of my reputation, but I don’t. I’m just a regular human being like everyone else. I just work hard for what I have, but I don’t know it all!

X’Treme Nailz: How did you do over the rough part of the pandemic?

Maria: I’ve been truly blessed! Absolutely! I moved and recently reopened my shop. I have nine employees. When this pandemic hit, I was working with all females who were all mothers. We didn't know what we were going to do. Eventually, they were the first to stay home, and I didn't blame them. My last shop was huge, and I was paying a good bit for the space. I did great for about a year, but then I couldn’t afford that. Then, of course, the government grants were out, but they gave them to companies like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A and other people who reported businesses in distress and they could remain open. I’m going crazy applying for these PPP loans and so forth to have them still pending. I continued to keep going and spent over $40K and my salon was hurting. I started doing nails out of my home and kept up with my employees. I called them for over a year, checking to see if they needed anything. If I didn’t have it, I borrowed so that they could have enough to go shopping, even if it was for just a day until I could get more to them.

You know, they were loyal to me, so I felt I had to take care of them and we made it through the damage of the pandemic. Today, I’m in a partnership with this barber that has been working with me for years and all of my employees wanted

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to come back. So, I can actually say that I lost, but I also gained.

Today, I no longer have employees. They are my sisters and that is how we view each other. We went through the good and the bad and I know they are going to be there.

We’re good, we’ve created a deeper bond. I’m glad the pandemic came because we realized who was who.

I wanted to show them that this is WHO I am in the good and the bad.

Because of this, business is booming and I am much stronger as a businesswoman.

X’Treme Nailz: It is often said that when you put positive karma into the atmosphere, you receive the same back. So you've been putting out good vibes. Your intentions are pure. You do things from your heart and not from a place of malice. To take care of not only you and your family, but to check on and give help to your employees and their families as well is a blessed feat, especially when no one knew when or how this pandemic would end. My heart is full!

Maria: I'm not perfect. I have my days, but then again, who doesn’t.

I get on my knees every day and thank God for making me the person who I am. Even though I am a transgender, if I were to die and be reborn, I’d want the same heart and would go through the same turmoil, have my same family and everything. I hope to pass these same values on to my children.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, we are all human. But in the same breath, you are also honoring your aunt for her introduction of you to the world of nails decades ago. As one that has been in the field, and I

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say this often, we are servicers.

That is our gift! It means that we enjoy being of service to others. That is what we do. We give from our hearts and talents and ask for nothing in return. We enjoy bringing joy to the lives of others. That brings us fulfillment and happiness.

Maria: I am so glad that you said that as I was talking about purpose. I always say that when I came out of the closet, and I’m not asking for anyone to feel sorry for me, it’s just my life’s story. But, you know, with my father being a pastor, I've always known the Bible verses and so on, but I knew He placed me here to help someone. I was always searching for my purpose. One day I looked back at all of those people in my shop and my adopted children and I just knew that I had found my purpose. This was it and I just started crying and my friend asked if I was okay.

I told him these were happy tears because it was then that I knew I was somebody! I pay my taxes and I help those in need. I am just so humbled!

X’Treme Nailz: Again, you come from a place of genuineness. We all snap off or have bad days, some that you regret and others that you find joy, but when the day ends, we can say that we’ve tried to be the best version of ourselves. What is your favorite saying?

Maria: I’ve said this in an interview with CNN. “The sky is the limit.” I’ve said this to my nephew who is transitioning (and at one point tried to commit suicide). I also say this to my clients and my children. When you look up and

into the infinity, you can be whoever and whatever you want to be, but be a decent human being and be good to people.

X’Treme Nailz: Maria, where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

Maria: I see myself doing the nails of Michelle Obama. I’m speaking it into the atmosphere. Yes, I’ll be doing Michelle Obama’s nails even if it’s one time. I want her to wear a set of my long nails! I’d love that!

I see myself in my shop, hiring as many people as possible, teaching them how to do long and extreme nails. I want this fad to go away from people being disgusted by us!

I want our nails to be liked and respected. I’m sorry, I get so excited about all of this! I want my shop again, giving it one more try! Absolutely, I need to be there!

X’Treme Nailz: The pandemic gave us all that minor hiccup.

Sometimes, we just have to regroup and think of the things that are the most important to us, allowing us a time to be grateful and slow things down just for a moment. Is there anything you’d like to say to those that may want to grow their nails out and find themselves unsure or struggling with being different?

Maria: Wow, now that’s a good one! I would say that in order for you to be yourself, accept who and what you are and what you like?

I remember when I came out, ummmm, here I go again, I have a story for everything! (laughing) But I remember I had attempted to commit suicide. Afterwards, I went to this psychiatrist, and I thought it was the end of the world

for me. My parents now knew I had tried to commit suicide because I came out and didn’t have the courage to tell them. I wanted to dress up like a girl and felt like a female trapped inside of this body. This is what the psychiatrist told me and I said the same thing to my nephew when he also tried to commit suicide while transitioning. (Psychiatrist) “Your parents took a path in their life where they met each other. They had children, they bought a home and had jobs they enjoyed. They chose their lives and are happy with it.

They had you and now you are looking for the path towards your happiness. Sometimes in life you have to be selfish and not think about who’s thinking about you, parents, no one but yourself. Your parents are eventually going to pass away and you are still going to be living. Now, would you want to be like, I should have done this or that? No, you are going to get up from here and you are going to do it. Get up and be selfish! Don’t think about any buffers. Think about you. Be selfish!” To this day, I remember that and it made me the Maria I am today, with the sky being the limit!.

X’Treme Nailz: I love it! Because if we are not living in our truths, we are not being selfish enough.

Yes, we must be selfish in achieving our own individual happiness!

Maria: In this life, we all have a path and it’s only one! We only have one life to live, so you can choose to do it or live it out in regrets! I didn’t want to live in regret so I got up and said, I’m doing it and that next day I started my hormone treatment.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, our own individual journeys are to be enjoyed.

The good and the bad.

Maria: Yes, we only get this chance to do it ourselves. We can always turn back and walk by the social norms, but then we are not being ourselves. We are sitting back and allowing someone to decide what they feel is what we should do to be normal. Anything else, we are the outsiders. But the thing about it is when God created each one of us by ourselves, he didn't create us all in a bubble together. We are individuals destined to live our individual lives. So be who you are and be happy with your choices.

vision broadcastings. Each time, she speaks her truth, unapologetically, as only she can. Her haven for long nail goddesses has grown astronomically with people finally feeling inclusive, accepting that they are not ‘freaks’ or ‘disgusting’ for desires to sport the longer or the extreme nails! Yes, she is a trendsetter and the sacrifices that she has made to become one is the authentic version of what it means to give all of oneself for the sake of others! At X’Treme Nailz International, Goddess, the love and respect will always grace your footsteps!

X’Treme Nailz: Absolutely! Are there any last words?

Maria: It’s been my pleasure and I just want to say thank you for everything! Again, I am so humbled and honored. This platform is everything! Also, if anyone wants to learn how to do long nails, or maintain their own or just need guidance, reach out to me. I receive so many letters and messages from people all over and it inspires me to be an inspiration to others.

Remember the skys the limit!

It has truly been an honor sitting down with Maria where we have allowed you a ‘minute’ glimpse into her world. Her journey is amazing and proves that you can’t judge a book by its cover! Her advocacy for her clients, children in the foster care/adoption system, the transgender, and the LBGTQ community has been noted on a variety of social media platforms. She also has been interviewed by multiple magazines, newspapers, and tele-

You can find Maria at: Facebook: Ortiz Marianails

Instagram: @ortizmarianails YouTube: Maria Ortiz long nails TikTok: ortizmarianails Also check out: www.trueformnails. com where you can order all of your nail needs

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Ava “AJ” Jones

“…..until you want to do something to change your physical appearance or the way you look, love up on yourself every second that you get because you may not get a second chance to do so.”—A.J.

ith a population of over six-million, Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth in North America. As an international center for business, finance, arts and culture, Toronto, recognized as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world, is where Ava “AJ” Jones lives, and lovin’ up on oneself is what this X’Treme Nailz beauty does!

Ava or AJ as she likes to be called, born in Jamaica and later raised in Canada is a fashion designer, and knows what it means to pour love into herself while encouraging other women to do the same. “I am a couturier, which is a custom oneof-a-kind designer. I create pieces for clients that are looking for a unique style, or custom fit. If they are attending a gala, weddings, parties or any other type of func-

tion, I will design these pieces for them. I’ve been a fashion designer for over three decades which also includes a small ready-to-wear collection. I am committed and dedicated to creating collections for primarily the plus-sized community. So, if you are a bigger, thicker, fuller-figured woman, I am definitely the designer for you! I cater and focus on women with a fuller figure simply because I feel that it is so much easier for ‘regular’ or ‘standard’ sized women to find fashions anywhere with the plus sized market heavily underserved.”

Having designed an engagement dress for Tionna T. Smalls of VH1’s “What Chilli Wants” and several pieces for Canadian recording artist TiKA, Ava has also presented collections at NYFW (New York Fashion Week), CFW (Caribbean Fashion Week), Montreal Fashion Week and Houston Fashion Week. As a

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full-figured lover of unique oneof-a-kind fashions, I understand what it means to feel good when you know you look good, especially wearing a unique piece designed just for you! AJ continued, “It’s definitely more difficult to accommodate the bodies that are a little bit fluffier in the middle, around the hips, bustline and so forth, and I think for years we’ve been shunned by the fashion community where they would provide fashions for us, but they were not fashionable. They weren’t stylish as the other things that you would see the smaller-sized women wearing, and since I am considered to be a plussized woman myself, I felt it would be fitting to create a collection representative of the women that I love and support. Don’t get me wrong, I love and support all women, but I feel that we are underrepresented in the fashion world. So, ‘Pheline Designs’ became my thing! As we discussed earlier, we all want to look and feel good. As a six foot, full-figured woman myself, there is nothing worse than to spend hours, days and sometimes weeks, looking for that perfect outfit for an event only to arrive and find the same piece worn by other women because of the slim selections available for the plus-sized divas!

We asked if there was a difference in styling for her clients in Canada and styling for her clients in America, and AJ said that her creativity depends on who she is working with and not as much as to where she is working. However, having traveled all over the United States, AJ shared that she finds her American clientele are more open-minded when it comes to fashion being more risqué. Risqué, yes, I completely agree. We love sexy! We love pushing that envelope to the edge

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with individuality, uniqueness, and creative expressions on the runways, red carpet and even personal events! With AJ’s love of self and fashion sense, X’Treme Nailz International also adds the title of “Nail Diva” to complete the package!

X’Treme Nailz: How long have you donned X’treme Nails?

AJ: Oh my goodness! It’s funny that I just had this conversation with my nail tech a couple of days ago. So I would say about ten to fifteen years! This is the shortest they’ve been. Across the board, they’ve been about three and a half inches long. Currently I am 100% natural and they are about two inches in length with the shortest about an inch. I tend to let them grow as they are, so the lengths are mismatched!”

X’Treme Nailz: How often do you have them maintenanced?

AJ: Approximately every three to four weeks.

X’Treme Nailz: What do you see as the pros and cons of wearing the X’Treme Nailz?

AJ: You know honestly, I don’t feel that there are any cons for me in particular. I’ve had them so long that they are a part of my rhythm. I treat my nails very rough and people always say to me, “You should be careful!” I should be delicate, you know, but I feel that when you are super careful with them, that is when you tend to break them more. So, I go about my daily routines and I do what I normally do regardless of whether I have nails. I still braid my daughter’s hair when she needs me, and of course, people ask the idiotic questions like, “How

do you clean yourself?” “How do you cook?” Clearly, I’m not suffering, and I’m not that eat-out-all-ofthe-time kind of person! Also, I’m very much into hygiene and just like my physical outer appearance, I take very good care of myself and I’ve raised children. So, you kind of learn to navigate life having nails.

They don’t stop anything, so for me there are NO cons necessarily. The most difficult thing that I may have had difficulties with, was probably tying my shoelaces if I am putting on a pair of Converse. Outside of that, they don’t impede my ability to design. They don’t impede my ability to do hair. They don’t impede my ability to cook, therefore, they don’t impede my ability to do anything that I choose to do.

X’Treme Nailz: And the pros?

(Laughing) AJ: (laughing) The definite pros are that they are absolutely sexy and beautiful! When I speak, I talk with my hands a lot and I think that it accentuates everything that I’m saying because the nails are there like a focal point! So there are definitely more pros than cons in wearing X’Tremes. But, I wish I could just stand on the top of a building and yell out to the people who ask the asinine questions of how I clean myself in the bathroom, though!

I think to myself, under ‘normal’ circumstances, who is using their fingernails to drag along their private and sensitive parts? Does that make ANY sense?

X’Treme Nailz: Like you, and other nail divas, I LOVE my nails. They are a vivid expression of who I am and I can’t imagine being without them. Unfortunately, we are all asked those same questions! It comes with the territory of daring

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to be different! I find that the ignorance usually comes from those that have adapted to the stigma of long nails or don’t understand that we didn’t just run to the salon yesterday and emerge with the lengths that we wear. Some of us have been in the nail game for decades.

AJ: I completely agree. There are also those who have recently gotten their nails done. They are like half of a centimeter long and say things like, “Oh my gosh, my nails are too long for me, I can barely do anything! I don’t understand how you function with yours that long!”

I try to be polite and let them know that I’ve had my nails for years. For her, it’s kind of like practicing, you know? It’s funny, because then I tell them that I braid my daughter’s hair and that usually kills the argument altogether. They can’t understand how I can braid coupled with the fact that I am braiding with nails. At this point, it’s like, “She can braid, and she can do everything she said she can do!” People are silly, very silly!

X’Treme Nailz: What do you think about what I like to call the ‘new extreme nail craze’? You know we’ve been in this movement for years and people are now jumping onboard?

AJ: That’s exactly what it feels like.

They’re playing ‘catch-up’. When I was a kid, Flo Jo was one of the first women that I remember with those long beautiful nails! I was like, “Oh my God, her nails are beautiful!” I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to grow my nails long! I also remember one of my aunts had really long nails as well!

