Meet Rachel Yap, the Creative Director and Head Nail Artist of Posh! Nail Spa. She’s the mastermind behind the creative looks at the salon, and her personable nature and fun personality is sure to cheer anyone up in a jiffy. The effort and determination she puts into her work is commendable, and her positivity just makes you believe that you can really do anything that you set out to do. Here, she talks about how she got into nail art, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them.
RACHEL YAP
The Manicure Maestro, Rachel Yap
What got you into the nail art business?
It all started as a hobby. I would spend my nights watching videos of nail art tutorials on YouTube. I didn’t have any extra pocket money to visit a nail salon back then, so I DIY-ed everything myself. As I was also studying in an art-related course, I figured that I would explore this interest further. My idol and favourite artist, Jolin Tsai, also made a huge impact on me. She really brought her nail art to the next level, after Ayumi Hamasaki. I wanted to be just like her!
How did you get to where you are today?
Through a lot of hard work! It was not easy being in the real business and turning my hobby into a career. As my art and techniques were purely self-taught, I needed to work extra hard and continuously learn by observing others. Also, practice makes perfect! My teammates gave me the push I needed to constantly improve myself. I always wanted to be better and faster at my work because I didn’t want to be left out.
Rachel (left) behind the scenes at a nail shoot with her colleagues
What are the challenges you’ve faced so far?
Other than learning the manicure skills, I also have to learn to be an all-rounder in effective communication, customer service, and relationship management. All this takes up a lot of time and effort and can be frustrating at times. But through my mentor’s guidance, I’ve learnt to take each problem as a challenge and turn it around to my advantage.
“I’ve learnt to take each problem as a challenge and turn it around to my advantage.”
Who is your mentor?
It has to be Sereen Eng. Strong people don’t put others down – they lift them up. And that’s how she is, always lifting me up. I’m so lucky to have had the chance of working with her. She taught me to be a leader, not a boss. When I have my doubts, she’ll always be there with arms wide open. Through her, I’ve also learned to always show genuine care for others, compliment them, and magnify their strengths.
Top nail kit essentials?
Just like makeup, everything has to start with a good base – the nail bed itself. I never go without nail files, a cuticle pusher and cuticle oil. Well-shaped nails and clean cuticles give the impression of a neat and meticulous disposition.
Any pro tips or secrets?
- Always nourish your nails and cuticles with a cuticle oil for extra care.
- Seal the tips of your nails to help make your nail polish last longer.
- You don’t need to “rest” your nails between each manicure. Be diligent in applying a nail strengthener or treatment and you won’t have to worry about yellow brittle nails.
Positive quote you live by?
Things will always make sense eventually. So for now, laugh in the face of confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason!
Check out her awesome nail art here:
Keep on rocking Rachel!
Have you checked out parts 1 to 3 yet? View them here! Stay tuned for part 5 coming your way real soon!
