“The best part of this job,” insists Erykah Tam, Nail Artist and proud owner of Lokelani Lacquer Lounge, “is inspiring others and transforming the way residents of Yellowknife think about Nail Art. It’s great to see women here try something other than the French manicure and the squoval nail shape.”
Blanche Macdonald Nail Parlour graduate Erykah Tam is the only Nail Artist in Yellowknife to provide a mobile, all gel service, and she’s rapidly changing the way an entire Territory thinks about their nails. Spreading sunshine across one of Canada’s chilliest cities, Lokelani (which is the pink Damask rose in Hawaii and the official flower of Maui) launched in January this year. You can tell business is booming. She’s already booked for the rest of the summer.
“When I first started in Yellowknife, it was a challenge trying to introduce women to other styles of nail art,” explains Erykah. “It’s a small town and the people who live here tend to be stuck on certain shapes and styles. Women who get their nails done in Yellowknife had always requested the same look. Now, my clients give me creative freedom. I get to play with different nail shapes and patterns. It’s awesome to finally being able to express myself artistically and get paid for it!”
Working in the Northwest Territories means that Erykah’s mobile service only runs in summer (“Too much snow in winter!”). But whether she’s on the road or working from her own Nail Parlour, the end result is the same: inspiring, artistic creations. It’s what brought her into the business, and Canada’s #1 Nail School, to begin with.
“I’ve always loved art and fashion. I’m the weird one in my family! After I graduated high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I moved back to Yellowknife that I realised I didn’t have anywhere to do my nails. Right when I started thinking about Pro Nail schools, I knew I wanted to go to Blanche. So, I looked at what Blanche Macdonald offered and that was it!”
“I especially loved the Business Module with Simona Gozner. It was so good to hear another woman’s perspective on life, growing a business and becoming a successful entrepreneur. I didn’t grow up with any mother figures so I really adored and looked up to all my instructors. I really admire Chika Nagai and her story of how her journey in the Esthetics industry changed her life and how she came to Blanche Macdonald to share that knowledge. I make sure to visit her whenever I'm in Vancouver.”
Simona’s lessons clearly proved effective. In slightly over half a year Lokelani has become a Yellowknife beauty fixture.
“I have spas coming to me asking me to bring my business cards and postcards to them because they have so many requests for nail art. Most of my new clients come from word of mouth and from people noticing my crazy nails wherever I go. I get a lot of new clients from people who see my work on my clients around town as well!
A lot of my inspiration comes from fabrics in the fashion world. I also like to follow many nail artists around the world to see what’s on trend. I like Clara H, from Melbourne, Australia for her hand-painted work and 3D nail art. GlamSusie on Instagram does beautiful 3D acrylic flowers and, of course, my fellow Blanche Macdonald graduate Steph Berry (Haus of Lacquer) has been extremely inspirational as well. I like to flip through Nails Magazine. You can find a lot of cool tips on health issues and they have a great nail art page. I sleep dreaming of nails and wake up drawing ideas on my sketchpad.”
Taking her nail skills to the True North has been a life-changing decision for Erykah. She’s forged a career as an artist and a businesswoman. Which makes her advice worth its weight in gold polish.
“Don’t be afraid to take the risk! I know that when I first started, I was nervous yet also very excited. If you know what you’re getting yourself into, if you can do it on a daily basis and if you’re client-oriented and customer-service oriented, then just try it! It’s a lot of work but it’s very rewarding. I’m a people pleaser; I really enjoy seeing people happy! And if I can put a smile on their face, it's that much more rewarding. And hey, I get my daily exercise carrying my suitcase, too! I have amazing arms, legs and buns because I carry my kit and suitcase up and down steps and pretty much everywhere. Bonus!”