This is back in the eighties and nineties, so it’s funny to me that this younger generation is just now

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playing the catch-up game. It’s almost like they believe THEY are the creators of the long nails, you know the coffin and stiletto nails with all of the colors and designs.

Their nails are really nice and it’s flattering to some degree. However, there are some that can be gaudy and too over the top with all of the attachments. I saw some created with little food items like hamburgers, french fries, milkshakes and a little drink! For me, that was too much, especially for everyday wear. But, in and of itself is a fashion statement. I like the designs and the different colors. I also love the different styles and some of the jewels. But, I don’t know, I like more of a class sophisticated style.

Yes, something a bit more classy for sure.

X’Treme Nailz: That was a segway into my next question. Do you see any prejudices with wearing X’Treme nails?

AJ: Yes, you have to be mindful.

I think today, the young people are looking at what the celebrities are doing and they are following their trends and that’s okay, but they have to remember that the celebrities have their own money.

They are working for themselves and not on a 9-5. I worked in the corporate sector for three years, drafting contracts. It was an automatic assumption that because you look a particular way, you lack intellect. Then once you speak in a corporate manner, they are taken aback because of your appearance.

This is still very real and it is very much in the forefront that you are expected to look a particular way depending upon the industry that you are in. Now I’m an entrepreneur and I own my own business and can do pretty much whatev-

er I want and of course, the nails fit into the brand of the line and fashion industry.

But when you’re working for someone, or in a business, especially in the corporate world, you have to be mindful that they may not outright alienate you, or make a direct attack, but they cannot afford you the opportunities for advancement based on your appearance if they don’t like your nails, your hair or maybe your tattoos. And I think that that’s one thing that this generation needs to be aware of.

X’Treme Nailz: Unfortunately, we are seen before we are known.

It is the norms that society has set upon us. Therefore, if someone is different, the preconceived notions of our appearances fall in place automatically. So, do you have a signature color or a go-to-style?

AJ: When I first started I didn’t.

I didn’t even know what the style was. It was just ‘regular’. It’s really funny because I used to call them the ‘porno’ style because that was the style worn in the adult films versions. So, that is what I would ask for. You know the long nails with the straight square across the tops. I did that for a couple of years and then I graduated to the ballet slipper shape. Then the stiletto for about three years and then back to the coffin. So, I prefer somewhere between coffin and ballet. As far as color, for years I never wore color. I stayed with the nudes, corals and peaches. But for the last four years or so, I have really been open to all different colors, and I have to have at least one nail completely sparkled and I make sure that my toes match.

I don’t match my outfits, but my nails and toes must match...even the designs!

X’Treme Nailz: So outside of Flo Jo (Florence Griffin-Joyner), your auntie was your nail and fashion inspiration?

AJ: Yes! I remember as a kid, she loved to wear stiletto heels and her nails were really long and curved and they were always painted red.

To this day she is still my favorite person! She helped raise me for part of my life in Jamaica. She was always very fashionable. I remember she used to rock this big Afro, bell-bottoms and high heeled wooden shoes. She wore very little make-up, just lip gloss, but her nails were dazzling with that red!

Oh my goodness! She was just so bad-ass!

X’Treme Nailz: Now we’re talking about my era! Afros, bell-bottoms, platform shoes and Soul Train!

We were definitely the era of the bad-asses! We were doing our own thing! Living our own lives, bucking the system!

AJ: Yes! You know exactly what I’m talking about! I used to sneak into her closet when she wasn’t around and prance around in her things! I couldn’t wait to be a teenager so that I could wear her shoes! Those were the bad-assed looks! (laughing) As AJ and I continued to chit chat about things other than nails, I became grateful for the platform X’Treme Nailz International has launched allowing us to meet and share the backstories of nail divas around the world. You know, we are no different than the next person. We talk about family, fashion, relationships, current events, makeup, shoes and nails! I mentioned this to AJ and wanted to hear her thoughts.

AJ: You know, people just see our nails and our differences, they don’t realize that we have a backstory.

Yeah. I think that it’s a necessary part of getting to know the people who are in this community. I also think it’s necessary in helping members of the nail community to connect with other members. I feel like the most debilitating thing is feeling like you’re alone. Like there’s something weird or wrong with you. It’s really great knowing that there is a community out there that has members who are just like you.

And when you look at the backstories, like with you and I in this conversation, learning about one another and our personal influences, growing up in the era of our icons, the way we look at the world, I think it’s great knowing a person’s history and culture. Thinking about myself, I’m originally from Jamaica and I spent part of my life there. Women were very conservative when I was growing up and it wasn’t until we moved to Canada where there was a bit more freedom. I believe my aunt found herself when she was able to wear the bell-bottoms, Afro and the brightly painted nails. That wasn’t something she was allowed to do in Jamaica because the community we lived in was very conservative. So seeing her in Canada, you would never know her backstory unless you had that conversation.

So, I believe that it’s really important to know a person on a whole so that you have a better understanding of who they are, not just the image that’s presented face forward of them.

X’Treme Nailz: Well said, my friend! Exactly, it’s just that simple.

Is there anything that you want to say to those that may be considering growing their nails or just explore wearing nails?

AJ: It definitely is an investment that you shouldn’t enter into lightly. It’s one of those things that your heart has to be vested. There is maintenance and that can become costly. Like you, I remember I had a conversation with this gentleman and he was like, “If we ever dated I would definitely have to put aside at least $300 every month so that you can get your nails done because I know the maintenance of your nails costs a lot of money.” I’m glad that he understood that and I neither denied nor confirmed, and he continued with, “One of the things I appreciate is the fact that you do take care of your hands and feet.”

And I do it, not for the show and not necessarily for anyone else, but just for the pure pleasure and enjoyment for myself. But I also know that it is a financial investment. So, the one thing I would caution is don’t make yourself go broke, trying to keep your nails pretty, to impress anyone. If you can do it and it doesn’t cause you financial hardship, then by all means do it. You know, you have to have balance. If you decide that you still want to enjoy the nails without the investment, there are gel polishes and an array of gorgeous, custom made press-ons which is a very popular thing now. That way, you can wear them and take them off whenever you like. Whatever your decision, don’t allow anyone to deter you from your greatness! If your nails are your glory, if your nails bring you joy, do your thing!

We continued to chat and we talked about body shaming in the plus-sized community as well as being able to love yourself and the skin that you are in. We recognized that although it doesn’t always happen, these conversations should start with our chil-

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dren, especially those of color.

When we see our youths exploring or determining paths towards their happiness, they should be encouraged. We are all unique individuals and to know that you have the love and support that allows you to love your authentic self is amazing in building the confidence needed to maneuver through life. It takes strength to dismiss the negative comments and the ability to accept the positives. When AJ recognized early on that her daughter would be tall and full-figured, she had that selflove conversation. “... if nothing else for creating fashion, wearing my nails, coloring my hair, living my life on my own terms, I wanted her to know that at 6’ and plussize, it will always be okay for her to be comfortable in her own skin as she sees fit, and not by the dictation of others. I started mentally preparing her to accept her body the way that it was. There are people who are going to not like you, and that’s okay, because there are going to be people who love you!

You are going to be a diva and absolutely gorgeous...as a full-figure designer, it was really important as well to let her know that she didn’t have to be limited by the standards that the fashion industry sets. She is free to dress herself as she wants.” For fashion, AJ went on to remind the full-figured divas that we do not have to be limited by fabric, color or movement. “If it is made to fit you and you feel fabulous in it, you wear it, period! And to the naysayers, “Kick rocks!”

At X’Treme Nailz International, it will always be our mission to

encourage and support self-love amongst our X’Treme Nailz community and our young people. Either way, you’re not going to please everyone, so you have to live your life the way you see fit, allowing others to conform to you and not conforming to everyone! With the support and reinforcement of people who love you, you figure it out and find your way.

AJ: Before we leave I just want to say to the readers, that until you want to do something to change your physical appearance or the way you look, ‘love-up’ on yourself every second that you get because you may not get a second chance to do so! I think it’s awesome and phenomenal that you’re 6’. I tell people this story all the time. From the time I was a fourteen year old, I had a best friend named Alison.

Alison was 6’ when we were in high school and I loved her with all of my heart. I worshiped the ground she walked on because of her height and I always wanted to be tall. It’s ironic that I raised a daughter of this height!. I look at her and marvel all of the time, and when I stare at her sometimes she’s like, “Mommy, why are you staring at me?” I tell her it’s because she is tall and beautiful and I love her!

So, Michelle I love you. You are a force to be reckoned with. You are an amazon and you are a diva!

Although you may not be an ‘amazon’ in stature, you are one in the heart of all hearts! I thank you for loving on yourself, loving on your family, loving on the fashion industry and X’Treme Nailz community and finally for loving on ME! I love you, too!

To contact Ava ‘AJ’ Jones for your oneof-a-kind design: eMail: phelinecouture@gmail.com IG & Twitter: Pheline Design

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s a self-proclaimed nail historian and scribe it’s only fitting that I take this time to acknowledge some of the contributions our X’treme Nailz Divas, Long Nail Beauties, Cuticle Cuties, and Trendsetting Nailz Artists have shared.

My staff and I have been honored to have personally met with some of these wonderful women.

To sit and interface with people like Maria Ortiz, Mel Nubia, Edith Graham, Ana Otano, LA Rue Drummond, Desiree Wimbush, Lamuh,

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Naomi Taylor, Cordelia Adams, Lena Cole, Autumn Springs, Ayde Nunez, were absolutely surreal, and to be a part of the X’treme Nailz movement is priceless. Using this platform to record, document and showcase the unique and previously taboo exposé has been a dream come true.

Finally, the X’Treme Nailz Divas have a platform to tell their stories and express themselves accordingly, allowing them to now and forevermore sit at the ‘Big Table’. The plus-size industry had their strug-

gles, and the LBGTQ community elbowed their way to get a seat.

The ME TOO Movement roughed their respect, and the Black Lives Matter movement, well they continue to tread water.

I’m proud to say that I’ve followed this vision and aligned myself with other like-minded visionaries (who saw the relevance and importance of acknowledging these women of UNSUNG courage and conviction).

Discrimination and ignorance usually go hand and hand. Although The X’Treme Nailz community is seeing

X’Treme Nailz International’s

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Game Changing X’Treme Nailz Divas in the USA a slight reduction in trials and tribulations, disdain and ambivalence (they still occasionally hear that old heckled mantra, “HEY, HOW YOU WIPE YOUR ASS WITH THOSE LONG NAILS?” Despite it all, they’re now at the “BIG TABLE” . Today, every genre has an X’treme Nailz representative…..stage, screen, music and television. So remember, for every Cardi B there’s Cynthia Erivo.

For every Theresa Caputo there’s Rihanna. For every Kylie Jenner there’s Fergie. For every Megan

Thee Stallion there’s Lena Cole, and for all of the celebrity Nail Technicians, there’s Maria Ortiz!

So for this collector’s edition of X’Treme Nailz International, we pay homage to 27 X’Treme Nailz Divas and Designers who have helped to change the nail game in America.

It was their audacity and tenacity that redesigned the face of fashion and design. They’ve brought long nails from the underground to the forefront, from taboo to absolute necessity. These women are our pioneers and saviors, representing

ALL ethnicities and cultures with varied backgrounds and expertise.

Black, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian and Mixed-raced, the X’Treme Nail Divas’ contributions to the 6 billion dollar nail salon industry is immeasurable. That paradigm shift in fashion, entertainment, culture, media and acceptance that we now experience is because they chose to step outside of the social norms and ‘DARED 2 BE DIFFERENT’!

X’treme Nailz International proudly presents our 27 Game Changing X’Treme Nailz Divas!

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Ana Otano “New York City is the legendary birthplace for some of the most dynamic and controversial X’treme Nail Queens in the USA. Ana is a Straight Outta Brooklyn native and one of the first X-Nailz Divas we befriended. This relationship spans almost twenty years and has

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witnessed Ana survive numerous tragedies in her life (including heart attacks, the passing of her mother, cancer scares and temporary unemployment). Ana is a pioneer of the X-Nailz within the Hispanic culture. With courage and dignity she made her appear-

ances known on many of the early social media publications & nail sites (which then were predominantly focused on white females).

Today, Ana is still representing her community, her culture and her beautiful 90 degree angled claws”

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Anika Grey Like so many of our X’treme Nailz Divas, Michigan native Anika Grey, is blessed with that perfect IG model physique.

“Madame Thunder” as her fans affectionately call her is surprisingly, a proud mother of eight children.

As a Virgo with an acute eye for fashion, we are looking forward to seeing her on a “New York Fashion Week” runway in the near future.

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LuSonda Young “This Illinois native is not only an X-Nailz fingernail diva but she’s also an X-Nail Toenail Phenom. Her Toenails turn heads and challenge all social morays. This busy horticulturist works for Chi-town Blossom, a leading licensed hemp processing food & manufacturing company. LuSundas X-Nailz have been described as Left-Hand Curving Right and Right-Hand Curving Left. But her toenails are something else! Her small toenails curve and cling to her sandals like a canary on an olive branch. But those big toenails protrude like two colored torpedoes waiting to be fired. Amazingly it all comes together as a beautiful & unique X-Nailz smorgasbord”

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Autumn Springs

This Maryland native has been a mainstay within the X-Nailz community for well over thirty years now. She’s not only one of our plussize cuties but she sports some of the most spectacular claws on the East Coast. Autumn has an imagination that just won’t quit.

Her “Nailz Game” can’t be denied (just look at how she expresses her moods and feelings through various colors and design choices). There’s a newly discovered language of Nailz communication out there, which Autumn seems to have mastered. I can’t wait until she shares these secrets with all her adoring fans’

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Carole Gray Before she was known as the first Internationally Fly Fashion Nailz Magazine’s brand ambassador, Ms. Gray was a well-known, sought after R&B vocalist. But a near fatal car accident temporarily cut her singing career short. However, like the proverbial Phoenix, she rose again. Carole decided to reinvent herself, which led to her becoming one of the top celebrity interviewers in Hollywood. And yes Carole is still singing in and around L.A.

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Cordelia Goldeeloc Adams

Cordelia Goldeeloc Adams is the CEO of Our House Wears in Gary, Indiana. This ex-postal employee has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University. A true entrepreneurial spirit, Ms. Adams is a licensed nail technician, MUA, singer and designer of custom waist beads. Although she’s extremely tall and statuesque, the first thing you notice is her 7-9 inch colorful stalactite talons. They immediately appear malleable and very strong.

