In the bustling heart of Toa Payoh, amidst the hum of daily life, I found a quaint coffee shop where stories flow as freely as the espresso. It was here that I met Emily—a woman whose journey of rediscovery after a hectic work life led her to the vibrant world of gel nail polish and nail art.
Sipping on her cappuccino, Emily leaned back, her eyes reflecting a sense of calm that seemed newly acquired. "You know, taking a break from my fast-paced corporate job was the best decision I've ever made," she started.
A Decade of Balancing Act:
For the past ten years, Emily has been fully immersed in her profession. Her days started early in the morning and stretched into the late hours of the night. "I was too busy with work, raising my kids, and ensuring my sick parent was well taken care of," she shared. "I would leave the house in the morning and only return around 8 PM. Then, I'd continue working until midnight or even 1 AM sometimes."
Discovering Gel Nail Polish: ‘
"It all became too much, and I needed a break to reconnect with myself. It was during this break that I stumbled upon gel nail polish," Emily recalled with a smile lighting up her face.
Emily's first encounter with gel nail polish was serendipitous. A friend had gifted her a DIY kit, and with time on her hands, she decided to give it a try. "I was instantly captivated," she said. "The process of applying the polish, curing it under the UV light, and seeing the glossy finish was oddly therapeutic."
But her initial attempts weren't perfect. "My first few tries were not great," Emily admitted with a laugh. "They didn't look anything like the salon outcomes." However, she didn't give up. "I turned to social media and started learning from tutorials, seeing all sorts of designs."
The Art of Nail Design:
"I was instantly locked away by it," she shared. "I decided to continue discovering gel nail polish and using a UV lamp to cure it with a nicer effect. Practice makes perfect."
Emily's curiosity led her to explore the art of nail design. "I started watching tutorials online, experimenting with different designs and techniques," she shared. "It was like discovering a whole new world of creativity and self-expression."
From delicate floral patterns to bold geometric shapes, Emily's nails became her canvas. She particularly enjoyed creating minor floral designs on darker nails, experimenting with colours like metallic pink, red, and brown. "Each design tells a story," she explained, showing off her latest creation—a stunning blend of ombre colours with intricate gold accents. "It's a reflection of my moods, thoughts, and sometimes just a burst of inspiration."
A Newfound Hobby:
Emily discovered that nail art had become more than just a creative outlet; it had become a cherished hobby. "It's not just about drawing, music, or cycling," she said. "It's about expressing my desire for art, my personality, and my satisfaction in wearing different designs on my fingernails."
This newfound hobby also influenced her fashion sense. "It changed my entire outlook," Emily noted. "I became more fashion and colour-driven, more presentable and respectable at work. Even at home, in a simple t-shirt, the nail designs made me feel classy. With my hair tied up and sandals on my feet, I felt a newfound sense of confidence."
Emily also emphasised the joy of DIY. "It's a fun experience to have," she said. "Ladies should definitely give it a try. There's something incredibly satisfying about creating your own designs and seeing them come to life."
A Journey of Self-Discovery:
For Emily, gel nail art became more than just a hobby; it was a journey of self-discovery. "It helped me reconnect with myself, explore my creative side, and find joy in the little things," she said. "It was a reminder that there’s more to life than just work and responsibilities."
As we finished our conversation, Emily's eyes sparkled with a newfound passion. "Sometimes, we need to take a step back to find ourselves," she reflected. "For me, it was through the colours and designs of gel nail art. Who knew that a simple break could lead to such a beautiful rediscovery?"
Leaving the coffee shop, I felt inspired by Emily's story—a testament to the power of taking time for oneself and finding joy in unexpected places. Her journey into the world of gel nail polish and nail art is a vibrant reminder that creativity can be a path to healing and self-discovery.
*“Emily” is not the actual name of the individual. The team used a random name for the post to protect the individual's privacy.
The Koyeed Team.