I seriously doubt if she’s ever broken any of them. Lastly Cordelia is super active in her community and is regularly seen at various functions and cultural activities in and around Gary.

She is enigmatic, immensely talented and hails from San Antonio.

Diane January is another beautiful X-Nailz icon from the state of Texas. As a profession she’s both a voice recognition editor and home contractor. This true Pisces is also the mother of one daughter.

However, her claim to fame are her gummy-wormed 6 ½-7 inch squares which are always meticulously sculptured and perfectly designed. Is it me or do her claws always appear to be painted by some impressionists like Michelangelo, George Seurat or Picasso? I was just wondering.

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“This Durham, NC native is the X-Nailz version of a Swiss Army Knife because she is an accomplished singer, artist, creative writer and executive assistant. This former Real Nailz Queen is still aspiring to return to the studio and elucidate her musical gifts”

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Texas is another hotbed for some of the hottest X-treme Divas in the country (i.e. Lena Cole, Edith Graham, LaJuana Barton, Coya Luvv Clark and Sandra Edwards). So it’s only fitting that Senior Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, LaWona Adams grace that list as well. The diminutive Texan is as tireless in her devotion to Christ, as she is in her crusade for sickle-cell awareness. Her geometrically correct claws are halfmoon shaped and wickedly lengthy

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Emma Briggs is a prime example of our X-treme Nailz Divas shattering stereotypes. This Camden, Arkansas native (same hometown as comedian Luenell) is a Sr. Secu-

rity Officer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Wow, can you imagine getting arrested by a beautiful female officer with 5-inch Claw Nails? I sure can!

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Here’s where the combination of fashion, style, swagger, and presentation create a quiet storm. LaRue Drummond is a member of the legendary East Coast Big Three (Ana Otano, Maria Ortiz and LaRue).

LaRue and her 10 inch speckled, ornamented and multicolored tentacles check all those boxes. This New Jersey native great-grandmother is the architect of fly nails and heels fashion. No one rocks the ‘kicks’ like LaRue ! She’s a true SHOE HORSE. LaRue is definitely not your grandmother’s grandmother. Always runway ready, LaRue is never in the public eye, looking less than stunning! LaRue Drummond is absolutely the standard by which the 50 & Fly population emulates.

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In 2015 she revisited her selection to one of the most famous museums for oddities and pop culture memorabilia in America (Ripleys Believe It or Not). This was Laurens second time reflecting on her place in immortality. By doing that Lauren demonstrated to the ignorant that her Gothic style and X’treme Nailz can occupy the same space. Today, Lauren continues to turn heads with her classic “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark” claws.

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Leah Nailz is not just a brand name, but the symbol of some old fashioned hard work and blue collar grit. Leah is The CEO/Owner of Nailz by Leah and Activity Director at House of Herbs in ChiTown. This 56 years young Pisces is a 70’s throwback from head to toe. Leah’s claws reflect that classic natural old school look. Her

thumb nails alone memorize you and dare you to turn away from them. Leah’s swag reminds one of Minnie Riperton and Heather Headley. That’s why when you meet her, an Xtreme Nailz version of Erykah Badu comes to mind.

Eclectic, Timeless and Xtremely Talented

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Lena Cole

The undisputed OG of X’treme Nailz is Lena Cole from Dallas, Texas. Not only is she the Brand Ambassador for both Ambi’ance Uncut and X’treme Nailz International magazines, but Lena is an accomplished nail designer and fashion icon. Currently Lena is working on a screenplay, where she will star in her very own reality series’.

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Lonnet Spencer The unofficial X-treme Nailz Queen of Vegas is Lonnet Spencer. If you’re talking tats, then you’re talking Lonnet. If you’re interested in some affordable for-us-by-us retail items, Lonnet’s your girl. If you’re interested in some “slap-yo-momma” seafood...yep, Lonnet has your back! She’s been turning heads on the strip for some twenty plus years now. Not just because of her business acumen, but because of those magnificent halfmoon sickles of hers. You can tell by her color choices that as a child, Crayola Crayons were her best friend. So, the next time you’re on the Las Vegas strip, grab a good old fashioned soul food plate at REDDS KITCHEN, and check out Lonnet’s “Bad Ass Nailz”.

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“Mel Nubia is the artist formerly known as Melody Wilson. Among her major accomplishments is receiving her Doctorate in Psychology. Mel Nubia has a stunning set of curvy claws that most women would die for. In 2013, Mel started a registry to unite all the Long Nail Divas from around the U.S. Not only has she been a lifelong advocate against domestic violence and women’s rights, but also champions long nail advocacy, education and enlightenment”

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“This New Jersey native is a former nursing assistant and a single mother of one son. Melissa is best known for her multicolored medusa braids, nose piercings and wickedly curved talons. In the early 2000’s Melissa revolutionized the polychromatic nail colors that are so common in hip-hop culture today. When you see Megan the Stallion and Cardi B’s nail colors just know, Melissa did it first”

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“In 2012 I attended a church service in Rancho Cucamonga, CA where I was fortunate to be seated next to a lovely woman with awesome nails. After introducing myself we had breakfast and talked about living in Southern California, family, careers, church and of course, X-treme Nailz. I learned Na’imah Luckett was a proud mother of four (two boys and two girls) and she loved her family time. Though she’s extremely shy, Na’imah was easy to talk to. Naimah has only three passions: church, family and her nails. They are long and slightly curvy. She said her longest nail is 4 ½ inches. Her favorite colors are pinks and pastels although she occasionally rocks bright reds on Valentine’s Day and holidays. Growing her nails came easy for her. As a teenager, and although she played sports, she rarely broke any of them. At first glance it’s apparent that she’s been blessed with naturally hard nails.

Living in the Inland Empire means that everyone knows everyone, so she quickly adapted to the notoriety her X-treme claws created. Today she’s still active in her children’s (and grandchildren’s) scholastic and athletic careers. Na’imah still attends the same church and she’s still passionate about her Nails”.

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Nora Molina The ‘World of Nails Entertainment’ website boasts some of today’s most celebrated X-Nailz divas. They literally hail from all around the globe. However none are more intriguing than Nora Molina. The Ponce, Puerto Rico native is all fire and ice. Her Flowing platinum locks remind me of the super-shero, Storm from the X-Men comic books (although her magnificent talons are more Wolverine-like). A true Leo, Nora is obsessed with keeping her talons beautifully colored and interesting to look at. Puerto Rico is definitely in-da-house

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Maria Ortiz is the reigning “Queen of Claws” in Northeast America.

Because of Maria the term “Nail Tech” became obsolete and replaced with the concept of “Nail Artist and Innovator”. To her valued customers Maria’s nail salon is their haven, utopia, spar and safe house.

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“Rose Santiago is the real Puerto Rican princess. She has been sporting those 6 inch claws well over thirty years now. A successful business woman in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Rose was once a computer programmer for the Bank of Pakistan. Although society considers her a senior citizen, Rose is anything but! Today, her claim to fame is writing her own checks, traveling the world and being fly”.

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Season Nixon

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“When you think about the term “good things come in small packages”, Season Nixon is X’treme Nailz’s Tinker Bell. Her talons resemble a long and curvy box of skittles. She’s both flamboyant and sassy with a flair for fashion. We’re looking for big things coming from her in 2022”.

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To say that Siam Lawrence is the face of Xtreme Nailz is an understatement. The CEO of Queen of Faces, MUA is everything most of our Xtreme Nailz Divas represent glamor, excitement, controversy, fashion and swag!

This Brooklyn native is a natural-

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ly beautiful woman who has mastered the art of cosmetics & claws.

Her signature claws bend at different angles, some slightly. However, those thumbs bend 60 degrees with impunity! Siam has been into makeup and nails since the 7th grade, so I don’t see her slowing down any time soon.”

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Tyger Recchia “Even in Sydney Australia there are amazing X-Nail Diva stories to be told. One of the more colorful characters in those stories is Tygerr Reccha. A psychology major, president of the Court Reporting Student Association, member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and rock band member has been in the spotlight for those colorful daggers- of- delight for some time now. When she’s on stage singing, she loves flashing them to the crowd, and they in turn, enjoy looking at them”

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“This Indiana Hoosier now resides in Alexandria, Virginia. A shy but ambitious X-Nailz diva, Tonya has managed to carve out a successful career in the federal government, just outside of Washington, DC. And like her male counterparts, she attends formal functions, professional networking events and fundraisers, where her nails always turn heads and spark conversa-

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tions. Tonya has mastered the long, full, curvy, squared tip style that only looks good on the right size hands. She generally stays away from multicolored gimmicks preferring to do straight uniformed hues (lemons, pinks, reds and green). Always in designer dresses and flaunting Tina Turner-ish legs, Tonya is always campaign ready”

When you meet this X-Nailz Diva you’re immediately mesmerized by both her naturally gray eyes and those truculent talons. Her nails always seem to be functioning independently of their owner. Especially the thumbs that uniquely curve almost into a half moon.

Her claw nail affect and warm colors always seem to blend in with her penetrating eyes. Vernadette is married and the mother of three children. Although now retired, Ms. V has a long history of customer service and management in Delaware. Lastly, if you’re ever fortunate enough to make her acquaintance, just think about that MTV 80’s hit song, “Bette Davis Eyes”’.

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Melinda Nail Fanatic “Now, before you start stereotyping, hear me out! How many nail artists do you know that can boast of skills in painting, designing, motivational speaking (Law of Attraction coach), tarot reading and is a Certified Master Nail Artist?

I’ll wait! Well, I know of only one person who fits that description, Melinda Nail Fanatic. And yes, she is Asian (straight outta Vietnam), but she’s got the American hustle game on lock! Based in Las Vegas, her salon is a virtual renaissance

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museum where she performs some of the most risqué nail styles and shapes you’ll ever see. Looking for something different? Melinda has the Predator Claws, Duck Feet, 90-degree angled squares and Slasher Stilettos. With an endless array of entertainers, athletes and foreign businessmen for clientele, she is booked solid for two months or more. I think it’s pretty fly to have a tarot card reading, receive a ‘sick’ tattoo and have your nails done, all at the same joint.”

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The O.G. of X-Nailz Lena Cole let’s finally put to rest a long standing rumor and get the some fact checking started.

Let’s go back to 1979 when a young Texan woman decided to make public, her unique form of artistic expression (that would later change the way western culture viewed fingernails forever). That same women would go against the grain and ignore the Nay Sayers.

Instead of shunning negativity & scrutiny, she basked in it! Brandishing her X’treme Digits with pride, not prejudice.

While most would have succumb to the social morays and cultural unrest (of that time) this chic persevered.

Oh Did I mention that this former English Major was also drop dead gorgeous? Some claim her body was sculptured by the Greek Gods.

Anyway this was a time when women (blacks in particular) were sub-

ject to lots of discrimination, prejudice, stereotype, and abuse). But this woman “Dared 2 Be Different.

Nailz Game! Her unapologetic approach to her personal expression of self is unprecedented.

Her name you ask? Allow me to introduce Ms. Lena Cole.

Lena Cole has inspired thousands of women (and men) to “ignore the taboos”. It was Lena Cole’s Claw-audacity that paved the way for future Nailz Divas Grace Jones, FloJo, Gail Devers, Coko, Fergie, Gwen Stefani, RIHANNA, KeKe Palmer, Zendaya, Kaylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Cardi-B and Meagan thee Stallion.

Lena Cole is X’treme Nailz Internationals Brand Ambassador and a Fashion Nailz Pioneer. Simply put Lena Cole, is the original gangster of the X’treme Nailz culture.

Lena Cole arvanguard approach landed her several TV shows and personal appearances (in the pre-reality TV era) Lena was the first to do the Geraldo Rivera show.

She was the first X’treme Nailz Diva asked to appear on the Howard Stern show. And she changed how people viewed X’treme Nailz with her guest appearances on the Sally Jessie Rafael show.

Although there are some charlatans who claim (they are the first to rock the long claws) Lena Cole is the only one that can document that SHE changed the X’treme

Lastly for those of you who need some context, in the early 80’s there were only two (2) African American women who were identified by their Long Nails. Vocalist Glodean White from Barry Whites “The Love Unlimited Orchestra” and Lena Cole (Mic Drop).

Currently Lena Cole is writing her autobiography and developing an X’treme Nailz Reality show.

This confirms Lena Cole as the O.G. of X’treme Nailz.

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Lynette Renee Speed

Talks

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I have been intrigued and fascinated by long nails since I was a little girl. My grandmother was my first experience of seeing a woman with long polished nails. She was a self-taught “beautician” that used her long nails to help while curling hair with hot irons. Miss Gwen took pride in her nails, carefully maintaining them and changing the polish every few days. She had an advantage of owning many bottles of nail polish because she sold Avon products to supplement her many income streams. I didn’t know that babysitting, doing hair on the weekends, selling Avon and Sunday dinners were called multiple income streams. To me, it just meant she did what was necessary

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to provide for her family and have pretty nails.

As a child, I was a nail biter until my fourth grade teacher embarrassed me and said I’d never get a husband because I didn’t have pretty hands to make biscuits! I didn’t care about making biscuits, but I wanted a husband. I stopped biting my nails in sixth grade and started “borrowing” Miss Gwen’s nail polish. By the time I was in high school, I started babysitting on weekends so I had money to buy nail polish and shoes.

I was enamored with red nails for some reason. My mom didn’t allow me to have red nails because they were for ladies of the evening

and hussies. It didn’t matter to me that labels were placed on ladies with long red nails, I loved red nails! I was so in love with shiny polished nails that I changed my polish while in labor with my second daughter. I remember hearing the nurses talk about my long red nails as I gave birth. Before the nurse brought my newborn baby to me, she brought nail clippers and told me to cut my nails off so I wouldn’t scratch the baby. After a few choice words, she took the nail clippers away and brought my baby for nursing.

Fast forward 50 years. I have used various products and nail designs to lengthen and maintain my

nails. And, of course, I have been asked how I can do anything with long nails. Ahh...I learned to type, play the piano, make biscuits and anything else I needed to do. Long nails have been such a part of my life that I’ve just adapted to them.

I can’t imagine not having long glamour nails!

Both my daughters have seen me maintain long nails, and for many years they have had long beautifully manicured nails too. Long red nails have now become generational in my family because now my granddaughter has long nails!

Miss Gwen would be proud.

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“…I realized after trying to conform, trying to fit in, and going with the crowd, that I have never been comfortable with myself until I found out WHO I was.”—Brittney Jackson

he greatest and most important adventure of our lives is discovering who we really are.

So many of us walk around either not really knowing or listening to that little voice that gives us the wrong ideas about ourselves.

Therefore, we carry on in our daily lives without truly asking the most important question there is…Who am I really? This is the quest that X’Treme nail diva, Brittney Jackson has been on. After a trip to California, this twenty-six-year-old native of St. Louis, MO, decided to risk it all as she, her new husband and young son relocated to San Diego, CA to follow her dream of becoming that ‘in-demand’ nail tech and truly being herself. There is no doubt that she is well on her way!

Life always has its twists and turns.

As a child, we exist with the wide

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eyes of discovery absorbing everything around us. We are comfortable with life, and we enjoy the joys of being a child. Things begin to change as we enter our teens, we are no longer that cute little child, we are expected to think and act differently, more mature. How do we act more mature when we have no idea as to what mature is? We find ourselves looking to our surroundings, the adults in our lives, and our friends in the attempt of finding ourselves. We try to fit into the who’s, what’s and where’s we think we are supposed to be. Those were the challenges that this long-nailed diva faced as one of our youngest X’Treme Nailz’s up and coming nail techs. “You know, it was a process to become the person that I am. I was that girl who was afraid of what people thought. I was very insecure within myself, and I cared waaaaay too much. I was swayed, you know,

following the crowd. Doing what the crowd was doing just to ‘fit in’.

I was like that until my junior year of high school, when I met my best friend, and let me tell you, she was a fireball! It was her that broke me out of my ‘shy’ shell. I couldn’t talk, you know, use my voice to speak up for myself and she helped me with that. She showed me how to flirt, talk to boys and of course, just be myself. Then one day while out with my grandmother at Walmart, I saw a woman all tatted up. She had more tattoos on her face that I have on mine! Her face was almost completely covered! I remember looking at her like a stalker or something because of how hard I was staring (laughing). I’ve always thought that beauty had its uniqueness, but to be someone that stands out and knows that she stands out is what’s beautiful to me. To stand out and not look like the rest, whether

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it’s with nails, without nails, makeup, no make-up, or whatever it is that sets you apart from everyone else is the most beautiful and liberating thing! That’s when I realized that I would never be comfortable with myself until I found out who I was!”

With her unique look and style, this beauty is following her dream.

She recently enrolled in the spa nail program at Bellus Academy where she is studying to be a licensed nail technician and in the future possibly achieve her cosmetology license. But right now, Brittney’s concentration is nails! Tattooed from head to toe and accompanied by almost as many piercings, Brittney knows she has already captured the attention of many.

Extremely talented in her own right, she does hair, braids, locs, eyelashes, quick weaves and pretty much anything else under the cosmetology umbrella, so why nails?

“I still do hair and makeup and all of that, but it’s just something for me to do when I’m getting cute for the day. I don’t really want to do it as a business, so I’m just going to stick to the nails. Besides, nails are beautiful, and I think they’re really sexy! I love the clicking sounds and doing the hand gestures when your nails are looking flawless. That’s when I love wearing those big old diamond rings. I don’t know, I just love everything about nails! My grandmother, she’s passed away now, had long fingernails and that is how I really got into them. She raised me and my siblings and her nails were naturally long, fiercely strong, thick nails and I used to love painting them when I was younger. So, nails are the life over here! They really are! I’m a girly girl anyway so, anything that helps the look, I’m with it!”

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As we further talked with Brittney, we discovered that although she had been wearing her nails X’Treme for some time, it would be January of this year that she started doing them herself. After refusing to continue to spend “close to a car payment” each month on her nails just for the length, this newbie decided that she could not only do this, but she could design them as well without the salon prices and wear them at whatever length she desired! And so, it began! “I’d already been wearing long nails, but with the prices I was paying for my length at the salons, I couldn’t afford the designs I wanted. Now, I am doing my own nails which are about three inches with whatever designs I can think to create!

If it hadn’t been for the expense, I would have worn them like this a long time ago but, would I be living my dream now? Before I moved to San Diego, I worked as a machine operator working with machinery.

I had to wear gloves and my nails would only fit just inside of the gloves, so this length would have never worked. Right now, they are screaming sexy, and I love it!”

Although Brittney is living her dream, picking up everything and moving across the country is not always an easy thing to do. St. Louis was her home. Her immediate family and friends were there, her job was there, everything Brittney had come to be familiar and comfortable with would be left behind. However, after the continuous reminiscing of a weeklong vacation in San Diego, Brittney was not only thinking about moving to California, but she was actually doing it! And her husband? What were his thoughts?

“My husband loves my nails and is really proud that I am giving my-

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self this chance. Ever since I originally started cosmetology school after high school, I was in a situation where I had to do what I had to do. I kind of put my hopes and dreams on the back burner, you know. I had a child and life was all about him and his needs. However, when COVID happened, I was going to have my nails done one way or another and all the salons had closed! This would be the first time that I had ever had my nails done in someone’s home. Anyway, this lady had a shop set up in her home and did a wonderful job and I was like, I can do this, have a shop in my home and do nails, and my husband was 110% behind me.

He told me that if this was really what I wanted to do, he would support me. I wouldn’t have to contribute to the household expenses and could spend my money on nail supplies and equipment. He even agreed and supported me when I said that I wanted to move to San Diego and go back to school to obtain my license. I never would have had the opportunity to do this if it hadn’t been for him. I’ve never had anyone to support me or hold me down financially while I invested in myself or helped support my child! So, my husband loves me.

He loves my nails. He loves the length and everything. He really does and always has! (laughing) Now the challenge was getting them to stay on! But, once I got the nails to stick without popping off, (that was a struggle because I was teaching myself) I knew I would be okay. You can only learn so much from YouTube and experience!

Then I had some so-called friends that wouldn’t even let me practice on them for free, but I kept believing in myself and practicing and studying some of the other technicians’ techniques and finally, I got

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it and my husband was there the whole way cheering me on!”

We decided to talk about some of the things that go along with being a long-nailed diva. The cons.

We already know that Brittney loves her nails and has nothing but pros regarding wearing them, but what if any, are the cons? “Cons?

Of course, there are none wearing them, because no matter what anyone says, I’m not changing. But it’s the negative attention that my nails attract. You know, I hear the little comments when I’m at the store. There are ignorant things that people say, “How do you wipe yourself?” “I bet you don’t do anything with those nails!” People can be ignorant, or they assume that we don’t work or that we are not clean, like there’s dirt or something under your nails. There are people with short or no nails at all that are dirty, and no one comments or asks them questions. You know the maintenance on its own can be expensive, artificial nails or not.

We care about how we live, and we are spending all of this extra money and time on these long, beautiful “talons’’ (That’s what someone called them, and I had to ask, ‘What the heck is a talon?’ laughing) just to have them unkempt? So, I don’t see cons, just ignorant people and I set them straight on the comments that they make. I’m used to people’s ignorance. I have tattoos from my head to my toes, so before my nails, it was my tattoos. Then the comments were, “I bet you don’t have a job with all of those tattoos.”

“Why would you put tattoos on your face?” Just rude comments, so it didn’t surprise me when the nails were added to the comments!” I humbly agree. Why is it that people are quick to project their disdain on someone else’s happiness or in-

dividuality, and why do long nails attract so many of these negative comments? Unfortunately, these comments are projected on us by other women! Make this make sense! For this young lady, I am admiring her strength and courage to express her individuality. I’m enjoying her vibe and that hint of rebellion against society’s norms. She’s evolved and discovered who she is.

She loves her tattoos, her locs, her piercings, her independence, her nails, her truth and she is owning it all while perfecting her craft and I told her so! “Yes, thank you, because you can’t fake it, you know.

If you’re living in your truth, it rolls off your tongue, a lie is something that you have to think about. So, if there is even a small piece of a lie, it is going to be hard for a whole person to put it completely together.

That’s the uniqueness of it all. The individuality!”

With her individuality, we wondered if there was anyone that she admired in the entertainment or nail industry, and we were pleasantly surprised with her answer.

Although she acknowledged, but not admired some entertainers, her admiration went to another X’Treme nail diva. “When I think of who I admire in the nail game, it’s this badass technician in New Jersey, Maria Ortiz! I’d watch her videos on Facebook and then I started looking at her YouTube videos and just felt like, that’s exactly where I should be! I’ve never been around women that love long nails. All I’ve ever heard was that mine were too long and all the other negative comments that come along with them. Now here is a woman whose artsy nails were longer than mine and she was servicing other women whose nails were way longer than hers! I just felt

like I wanted to be a part of her circle! She was my inspiration! I was so thrilled that I kept watching her and started wearing my nails longer and longer. I wasn’t doing nails at this point, so I had to keep everything within my budget. But I just loved her and oh my God, her nails were so beautiful, and they had the perfect curve, not twirling or anything, just perfect! I just thought they were gorgeous! She was such an inspiration to me that I knew I wanted to do long nails! I also loved that she has built a sisterhood with other women with long nails, which was something that

I never had. I never had the support system in my hometown. I’ve never seen anyone in real life with the X’Treme nails, not even in the salons! I’d love to see other women wearing them and this is what I absolutely loved about her! She is surrounded by them! I just felt like she could be my friend! When she came out to her girls and the love they had for her, honey, I thought that was the best! I mean, I loved it! I sent her a friend request about a year and a half ago and then cancelled it because I didn’t think she wanted to be friends with me.

Recently, I decided to resend my

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request, and it was accepted! Yes, I really admire her! I admire her courage, her work, her art, and she has been my inspiration to be in this business and to wear and service the X’Treme nails.” NOTE: After this interview, I spoke with Maria and shared Brittney’s admiration for her. Maria was genuinely surprised and humbly honored as she returned the love and wished nothing but success to Brittney.

Like Maria, I also speak into existence Brittney’s success as she works towards accomplishing her goals. This journey has been a huge part of her personal and spiritual growth as she has stepped out on faith, believing in herself and her destiny. I asked what she would say to those who may be thinking of following their dreams, but are afraid and she stated, “I would say, whatever it is, a look, a career path, or whatever life decisions you want to make, give yourself a chance, don’t knock it until you try it. Trust me, I mean I’ve never lived anywhere else but St. Louis. My husband and I came to San Diego for a vacation. People were flocking to me everywhere I went because of my nails and speaking positivity as if I were a star! I never got that at home, so I took that chance to make a move that is going to be the most rewarding and where my individuality would be accepted. You know, like they say, ‘You don’t start until you reach the end of your comfort zone’, and you know what, that’s a true statement!”

That statement is well beyond her years and Brittney has learned to depend upon herself and God. No longer trying to fit in or dwell on the mistakes of her past, she is moving on, writing her next chapter. That is amazing on its own.

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“I realize who I am, the way that I look, not the appearance thing, but who I am as a person. It’s more diverse in California than probably anywhere else in the country.

There are no clicks to follow and when you break it down financially, race, ethnicity or whatever, everyone is different here! So, packing up that 26-foot truck and driving from Missouri to California was really a scary thing because if anything happens to my husband, it’s just me and my son! That’s it!

But I prayed about this and asked for guidance and did it! It’s scary, it really is, but you can believe I got a life insurance policy as soon as I got here! I sure did! (laughing) I’m building myself up as well. This isn’t a finished chapter, you know.

I get insecure, I second guess myself, I worry if this was the right decision, but hey, I’m a Virgo, so I overthink and analyze everything.

There’s no A, B, or C option for me.

I must have the whole thing. I’ve always been afraid of making decisions because a lot of the decisions I’ve made in the past have placed me in some of the worst positions.

I’m not going to force religion on anyone but having God in your life and in your heart definitely helps!”

How true! Most of us do believe and trust in a power higher than ourselves to guide us through these winding roads of life. The thing about our journey is, it’s our journey. Whichever way, whatever decisions that we make along the way, good or bad, are part of our learning experiences, growth, and our discovery of who we are! We’re not going to make the perfect decision every time, but we must trust the process. Once we do, we then discover our own individuality and our definition of success. “For me, if I made less money doing nails than

I did working in the factory, I’d still choose nails. They give me peace; they allow me to make others as well as myself feel good. They allow me to create and be my authentic self! To do what I love to do and get paid for it, that’s my definition of success!”

We asked if there was anything else she wanted to say to our audience before we closed and she stated, “I’d like to say, what’s stopping you? People will always find a problem no matter what you do, how you do it or whatever it is pertaining to. If you try to be a people pleaser you will never make the right person happy, yourself!

I love my nails and when I don’t have them, I feel like a part of me is missing. I can’t go without them!

You know that’s like a woman, you know walking around with no eyebrows! We need them! I did that once when my brother accidentally shaved one off. I ended up shaving off the other one, but I learned how to draw quickly and very well! (laughing) You know, it just doesn’t matter who we are, we just need to feel good about ourselves!

We need to live in our authentic truth, in our individuality! Well said, young lady and welcome to knowing who you are!

You can find Brittney at: Facebook: Bonita Chica Instagram: @BonitaChica94

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“I’m always telling people I am never in competition with anyone else. I’m always trying to be the best ME because nobody can do me­—I am me. You know what I mean? It’s just like, I can’t do you, YOU are the best at doing you.”

—Deborah Frew

resident of Grand Rapids, MI, Deborah is a mother, nail technician, make-up artist, tattoo artist and has been exploring the realm of plus-size modeling and other avenues that incorporate art.

Most of all, Deborah is being Deborah! “I love expressing myself.

I’m not a person who judges anyone, but this is who I am and how I look. I love me and am doing my thing! Being 38 years old and looking like I look like the artist that I am, I’m just coming hard with everything that I do so that you see it, not just on my face, but in my work itself.” Going hard with everything that she does has been the foundation of Deborah’s survival. We

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all make choices in life to either wallow in our misfortunes or move forward with the determination to succeed. The latter has been her choice and motivation. “As long as you are doing it to benefit you, and it does not affect your body negatively, it has nothing to do with anyone else. I always try to spread positive and uplifting encouragement to the next woman, because I grew up with nothing. My mother wasn’t rich. She wasn’t financially stable. We grew up on welfare and we grew up in the hood, you know what I mean? I guess I just know from my circumstance and my past, that was not who I wanted to be or to pass that life on to my children, so I poured all of that

into my art.” Deb shared she would and still recreates her moods through her make-up artistry. “I’ve drawn clouds, or thunderstorms, or whatever on my face accenting my makeup and then added a blue wig to match. It’s something that I enjoy and am creative with.

I remember back in the day when we had the ‘Lisa Frank’ trend. I did a makeup look to that and when they came out with the palette, I used every shade on my face and down my neck. Literally, any form

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of art keeps me focused and constantly growing, wanting to try new things and push the limits to always making someone extra!

When they say, ‘Deb, do me up’, I’m pulling out EVERYTHING!” Go for it, Deb! Do you, and as part of the art industry, really go for it!

You are a free spirit and pushing that envelope to the edge is being who you are!

X’Treme Nailz: How long have you donned extreme nails?

Deborah: Well, I’ve been wearing extreme nails for about three to four years, and honestly, before then I was not a nail girl!

X’Treme Nailz: So, how did the nail game come into play?

Deborah: Well, I’m constantly painting, even with nails on. I’m one of those artists that use their nails as the ‘painter’s pod’ where I place little drops of different colors that I am using on my thumbnail

and paint from it. Of course, I always end up with paint all over them. I don’t let my nails set me apart from what I’m doing, because I pour all of myself into my work. Back to your question, I started doing nail shows for IBS (International Beauty Show) and the ISSE (International Salon+Spa Expo). Because I was the only one who had nails that differed from everyone else that worked with us on our team, I was the person to show the product. So, as an artist, I had to cut the design, put crystals on the nails and basically sell the product. Soon I was selling over $100K worth of products for them and it grew my Instagram followers as well. Everyone started saying, “Hey this girl is really on to something over there.” I did classes with Cardi B’s nail artist, Jenny Bui, and Glam Susie from the UK and wore my nails X’treme, too.

It was a pleasure having a chance to just meet them and experience things regarding the nails and trying to work with them. That, (working with the nails) became the task that I had to master. So, for a year, I didn’t want to keep the nails on because I wasn’t used to maneuvering with them. Now, they are okay, and they’re X’Treme!

X’Treme Nailz: Absolutely! If you aren’t used to your nails being long, there is no way you can work with them. You’re having an amazing run in this industry! The experiences that you’ve had are some that few veterans in the game have ever experienced. Now that you’ve gotten used to the extremes, how long are they?

Deborah: Um, right now they are probably about two inches. I usually will wear them about three and a half, but not longer than

that. Now, my clients? They’ll do the whole tip! They are usually about four, five and six inches and they’ll let me dangle little charms and things from them. (laughing) Now, for me, I don’t think that I could function with being to their extreme with the dangles and keep it all together.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, wearing the dangles can be challenging, but not impossible. I remember wearing the dangles when my nails were about five to six inches. My challenge comes when you are not only responsible for your children and household chores, but being a stylist as well. There would be times that the dangles would become tangled in the hair during a client’s shampoo. However, that was resolved when I hired a shampoo person! So, yes, I can relate!

What if any are the pros or cons of being in the X’Treme nail community?

Deborah: I grew up by myself from a young age, so, doing nails I’ve learned from my clientele. Their talks and experiences helped me raise my daughters. I wasn’t raised by my mother. I had been a ward of the state since the age of nine.

When I turned fourteen, I moved out on my own. My brother got me an apartment and I’ve been on my own ever since. These women have come into my life and shared stories of what they’ve gone through, and you sort of become like a counselor. I developed a kind of motherly family where I’ve learned from these women and I’ve cried with these women. I’ve lost some of them. Over the years, they have passed away or things just happened. But the bonding and the friendships, learning how to be a woman, have all kept me grounded

when I was going through things myself. These women were like mothers, sisters. Some have been the ‘Grannies and Aunties’ saying things like, “Baby, you need to get it together and get you some Jesus!”

I feel like I’ve learned life lessons from these women and I’ve been able to take these lessons and teach my children! I’ve never had these relationships growing up, so these experiences by far are my pros of being in the nail community!

X’Treme Nailz: That’s the ‘ole school’ version of empowerment when the older generation would sit down with the younger generation and drop a little knowledge on them!

Deborah: Yes! You know, when I was young, I had to learn how to hustle and how to pay my bills, so in ninth grade I started designing nails. I’d be at school and I needed an avenue for money, and the only avenue I knew was to have a job. At that age, you could only work twenty hours a week, and I needed more money, so it worked out. Word of my art spread and everyone wanted me to draw or create something for them. Later, I started seeing other people’s work (nails) that were thick or bulky and I started fixing them and making them more attractive and I found the beauty in that. Life then takes you through things and I stopped for a while. After having my children, I decided I needed something secure in my life. At 24, with three children and nothing to show for it besides the entire world of craziness I had going on, I attended cosmetology school. After a year, I graduated and continued on to manicuring school to complete everything. I then began getting opportunities to travel and pres-

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ent at the nail shows doing what I loved. None of this was really in the plan because I didn’t have the confidence. I didn’t believe in myself, nor did I think that my talent was that amazing or would go as far as it had, so getting the attention was crazy to me! Even now, I still love what I do and I’m still flattered that so many people like to see and appreciate my art! I really don’t have any cons, but this is another pro!

X’Treme Nailz: We normally don’t know what our genuine gifts are until we actually sit down and listen to that little voice and follow it.

Deborah: Yeah, and that it has given me self-confidence. I never wore makeup before, I never wore weaves. I did none of that. Once the creativeness of the nails began, I started getting into makeup, painting my face, coloring my hair, painting canvases and murals, all of that. My confidence opened up everything, even tattooing! I figured if I could draw on a nail, I could draw on skin, you know?

X’Treme Nailz: I’ve always loved art and I’m so inspired by your journey and I am sure others will be as well. You are the story behind the story, which is the reason Jonathan created this platform. It allows our readers to see the genuine women internationally, behind the nails, the art, the makeup, and the industry.

Deborah: I’m humbly flattered and I’m amazed! I was in shock when I received this message to do this interview. Even though there are so many people who think my work is amazing, I still feel like I am always strengthening, perfecting what I’m doing. I am overjoyed

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with flattery and amazement, and I am very appreciative.

X’Treme Nailz: On the other side of the artistry, you decided to either stay in despair, or to bring yourself out for not only yourself, but your children. You’ve done that and I wholeheartedly commend you. .

Deborah: My children are all the family that I have. I don’t have an extended family. My mother and sister have since passed away, so my children and I are it.

I don’t have a choice but to strive every day. I get up, grow and try to show them that there’s always something better. You know what I mean? Motivation and determination no matter how devastated you are, or what’s going on in your life. Hanging on to that motivation and determination has gotten me through even some of my hardest times in life. Having children and going through what I was going through, you honestly will see some of my best work when I’m struggling the most. It’s really crazy because all of that focus gives me life! It tells me, “You may go through something right now, but you’ve still got it, Baby!”

When my oldest daughter (now an inspiring MUA) was going through struggles as a teenager or just growing up, I could instill dreams and aspirations that she continues to follow now that she is twenty-one. That speaks life to my soul because I always want to uplift others.

X’Treme Nailz: You’re doing that.

When I listen to you share some of your history, you’ve touched people without knowing you’ve touched them, because somebody’s watching you, they see what you’re doing, and they like it! You have the tal-

ent, the personality, passion, and determination which have made you successful in attracting the clientele. You are reaching those that want to be near you. They want a piece of that, you know, a piece of your work and they want it on their nails, their faces, or they may want to permanently tattoo it on their skin. Either way, in some form or fashion they are wearing a piece of you!

Deborah: And you can’t ask them more than that. It’s just something that I love to do. Like I said, having not grown up with a big family or anything like that, nails have kind of brought me around many people who feel like they’re broken, or are going through rough times and devastation, making me humble myself. It’s more like you are going through this right now, but this person just told you they are going through that and it’s ten times worse than whatever you’ve got going on, so you need to be grateful! There are also the times when your client speaks or texts you positively and you are feeling the love.

You then know that you are sending positive vibes to the universe and that makes me humble and grateful as well. I take these things home and teach my daughters so that they are raised with these life lessons that I never got to learn.

X’Treme Nailz: Speaking it into the atmosphere, where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Deborah: I would love to have my salon. If not this one, then a building of my own. As an artist, I want to make my salon something lavish and unforgettable! I’d like to have a space that offers not only nails and pedicures, but lashes, hair, maybe body massages, tattooing, any-

thing that it empowers any woman to do. I want to support that. I want this to be a place where you can come and get whatever from here with a little store inside offering strip lashes or little outfits.

I like to make my own clothes, so no one will wear the same thing.

Unique one-of-a-kind pieces!

X’Treme Nailz: Living in Grand Rapids, do you see a lot of work like yours up there?

Deborah: Just on the shape or longevity, there is a difference. My nails can last between one to two months on average. I also teach nail education on their first visit because a lot of the clients are coming to me with damaged, sore nails or little rings of fire from being drilled too deep into the nail beds or nail matrix, causing the damage. I also teach my natural nail clients on how to take care of their nails, because even though you don’t stand on the walls of your house, you still need them! To answer your question, no, I don’t see a lot of my work up here. I’m always advocating for healthy nails, teaching them how to take care of them from the first time they come to me and throughout our relationship, whether they are wearing natural nails.

X’Treme Nailz: Is it fair to say that your nails speak for themselves?

Deborah: Yes, I can say that. I’ve been in competitions here where I’ve been voted number one in the state of Michigan. I feel like they set aside my work in my clientele because I spoil them like crazy! I have a very wide range of clientele because I’ve been doing nails for so long, making my clientele steady.

Attracting new clientele hasn’t

been difficult for me either. If I am wearing my nails, I am always asked who does them.

My clients are always telling people who do their nails or when they are seen, some people already know that I am the tech that created their designs.

X’Treme Nailz: How does that make you feel?

Deborah: It makes me feel like I am the best at being me. Everyone says that there’s competition between nail techs who are the best. I am the best at being me, so if I am giving you my best, then that’s the best. I can’t be the next person. I can’t do what they are doing. I like to artistically, creatively and unequivocally be me!

X’Treme Nailz: Do you have a signature color?

Deborah: I don’t like color on my nails. I’ll be extra with the stones, but I can’t find a color that I actually like, so sometimes they are just a plain soft color.

X’Treme Nailz: Wow! Now that was a surprise answer!

Deborah: It throws me, too! (laughing) I’ll color my face and my hair. I have every color wig that could be imagined, but my nails, I don’t know. I can do pastels, but not colors.

X’Treme Nailz: Who inspires you or you feel is trending right now?

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Deborah: Cardi B most definitely.

I’ve seen over the years, just the fact that she is so extra with her nails, it causes the girls to come in and ask for the ‘Cardi B’ nails.

I would also say that Megan the Stallion is bringing out the lipstick or ballerina shape. Both were common a while back, but since Megan did it, everyone is on it now. Those two have nailed the nails and are definitely trending and probably Ivy Queen as well.

As this interview was coming to a close, having talked like old friends for well over an hour, I came to understand that it’s not the nails that keep this young lady moving, it’s her passion to give. Through her conversation, being in her chair, conversing with these women, giving them a piece of herself through her art, brings her genuine joy. It’s cathartic. “I never look at nails as a job. I’ve always seen them as something that constantly motivates me. It makes me grow and has taught me compassion. The ability to be as creative as I can, allowing everything to come out. But the thing that is the most important to me is that I go to work every day not feeling like it’s work, but like I am amongst friends. I can be and express myself. I can uplift these women. Being there to support another woman is so important because you just never know what’s going on, what they have been through or what they need and you are the one that lightens that load, at least for that day! So, I guess, I know nails are nails and clients are clients, but to me, you know, it’s kind of different.”

Being the artist that she is, Deborah’s plans are to enter an annual event, ArtPrize 2022. They hold this event in Grand Rapids’ down-

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town every September, where people can vote on the best art piece over a course of about two months.

Deborah is considering a piece dedicated to none other than, you guessed it, Nails! “Only this sculpture will be made of waste materials like furniture or wood from sofas, used lettering and building signs. Instead of using new plastic, new metals and new wood, the older pieces that are lying around will be recycled, saving the world at the same time so that we can see how much waste is being thrown into our oceans.”

X’Treme Nailz: Well Deb, we’ve covered so much, is there anything else that you want us to know before we close for now?

Deborah: You know, I’ve never really had anything growing up and I’ve always wanted to have something. I want to teach my daughters that no matter what, even me as 38 years old, with the photoshoots that I’m doing and the nails, makeup and tattooing, you know, you can have a hustle at every avenue. You don’t have to have one thing. I also teach them that nothing or no one ever may define you.

I am supposed to be a statistic. I am someone who they probably thought would abuse their children, or use drugs or something like that. Instead, I took an entire lifetime of pain and suffering and turned that around and into something that I am proud of and that brings me joy! I will not pass on that generational trauma to my children. I’m going to show them better, you know? So I don’t really know if there’s a right or wrong answer to that question.

X’treme Nailz: There is no right or wrong answer. There’s only YOUR

answer and no one can answer this better than you.

I truly enjoyed talking with Deborah. Her determination to overcome the hands that were dealt to her is a true testament to her strength and her courage. Determined to make a better life for her children than what was afforded her, she has with the love and support of the village she created not only as customers, but women who took her and her family under their wings as an extended part of their families. They instilled the missing values, the nurturing, love and affection that she could then pass on to her own children.

This shows that there is more to just working in a salon. Deborah has learned that regardless of age or circumstances, it still takes a village! Jocelyn Sanchez said it best. “Our past doesn’t define us, rather, it’s the course we take after that that tells us who we really are.” Thank you Love, for telling us who you really are and on behalf of X’Treme Nailz, I wish you nothing but peace and prosperity as you continue to make a difference not only in your life, but in the lives of others.

You can find Deborah at: Facebook: beautifiednailz or Deborah Frew Instagram: @beautified_nailz1 Email: deborahfrew1@gmail.com

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“I’m not just saying anything to boast, but you have to live and experience, otherwise, you’ll never get anywhere. You’ll just be existing. Living is what life is all about, discover what you love and enjoy” -Mz. ReeRee

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Every so often in life, we come across some amazingly talented people, and we can’t help but to ask, “Is there anything that you cannot do?” For this beauty, that statement rings true. In between the taping for her upcoming show, the talented “Mz. ReeRee” paused for a minute, allowing us a glimpse into what makes her a gift to all who know her.

X’Treme Nailz International diva, Shareece “Mz. ReeRee’’ Gregory, is single, creative, a successful hairstylist, make-up artist, fashion designer, published personal stylist, abstract artist, interior designer, property rehabber, an amazing cook, talk show host, and Houston, TX resident by way of St. Louis, MO by way of Chicago, IL! Yes, that was a mouthful, but so is the life of this diva!

Inspired by the late and great American and world female track and field record holder, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Mz. ReeRee, as well as those of us in that era, admired ‘Flo Jo’ and her four to six inches of brightly decorated X’Treme nails and fashionable track gear. Soon, Mz. ReeRee would be enjoying the pleasure of donning her own. “The first time I got my nails done, I immediately fell in love with them! I loved the way they made my hands look. I loved the way they made me feel.

I just loved everything about them, and I understood what women who had them felt as well. During the pandemic, at one point I took them off and I was like, as soon as everything opens back up, I’m getting out there and my nails will be back, because I couldn’t stand looking at my hands with nubby fingers! (laughing).

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Although her nails are currently about two and a half inches long, this veteran X’Treme diva, has been in the nail game for well over thirty years where she has sported her own X’Tremes with lengths reaching four to five and a half inches long. Mz. ReeRee was a nail diva when X’treme nails were not so popular. There were no drills, no masks, and no pre-shaped nail tips. These moderately new à la carte were hand sculpted and physically buffed to perfection! A work of art, and unless you were bold enough to showcase them in your everyday life, the only places they were usually seen were worn by entertainers, at the nail shows, or on the track with ‘Flo Jo’! “I remember when I first moved to St. Louis from California,” Mz. ReeRee stated. “This was around 1986 when the Vietnamese were just coming to Los Angeles doing nails. We’re talking about the era when a set of nails cost about $12, and the fill-ins were literally around $5! Literally! The big trend then was the ‘Eagle claws’ with the bright nail polishes and all kinds of designs on them and that’s what I was wearing! Now when I moved from California, my mother was like, “What the hell is going on with these long, curved nails?” Now, not only did I have these ‘long, curved nails’, but I was dark-skinned and rocking ‘blonde’ hair! Completely unheard of! At the time my mother was working for T.W.A., and she told me, “You know you’ll never be able to get a job at T.W.A.!” Now, you already know you didn’t dare talk back to Mama, but under my breath, I sure said, “I’m not trying to get a job with T.W.A.!” (laughing) Hey, I was a stylist doing what a stylists does…..expressing that creative artist within myself!” Trust me as

a former stylist myself, I totally understood and agreed, we are a different and unique breed!

Although we’ve come a long way from those days, I wondered if Mz. ReeRee found many pros or cons over the years that accompany the title of being a donner of X’Treme nails. We wanted to know if she has a signature color or shape. Does she, like some divas, coordinate her polish with her outfits? If she has been asked that age-old question: “How do you wipe yourself?” to which she replies, “With toilet paper!” Mz, ReeRee then added, “Think about it. It’s like, come on now. Because I mean, it’s obvious we’re not using our nails on the most sensitive part of our bodies.

And, you know what? I tell them, if you scratch yourself, once you do it wrong one time, you will remember and you figure it out! You WILL figure it out! But when you’ve had long nails for so long, they’re like a part of you. I have more problems when my nails are short than when they are long! I took my nails off once for a day or two to get a fresh set, and I couldn’t type on the laptop or computer! I was pecking!

My depth perception was completely off because I’m not used to feeling my fingertips. I was typing and none of the words matched! (laughing) It feels weird though, right? Because you are not used to that. You know, and it’s the same for cutting and curling hair. I use my nails, so I don’t need a comb, I can finger the hair with my nails and make the little curly Q’s and all that stuff! Now when I don’t have my nails, I’m burning my fingers, cutting myself, you know, the simple things because I am not used to getting that close!” Boy, can I relate! It’s definitely a weird feeling. We both agreed that it is

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more difficult having no nails vs our lives with the long or X’Treme nails. Mz. ReeRee also stated that the only difficulty she has come across with nails was picking up change, but she’s mastered that and has gotten it down to a science! Another relatable challenge, as it seems to always happen at the checkout counter with a line of inquisitive spectators waiting to see what magic will be witnessed, or if they will be asked to step in to assist! But, like Mz. ReeRee stated, “We’ve got this! When you’ve had nails as long as ours, for as long as we have, you learn to adapt to these little hiccups.”

No longer coordinating her outfits with her nails, Mz. ReeRee has settled on wearing nude- colored polishes that match everything or at times opts for no color. There are still those moments or special occasions where she will add colors or designs! Her go-to, favorite, shape these days are the stilettos followed by the coffins. “I love the fact that they are coming up with new inventive things for us to do with our nails. I have like two ‘curly Qs on the end of my nails and when I get the corkscrews, I ‘m always asked, ‘How did they do this’ or ‘Can you open a wine bottle with them?’ I’m currently wearing the stilettos and I love everything about them, they are ‘art’ within themselves, and my customers love it! I can shampoo that hair and get between those wefts with these nails! I make sure that I keep them somewhat thick so that I don’t break them, or accidentally poke, so sometimes. I’ll go home and add a little more acrylic if needed. But for the most part, my nudes go with everything. You know when you get to a particular age, it’s like getting that one good

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purse that’s just right! That’s what the nude color does for me. Although Mz. ReeRee can maintain her own nails, she does go to a nail technician and reports that she’ll travel as far as an hour to have them done.

We asked if Mz. ReeRee had anyone in the entertainment field whose nails she admired as well as what her thoughts were regarding the platform X’Treme Nailz International has given to other X’Treme nail divas. To no surprise, we discovered that Cardi B., Megan the Stallion and Lizzo rounded off as her top three selections!

“I am loving this platform because you just never know where you’ll find like-minded people and now to be able to communicate and connect with divas all over the world, this platform is awesome!

In the late nineties, my nails were probably about the longest in the St. Louis area that we lived in. I would go to the store and people would gawk. I was soon known as “Shareece from California with the long nails”. (laughing) Now, I am seeing X’Tremes all over social media and I love the creativity! I appreciate that the nail industry has come around, and we are being emulated and accepted but it’s crazy that it has taken 25-30 years… but I believe that now with women of all ages enjoying the creativity, look and feel of having their nails done, it’s here to stay for a while!

Now these eyelashes? (laughing) As we were nearing the end of our interview, we decided to switch gears and briefly talk about the pandemic and the effect, if any, it may have had on her businesses.

It would be during the pandemic that Mz. ReeRee discovered

she had a hidden talent that had yet to be uncovered. Like most entrepreneurs, she was forced to sit still for a minute, refocus and allow creativity to blossom, and blossom it did! She found that she was an amazing abstract artist! As an interior designer, property rehabber, make-up artist and fashion designer/stylist, she has always loved color! Why not try her hand at being an artist? She started painting and found her niche in abstract artistry! To her list of ever-growing talent, now an array of acrylic/polymer coated abstract artwork has been added! She also utilized this downtime to tap back into her love of interior designing and re-decorated her studio and other projects. Always up for a new venture, she and her now co-host, Darrin Baker, share the spotlight in their new 30-minute podcast, “Make it Make Sense.” which will be airing soon on the female Black-owned streaming network, “Promote Her TV.” This free app can be found on, iPhone, Androids, Netflix, Roku, Firestick or any of the streaming platforms.

“The key to success is to keep people around you that want to see you succeed and are there to help you! This is why I enjoy the podcast. We get to give and receive this energy.”

Mz. ReeRee’s energy continues to pour as not only is she working on her podcast, but she was adding the final touches for her annual fashion show, “Curves on Purpose, Unmasking Alopecia.” Alopecia, commonly known as hair loss or baldness, is an autoimmune disorder that can occur in men and women causing them to lose their hair in patches (alopecia areata) or completely (alopecia) on any part

of the head or body. Male or female pattern baldness can leave lifelong, debilitating psychological effects on this that suffer from it. Mz. ReeRee decided after looking for foundations to support (none of which she could personally relate), to bring not only awareness to this disorder, but empowerment to those that suffer from it. As one that personally experiences the effect of alopecia areata, Mz. ReeRee exudes genuine passion to make sure that these men and women feel like kings and queens, with a Labor Day weekend filled with various workshops such as, self-love and empowerment, finding inner strength, introduction to modeling/runways, there are health and wellness sessions, understanding your finances, networking opportunities and more, finally ending with a fabulous fashion show where all are styled from head to toe with fashions from Mz. ReeRee’s clothing boutique, All 4 You Boutique!

Yes, she also has a boutique! At All 4 You Boutique, Mz. ReeRee styles and can personally design one-ofa-kind fashions for all shapes and sizes, men and women! “I love making people feel good. Some of these models have never had a makeover! I want them to leave this weekend feeling fully empowered and beautiful inside and out!

My fashions cover all sizes, but my favorite are the plus sized men and women! I love the plus-sized men, preferably with an average waist of 44-48”! Yes, the big men are normally forgotten, and they love to look good, too and I enjoy styling them!” This annual fundraiser is in its 5th year and each year it has grown to be bigger and better. We are close to selling out with people coming to Houston from all over the country! You

should come, it’s held every Labor Day weekend, with the meet-andgreet receptions on Friday night, workshops, fittings and rehearsals for the models on Saturday and closing with the fashion show on Sunday!” Now those that know me, know that I absolutely love fashion shows and this one is now marked on my yearly calendar!

As I ended our interview, allowing Mz. ReeRee to return to her taping, I remembered an earlier conversation where she stated that she was once told that the things she found to be her gifts were all over the place, and that each had nothing to do with each other. Well, I beg to differ as if you are a hairstylist, make-up artistry and nails are a branch of this art. If you love designing fashions, styling others, interior designing, rehabbing a home, and abstract painting, all are artistically connected to the aforementioned.

Co-hosting a motivational talk show and fundraising for a cause through fashion, is yet another ‘verbal’ extension to her creative craft as she shares and encourages her listeners and participants with much needed and inspirational information. Each area truly falls within her realm of her appointed gifts of serving others. To be this versatile is not to be viewed as “scattered”, but as living life to its fullest while enjoying and unifying all of the gifts that have been granted to us! I salute you, Queen as it has truly been an honor and a pleasure to share time and energy with you as you continue to enjoy this journey called life!

to join X’Treme Nailz International and Mz. ReeRee during her fun and informational filled Labor Day weekend fashion show extravaganza, Curves on Purpose, Unmasking Alopecia, as she celebrates those and brings awareness to others the beauty unmasked behind those with alopecia. When you see her, remember that her nails are an extension of her, and she is an extension of her nails!

Find Mz. ReeRee on: Facebook: Alll4youboutique

Facebook public figure: Mz. ReeRee Instagram: @alll4youboutique

Next year, and every year after, don’t forget

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Terrisita “...These days when I hear the word, “Bit**” I am no longer offended. I have taken that word and turned it into power! For me now, the word stands for those who prioritize themselves and I am that Bit** from mundane to life-changing decisions. This bad Bit** won’t seek approval or affirmation from anyone! ­—Terrisita n Greek mythology, the phoenix is a long-lived bird that regenerates or is born again, rising from the cloud of darkness or the ashes of her predecessor. This bird is symbolic and said to represent rebirth, hope, end of oppression, and eternity. And of course, the phoenix is ‘female’! How fitting! This diva has proven that her life represents the mythology of this mystical bird as she has risen from the ashes, reborn and determined to reclaim her life. Born in 1972 and raised in the South District of Harvey in Cook County, IL, Terrisita Johnson of Mexican (father) and African-American (mother) descent is the oldest of seven. “Well, I come from a pretty rough past. My

grandparents raised my sisters, my brothers and I, after my mother was in the streets, you know, drugs.

She was a heroin addict. I am the oldest of the seven, so I guess it’s kind of ironic that the oldest was also the wildest! My grandparents once said, Yeah, she’s going to be different. True, to fact, I was.”

A hard-core ‘material girl’, Terrisita looked up to Madonna. “I used to wear the bow ties in my hair, the lace gloves, the whole punk rock look from the eighties when Madonna came on the scene. I listen to rock, you know, and then I started wearing the pom-pom nails. I would say my personality was out there. I was also that person who experimented with a lot of things!”

Those of us that dons extreme nails

are a rare breed, anyway. We don’t mind the attention that our overall being brings. Some would look at Terrista’s statement and say that kids go through phases of identifying before they settle on who they truly are. However, for some kids, it may be the attention and wanting to ‘fit in’ and for others, it’s just them being themselves, wearing what they love. Either way, it differentiates you from others. For Terrisita, we wanted to know more.

X’Treme Nailz: For you to say that you’ve always been different, when did you recognize that?

Terrisita: I recognized I was different at 18. That’s when I started experimenting with my nails and actually started doing my own nails.

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X’Treme Nailz: That would still be during a period of your Madonna phase? How or were you accepted amongst your peers? Or did you just do your thing, stating that this was who you were?

Terrisita: It’s me! This is what I’m going to do. That was my attitude then, and that’s the attitude now.

I don’t care what people feel or think about me. During that time, though, people were nicer, so I was more accepted. I mean, now I will not lie, but the boys loved it! But the girls, oh boy, they would pull my hair all the time! Back then I was natural, and I had very long

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hair, so they were snatching my hair, saying things because they didn’t like my hair color, just being mean. I was always changing the color of my hair from green to pink, blue, you know, experimenting and I am still the same way to this day. Nothing has changed, except my age! (laughing) Today, Terrisita has come a long way. All grown up, she is a mother of seven, all adults except for her 15-year-old who is still at home and recently her 22-year-old returned home from Houston, TX. Still ‘doing her thing’, Terrisita wears her variety of wigs, weaves

and braids in an array of colors and styles adding that the longer the hair, the better! Did I mention she is also wearing her acrylic nails four inches long? Yes, and she has been wearing this length since 2005!

X’Treme Nailz: What do you find as the pros for wearing extreme nails?

Terrisita: I love the way they make my hands look. I wear the length of one extra long tip on my right hand and four eagle-curved tips on my left hand and I think they’re sexy; you know?

X’Treme Nailz: Oh, yes! I know! (laughing) That’s the answer across the board. We all love the way they look and the way we feel we wear them. There’s nothing like it! So this was the pro. What if any are the cons for you?

Terrisita: Cons? I don’t know if it’s bad, but some jobs will require you to remove them in order to work for them. For me, that’s the only ‘bad’ thing I see about wearing extremes other than you have to be careful and I’ve learned how to work with them. I’ve had children, I’ve changed diapers, I clean, cook and cut the grass, I do everything

that I would do with or without nails. Oh, tying my shoes! Now, I’m an open-toed or pump person, but I can wear the shoes that lace up my legs, now I can tie them! I will not lie, I’m country, so I mainly wear open-toe or slip-on boots.

You know all the comfortable shoes they have out now. COVID has been a blessing in that respect!

X’Treme Nailz: What are your goto styles or shapes?

Terrisita: They’re square with a slightly rounded edge at the corners. I don’t wear pointy stilettos, just mainly square or slightly

round. I’ve tried the stilettos, but I don’t do well with them, poking holes in everything and myself! (laughing) X’Treme Nailz: Do you have a signature color?

Terrisita: Red, but I’m versatile.

I’m constantly in the nail salon at least every two weeks where I switch up. I’m okay with that because that’s what we do! Each visit I get a different free-style design, where I let him do whatever he wants. About two months ago, I discovered this glow-in-thedark polish and wanted to see if

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you, this town’s not big and everyone knows me. They know me as ‘Terri with them looong nails’, and there’s always some comment. Last week, my tech stood up for me. He was like, “No, no, no, either be quiet or leave! This is my customer and I’ve had her for some years now.”

Then he said, “I’m tired of it! You see her in her all the time and you should be used to it by now. You’re acting like you’ve seen no one with extra long nails!” I get this all the time. Comments and the question of how I wipe myself with these girls. I would imagine it’s the same as everyone else. I see the turnedup noses, the eyeball rollings and I hear the whispering, all of this noise coming from other WOMEN!

X’Treme Nailz: With extreme nails, do you come across any challenges at the nail salons that you patronize?

X’Treme Nailz: Recently I was standing next to some ladies who spoke that same negativity about another female’s nails. Although my nails weren’t as long as hers, mine are still very long and at one time, they have been her length and longer. After hearing enough, I turned to them and they noticed my nails. They gave a compliment stating that they liked mine, but the other young lady’s were just way too long and disgusting! I mentioned to them we as women should be beyond tearing each other down because we don’t care for each other’s choices. Her choices and her nails have nothing to do with us or our bank accounts and I liked them!

Of course, the conversation ended, at least in my earshot! But, yes, we should be beyond that and appreciate each other’s uniqueness!

Terrisita: Well, this is where I get to talk about rudeness! I’ll try not to cuss, I have a dirty mouth, but I’m still a work in progress. Anyway, every time I go to the salon, mind

Terrisita: Exactly! People are just making noise! They don’t know me or the story behind me. For me, I feel before you pass judgement by just seeing my outside,

it worked. So after I got my nails done, I came home and put it over my designs and oh wow! I’m addicted now! But I rarely wear my nails plain. They are usually freestyle and if they are plain; they are all different colors. You already know, I’m very colorful!

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get to know me. The real me! The me behind the facial piercings.

The me behind my nails. The me behind my make-up and colorful hair! The REAL me is a mother.

I am an entrepreneur. I’ve come a long way, because back in the 80s-90s I had my downfalls and my life was totally out of control, running in those streets. I was on the spinning path of a downward spiral. That fast path to nowhere!

All of this I did with my extreme nails! But on March 27, 1999, I decided I would fight for my life and make a change, a rebirth. Since then, I’ve cleaned myself and my lifestyle up. I now go to the high schools and colleges, you know, talking to these kids about drugs, my story and different things about life. I’ve found my passion and I’ve invested time and money into myself for the first time while discovering more and more about ME. I knew that I’ve always loved hair and make-up, so I became a rep for Mary Kay and Avon and a distributor and lace front wig installer for Mayvenn Hair, which I still do as well as Avon to this day.

I started learning other businesses like affiliate marketing and social media advertising strategies.

I’ve been interviewed for Sharina World Magazine in 2020, became a blogger, social media influencer, beauty ambassador and creator, which has increased my social media following on Instagram alone to 23K. I love all fashions, and so forth. I recently put down new tile in my dining room. I put my own contacts in and apply my make-up and eyelashes. I am still a work in progress and still discovering all the wonderful things that are in store for me. I do all of this with my four inch nails that have caught your attention and are your con-

versations. So to that, I tell them, stay tuned!

X’Treme Nailz: Well said. There is so much we can learn from each other if we’d just ask. Therefore, I am glad that we have this platform because it allows a quick glimpse into our divas’ lives beyond the nails. Also, congratulations on your decision to choose sobriety!

Well done, and this platform and its community will continue to support you in this journey! With your hair, piercings, make-up and nails, you have a unique and eclectic style. Do you coordinate your nails with your looks?

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Terrisita: Actually, no I don’t. I used to, but now, I keep them the way they are for about two weeks and have them redone. I might scratch off one or two designs and redo them myself, but other than that, I just wait until I go back to the salon.

X’Treme Nailz: Outside of Madonna, what or who inspired you to even go extreme with your nails?

Terrisita: You know, I don’t even know! (laughing) I’m going to be honest with you, I just started doing it! Back in the eighties, I started out with the long press-on nails.

Then I added another nail to its length and was like, “Yes, the two tip extension, this is me right here” and later I started doing the same with the acrylic nails and it’s been me and my thing ever since.

X’Treme Nailz: An extension/expression of your personality, I get it. We all express our personalities in various forms. Some express their personalities in hair, others in nails, clothing, shoes, arts and decors, enabling us to be ourselves.

For me, I’m a shoe fanatic. I love shoes as much as I love my nails! I mean, I love clothes, my hair, and my nails, but, shoes? (laughing) Terrisita: (laughing) I am like that with my braids and wigs. I am just out-of-pocket with it! I’m extreme with that as well. Everything has to be extra-long with me! The braids have to go past my rear. If it’s a wig, it has to be extra long! So, yes, it becomes a part of the persona!

X’Treme Nailz: That means when someone sees you, they know who you are.

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Terrisita: They are going to know me! I’m different. I like nothing that is going to make me like everyone else. I don’t like plain things, like plain colors, turtlenecks, that kind of stuff. When I was in my twenties and thirties, I struggled with that. I had someone say the other day, “Wow, your lashes and your piercings, why did you get your mouth pierced like that?

Don’t you think you’re too old to be looking like that?” I told her, “No, I don’t. Why would I be too old?”

This is me and it’s what I like! But, I guess that’s what happens when you’re in a small town!

X’Treme Nailz: So there aren’t many people there with nails like yours.

Terrisita: There’s one or two more ladies here in Freeport and they work at the school board. So I would say there are about three of us altogether.

X’Treme Nailz: Who knows, you all may start a X’Treme Nailz trend in Freeport, IL! It’s been a pleasure and unfortunately, we are going to temporarily bring this conversation to a close. Before we do, is there anything that you want to say to our readers, outside of loving Cardi B’s nails? (laughing) Terrisita: (laughing) They’re not as long as mine, but they are at least two inches and she has the bling bling on them. Yeah, Cardi B is doing her thing with her nails!

But, I tell anybody, whatever you are working on, don’t stop. Don’t stop! You know, if you get tired, ill, agitated, that’s fine. Go ahead, rest for a minute, but get yourself back up. Never say it’s not worth it, you

know. I’ve gotten agitated and I’ve said that, but it only lasted a few days, then I’m right back pouring into myself and my vision. It makes me feel good and pushes me to explore and discover my strengths.

I’ve been through it all, the drugs and everything. I relocated and got my life together. Then in 2003, my sister was killed. It’s been a lot, but you keep moving and you don’t give up!

“Being different takes courage.

Stand up to the world and build the courage to be yourself. People don’t have to like you and you don’t have to care. STOP APOLOGIZING! It’s okay if your ideas, your styles, and how you present yourself to the world are different.

That’s what makes us unique. Be fabulous and be you!”---Terrisita To you, Ms. Terrisita Johnson, thank you for chatting it up with me! I truly enjoyed you and am looking forward to you having a brilliant future. By the way, you did good, girl. I didn’t have to cover too many words with ‘bleeps’! (laughing) continue to be fabulous and unapologetically, YOU! Much love!

Find Terrisita on: Instagram: @hairweavebossceo

ontiac, MI, was named after Pontiac, a war chief of the Ottawa people. This city is best known for the General Motors’ auto plants and now, it’ll also be known as the home of this long-nailed beauty, Trina Miller. Quiet and reserved, this diva’s fashion flair and style speaks loud enough for all to hear. X’Treme Nailz stopped by for a quick chat and was glad that we could hear her as well.

Trina’s father was a cosmetologist and, as the only girl in her family, her mother made sure that she represented properly. “I’ve always been classy. As the only girl, my mother made sure that I was dressed immaculately and my hair and nails were done!” While this little girl learned the meaning of class and style in hair and clothing, Trina, an admirer of long nails,

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would have to patiently await her turn to enter the world as an extreme nail diva!

Today, Trina is a mother of seven, five daughters and two sons.

She still loves hair, fashion and is a ‘self-proclaimed’ homebody. She loves interior decorating and creating a variety of DIYs. We asked how she initially came to love extreme nails and found that she admired an elementary teacher, her mother and godmother who all wore those inspiring nails. “I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to have long nails.

In 7th grade, I could finally at least wear the shorter ones. As I got older, I was allowed to have them longer.

There was a nail salon near where we lived and I spent so much time there, it became my second home!

I’ve now been wearing them long since 9th grade and I really believe that the longer nails and toenails are beautiful and sexy! I love it!”

“I’ve always felt different. I’ve never wanted to be a part of the in-crowd and for me, that was okay.”

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X’Treme Nailz: Trina, your father is a cosmetologist. Have you ever thought to follow in his footsteps? Now, being an extreme nail wearer, have any of your children shown interest in the field?

Trina: I love hair and nails and yes, I would like to attend school and achieve my manicurist license.

Afterwards, I’d like to open a salon and specialize in extreme nails and for those who choose to be different. To answer the second question, my sixteen- and twelve-yearold daughters are now interested in beauty. I’ve always had amazing role models and, as a mother of seven, I tell them to be the person who God created them to be. I also encourage them that it is okay to be unique.

X’Treme Nailz: I often say that we truly were designed to be unique individuals. Even if you are an identical twin, there is still a uniqueness in you that will set the two apart. How long are your nails?

Trina: I had to have them cut back in June due to me having full reconstructive knee surgery. I have to learn how to walk again. I am just learning to use the walker and I need to wrap my fingers around the bar securely. But before then, they were a little over five inches.

That’s about where I keep them.

I don’t believe I’ll grow them any longer than that.

X’Treme Nailz: Well, we are definitely rooting for you and praying for a full recovery. As an extreme nail diva, what are your pros and cons, if any?

Trina: Tying my shoes and braiding hair. My girls know how to

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braid hair and do their own. So that works out tremendously. Otherwise, I can do pretty much anything anyone else can do without them. The pros are that they are sexy and I love to live outside of the box. I don’t play by anyone’s rules, but my own. I love being me and I love being different.

X’Treme Nailz: Do you have a signature color?

Trina: I like bright colors. Blue and yellow are my primary colors.

X’Treme Nailz: Of course, we’d like to know if you match your nails to your outfits?

Trina: Yes, I usually match my nails to my hair and my outfits. (laughing) X’Treme Nailz: You match with your hair? (laughing) I love it! So you enjoy the different colored hairs, the yellows, the greens, pinks, and purples.

Trina: Yes, and I’ve done the reds, blues and mixed with other colors as well.

X’Treme Nailz: Because you’ve inherited the industry’s bugs from your father, you automatically are set apart from everyone by growing up not afraid to stand out and be different. Now, wearing the extremes, this has proven the point, and of course, drawn attention. So, what are you asked and how does that conversation look?

Trina: They ask how do you wipe your behind? What can you do?

Or assume that I can’t do anything with them. I respond I can do everything that they can and leave the conversation at that.

X’Treme Nailz: Unfortunately, once again, why is this always the first question we are asked?

Trina: Right. Also, if they actually researched, they would find that the most contaminated nails are the short ones!

Live your life in your truth. If long nails are what you want, do it. Don’t be afraid.

X’Treme Nailz: That question, along with other comments, are some reasons X’treme Nailz has created this platform. We want to get to know the person behind the nails because people automatically see our nails first and they don’t see us. Before speaking, the opening comments reference our nails.

There is no problem in that, because as extreme nail wearers, the attention is inevitable. However, it’s the inappropriate questions that people feel they can ask that are bothersome. If I am a shoe hog and

that’s what I like, let me wear my shoes. If clothes are my thing, let me enjoy shopping. It’s my thing!

If I were to enjoy colored wigs, let me enjoy my wigs. If I like extreme nails, that’s my thing, so let that be my thing. But why does it have to be my nails that bring me the controversial attention?

Trina: Exactly! That’s exactly what I say! If it’s not your thing, don’t come for me! It is my thing, and if this is what I like to do, it’s me. Let me be ME because, like it or not, I’m not changing for anyone! I’ve learned that it’s okay to not fit in, as people will talk no matter what you do or don’t do. I love being the unique, creative and talented soul that I was created to be. I am thankful for my struggles, the good and the bad. All have helped me to be the better version of myself and to understand my worth and my values. Encourage yourself and learn to become your own best friend is what I say. You learn to love what makes you happy and not what people believe you should do or want you to do.

X’Treme Nailz: Well said, Trina!

You know, in the ancient years of the Egyptians, exotically long and polished nails were considered royalty and in the eras of ancient Chinese, nails were considered an art! Do you find more criticism from men or women?

Trina: I see it more with women than men. Now, there are some men who may have a problem, but not too many. The men find it sexy! (laughing) X’Treme (laughing) think that that we’re

Nailz: That they do!

However, one would with women, it’s just women, and we do

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whatever we want. You wear a bikini. I wear a one piece. You wear pants; I wear dresses. I wear nails; you don’t. What difference should it make?

them. They come in a few colors and you just have to shake it a little to blend the colors before you use them. You can also find them in the Sally’s Beauty Supply Stores.

Trina: Some are just not comfortable with themselves, and I feel that if you find your purpose, you wouldn’t want to care about what others are doing.

X’Treme Nailz: Do you have a nail technician?

X’Treme Nailz: How often do you have your nails done?

Trina: No, I do my own now. I used to go to the salon and have them done. I had practiced how to do them myself when they started going up on the prices.

Trina: Once a month, and I use gel polishes. I recently found a marker on Amazon that I use to draw on

X’Treme Nailz: Especially when your nails are long, because we are usually charged by the length.

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Have you ever found that because of your length, salons may not want to service you?

Trina: Back in the day, I didn’t have a problem. I would always go to the Asian salons. The owners never had a problem with servicing me because they were used to doing long nails.

X’Treme Nailz: Do you see a lot of extreme nails where you are located?

Trina: I’ve seen some, but not as long as mine. I’ve heard people say that there was a lady that taught at

the high school who wore her nails as long as mine. They then asked me if I was related to her. I don’t even know her! (laughing) X’Treme Nailz: So you’re related to her because you both wear extreme nails? Let’s make that make sense! (laughing) Is there anyone in the industry that you admire or who gives you inspiration?

Trina: Yes, I’ve been following Maria Ortiz. She is the key person who I follow. I watch a lot of her videos with her doing ladies with extreme nails and her motivation is everything! That has kept me with her.

X’Treme Nailz: That’s outstanding! She’ll be humbly amazed by your comment. What would you want to say to anyone that may be interested in beginning an extreme nail journey?

Trina: Don’t be afraid to be different.

X’Treme Nailz: When you say, ‘Don’t be afraid to be different’, what does that mean to you?

Trina: Live your life in your truth.

If long nails are what you want, do it. Don’t be afraid. If you want to do things that people don’t think

are normal, don’t be afraid to do it.

Just be who you are and not allow anyone to change you.

X’Treme Nailz: Right. Do what makes YOU happy and you can only do that by living in your truth, unapologetically. We’ve talked about a lot of things. Is there anything that we haven’t covered regarding yourself or the industry?

Trina: The need to compete. I don’t think that anyone should be in competition. I don’t know. It’s just that people are in competition about long nails and I don’t understand why!

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X’Treme Nailz: Are you seeing competition amongst nail techs or those wearing the longer nails?

can do both of my hands? It kind of made me mad because why? Is there a problem?

Trina: Both. I just think that everyone has their own set talents within the industry, so there shouldn’t be any competition.

Everyone’s nails naturally grow at their own pace, so even if they decide to wear tips, it’s their business. I just think long nails, natural or not, are beautiful!

X’Treme Nailz: So, the thing is this, and it’s just my thoughts. If I had seen someone, a prospective nail tech, especially a woman of color, and I liked her work, I would have said to her, “I know you don’t have your license and there is plenty of work here. Go to school and once you get your license, I can help you out anyway that I can, while you build your clientele.”

X’Treme Nailz: So, what you are saying is that you have some who have naturally grown their nails show negativity towards those that wear or have worn tips?

Trina: Yes, it can be both. Sometimes the ones with tips have confusion with those who have grown theirs as well. It has gone both ways.

X’Treme Nailz: That’s interesting as it takes us back to the earlier comment of those who wear dresses as opposed to those who do not.

It’s unfortunate. Do you see any nail techs of color in your area?

Trina: Where I am? Yes. Unfortunately, this is where I saw the adversity. I went to a nail salon to have my daughters serviced.

One was getting her nails done and the other a pedicure. Anyway, the owner had seen my work before and she liked it. I told her I wanted to go to school to get my license before deciding if I would work for myself or someone else.

One of the nail techs (a sister of color) said, “Oh, you do, huh?” and I said, Yes, I can actually do my own nails. At that point, she just started making all kinds of smart comments towards and about me. All this because I said I

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passed. They were my backbones and poured all of their love and wisdom into me and so I found it fitting that in their time of need; I was able to unselfishly return the honor by taking care of them until their deaths. I am sure that they still watch over and guide me to this day and are proud that

Trina: Right, because her attitude changed after the owner said that I could come there and make a lot of money, so she may have felt that if I came there, I would try to steal her clientele. I don’t know, but we are two different people with different styles and personalities. We are not in competition, but should have been in solidarity as women of color building clientele.

X’Treme Nailz: In other sectors, that would have been considered ‘training’ and free training at that.

I must agree that I have never understood the competition that sometimes occurs in this industry and especially amongst our own. We are gaining in the field, but we are way behind the 8-Ball.

You’re right. It’s unfortunate that not only are we seeing prejudices amongst those outside the field, but within the world of nail techs as well. Hopefully, as others join us, this will change the tapestry and we begin to see people of color with salons full with clientele.

Is there anything that you would like to leave us with?

Trina: My biggest losses were in 2007 and 2016 when respectively my mother and grandmother

I am still standing my ground, being true to myself. So, to everyone, continue to be WHO God has created you to be and live in your truth, making those that love you proud!

Nothing could be further from the truth as we can only live life in its abundance when we are living it in our own authentic truths! Carry on Queen, as you continue to travel the undiscovered roads ahead of you as only YOU can unapologetically and in your truth!

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just realized that we men missed a provocative trend from our X-Nailz Divas? Fortunately some of us did peep it though.

Generally most guys recognize the X-Nailz Divas have an extremely high fashion IQ. And from head-2-toe most of them are natural Fashionistas. We’ve always appreciated the Effervescing, Trendy and absolutely Delicious outfits they rocked.

Not to mention their attention to detail in MUA and Fly Lashes. But what caught us sleeping is the covert cosmic upgrade in their shoes!

I guess we were too caught up sweating their Curvy French Manicures. Sorry I digressed…

These ladies are rocking some of the most neo-soul, new age, and futuristic kicks I’ve ever seen. For those of you old enough to remember the groups LaBelle, Traverses, Parliament Funkadelic, The Jackson 5 or singer Grace Jones you remember Platform shoes (and the impact they had on the shoe game). Well

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today the women have taken that era to new heights with footwear that demand respect.

Elton John’s kicks got nothing on the X-Nailz Divas gear of today. It’s like Loeffler Randell, Alexander Wang, Tony Burch and Gucci got together and had a baby.

For example have you seen those Blood Red Christian Louboutin Loafers that LaRue Drummond sports?

How about Tonni Young’s Tamara Mellon Studio 54 heels? Or Ms. Camay’s Bergdorf Goodman pumps?

And don’t sleep on Nicole Jones Burberry mules.

These Divas are out-of-control! But check this out, despite the pandemic that madness never stopped.

So imagine what they will showcase NOW! We men definitely need to stay WOKE! So to avoid getting kicked to the curb (no pun intended), I suggest we step up our “Shoe Game” ASAP.

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Comedian

Luenelle Campbell uenell was born in Tollette, Arkansas. The youngest of eight children, she was raised in Northern California and attended Castro Valley High School.

She has one daughter and lives in Los Angeles, California.

In the early-1990s, Luenell appeared regularly on Soul Beat TV on the Oakland, California cable station KSBT, along with prominent Bay Area African-American journalist Chauncey Bailey, an interviewer and talk show host on the program.

Luenell was one of the few hired actors in the 2006 hit mockumentary comedy film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. In the film, Luenell plays a prostitute of the same name, a hooker with a heart of gold, who later marries Borat.

Luenell has appeared in over 70 films and Television In 2012, she acted in three #1 feature films: Think Like A Man; the 3D animated hit Hotel Transylvania, with Adam Sandler; and Taken 2, with Liam Neeson.

She also co-starred in the come-

dy that’s My Boy with Adam Sandler and Leighton Meester. TV appearances include episodes of The Middle and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, as well as standup appearances on Snoop Dog’s Bad Girls of Comedy on Showtime and Stand-up In Stilettos on the TV Guide Network.

An interview and non-nude photo spread of Luenell appeared in the April 2017 issue of Penthouse magazine.

An X’treme Nailz Diva for over 40 years Luenelle has been the shining example of swag class and perseverance. We originally met back in 2013 at one of her prestigious celebrity birthday parties.

Since then our careers have occasionally placed us at the same venues and events. And every time Luenell has been a classy, consistent and down-to-earth person.

She is revered by her peers and in constant demand by those in the entertainment industry.

I’ve always admired and respected luenelle as a person and a professional. She has paid her dues and worked extremely hard for all her accolades. In an industry that is very stereotypical and traditional about female roles (especially when

it comes to minorities) luenelle has managed to carve a lucrative career for herself (while maintaining her dignity and respect).

We occasionally discussed some of my thoughts on creating a platform for those X’treme Nailz Ladies (that grew up dealing with discriminatory practices and negative stereotypes involving their long nails).

She was always encouraging me to pursue that vision (being an X’treme Nailz Diva herself ).

Her support motivated me on so many levels. She made me realize that I would need to defeat not only the nay slayers but racist practices and industry bias.

Until the major entertainment industries become more progressive and accepting, sponsorship and collaborations would be far and few between. She was spot on with that. It took a while but eventually I was able to implement my program and unite X-Nail Divas worldwide.

It’s been a 10 year journey but X’treme Nailz International is a respected brand. And because of people like Luenelle I found my inspiration to forge ahead and “Dare 2 Be Different”.

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The Hip Hop Chronicles

Cardi B

hen you’re talking about being arrogant, brash and flamboyant a new squad of hip hop goddesses are changing the game.

The second half of this century has allowed the millenniums to not only flourish, but surprisingly thrive!

These women have kicked in the entertainment door that was once solely dominated by men. Most of today’s “vixens of verse” weren’t even born when Sequence, Madam Melody, Shante Shante, Moni Love and Queen Latifah started talking mess. They created a new platform for women which allowed them to be musically competitive and in some cases dominate. So today we are flooded with young talent in the rap game. These chics are bum rushing the industry straight outta the Burbs, The Hood and Hollywood. Today’s ladies of rage are Saweetie, Rico Nasty, Kamaiyah, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B (let’s not sleep on veterans Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott who are still relevant)!

In the mid 2000’s a young and inspired Dominican out of the South Bronx decided to make her move. Her name?

Cardi B. Cardi B decided early in life to turn her Bronx lemons into Hollywood lemonade.

By joining that exclusive list of female rap royalty, she was able to leave the “hood rat” image behind her.

Cardi B is a four foot eleven inch pint of au-

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dacity with lemon. The outfits are risqué. The hair is flawless. Her lashes are fierce! However, what really turns heads are her 3 -4 inch dazzling stilettos! Until Cardi B, most inexperienced entertainers didn’t dare attract that type of attention or draw the ire of the industry’s wealthy benefactors. There is a certain social moray and industry restriction all rookie talents have to adhere to, especially in the rap community. But Cardi B came in the door flexing! She wore what she wanted and cosmetically she blatantly broke all the rules. This includes numerous plastic surgeries and X-treme Nailz! She single handedly changed the nail game on the current reality show formats (and of course the rap game).

You don’t believe me? Check out Basketball Wives, Atlanta Housewives, Married to Medicine, L.A. Divas, and both Love and Hip Hop New York and Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. Those women’s nails are sick! Now, while you’re doing your due diligence, check out the claws on Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Saweetie, Doja Cat, etc. All were influenced by Cardi B and her “Claws-4-the-Cause” colors and designs. By collaborating with the top nail designer in Harlem, Cardi B has cemented her continued trend setting in today’s avangard nail game.

Cardi B, is her professional alias however, legally she’s known as Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar.

Born and raised in Bronx, New York , she became an internet celebrity by achieving popularity on Vine and Instagram from 2015 to 2017. Cardi B appeared as a reg-

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ular cast member on the VH-1 reality television series, Love & Hip Hop: New York, which depicted her pursuit of her music aspirations. She released two mixtapes—Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1 (2016) and Vol. 2 (2017), before signing with Atlantic Records in February 2017.

Her studio album, Invasion of Privacy (2018), debuted number one on the Billboard 200, was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, and was the best-selling female rap album of 2010, according to Billboard. Critically acclaimed, it made Cardi B the only woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist, and became the first female rap album after 15 years to be nominated for Album of the Year. This critically acclaimed album and Grammy victory, sparked a strong controversy in the music circuit between audiences and critics, being considered un-deserved. It spawned two number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

Cardi B became the only female rapper to achieve a diamond certified song by the RIAA with “Bodak Yellow”, which also made her the second female rapper to top the chart with a solo output, following Lauryn Hill in 1998, while “I Like It” marked the first time a female rapper attained multiple number one songs on the Hot 100. It was followed by her feature on “Girls Like You” with band Maroon 5. She has released two singles from her upcoming second album, with the chart topper, “WAP” (featuring Megan Thee Stallion) and “Up”. Cardi B

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is the female rapper with the most number one singles (5) on the Billboard Hot 100, while also holding other records among women in hip hop, such as achieving number ones in two decades (2010s and 2020s), and the only woman to achieve multiple number ones with solo songs.

Cardi B is known for her aggressive flow and candid lyrics, which have received critical praise. She is the highest certified female rapper of all time on the RIAA’s Top Artists (Digital Singles) ranking, also appearing among the ten highest certified female artists. Cardi B is the female rapper with the most songs with a billion streams on Spotify, where she has the most streamed female rap album, and is the first lead artist to top the inaugural Billboard Global 200.

Cardi B’s accolades include a Grammy Award, (8 )Billboard Music Awards, (5) Guinness World Records, (5 )American Music Awards, (11) BET Hip Hop Awards and (2) ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards. In 2018, Time Magazine included her on their annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, and in 2020, Billboard honored her as Woman of the Year.