How I Became a Session Manicurist for TV & Fashion – My Unexpected Journey
Most people don’t even know that my job exists. When I tell them I do nails for TV, film, and fashion shoots, they’re surprised—and honestly, I get it! For years, Session Hair and Makeup Artists have done quick, simple nail work on set, but now more and more brands are recognizing the value of hiring a professional nail artist—someone who specializes in nails. So, how did I end up in this super niche industry? Let me take you back to the beginning.
The Turning Point: A Conversation with Nina Farrauto
I have to thank Nina Farrauto, my very first mentor back in Canada. Nina is an incredibly talented Session Hair and Makeup Artist, and we first met when she booked an appointment to get her nails done by me. At the time, I was already feeling the pull to change up my business—I wanted to work fewer hours while increasing my hourly rate. My schedule was packed. I was seeing 3-4 clients a day, five days a week, running my e-commerce store, and selling my all-natural nail care line. I was even being encouraged by another client to step into the wedding industry, but at the time, it didn’t interest me (funny how I now do luxury bridal nails in Mallorca!). AND another client suggesting I franchise the business now!
During one of our nail appointments, Nina introduced me to the idea of session work. The artist agency that represents her also reps a Session Manicurist, and she believed I had the skills to enter the industry. She wanted to bring me on set, but with COVID restrictions still in place, it wasn’t easy. Instead, she guided me through the process of rebranding my Instagram to attract fashion and editorial work. She taught me how to shoot more stylized nail photos and gave me invaluable advice about breaking into the industry.
Photo of Nina Farrauto after I finished giving her a set of beautiful nails:)
Moving to Mallorca & Making a Fresh Start
The truth is, on the west coast of Canada, there wasn’t much work for someone like me in session manicuring. Plus, with my fully booked schedule, I had very little flexibility to cancel and reschedule clients for set work. Then came the big shift—I closed my business in Canada and relocated to Mallorca. This time, I made a promise to myself: I wouldn’t build such a heavy client list. I wanted to leave room to grow in the production world. And now, here I am, doing exactly that!
My First Production Job in Mallorca
I won’t lie—I was nervous for my first day on set here in Mallorca. A new country, a new language, and a completely new environment. But to my surprise, my first gig was on The Mallorca Files, and everyone spoke English! The team was incredibly welcoming, and that experience gave me the confidence to push forward in this industry.
What It’s Like Working on Set
I LOVE being on set. It’s like an adrenaline rush—I’m surrounded by creative professionals, and every project is unique. Most people don’t realize how much thought goes into the smallest details of a TV commercial or fashion shoot. Here’s a fun example: I once worked on a Lays chips commercial where the entire creative team debated which side snacks should be placed next to the chips. Different countries have different snack preferences—for example, Spaniards often eat olives with chips, but that pairing might not resonate with an Australian audience. Those tiny details matter, and it’s fascinating to be part of the process.
The pace can be fast, and as the only Session Manicurist on set, the team relies on me to make quick decisions and execute them flawlessly. Thankfully, my background as a business owner prepared me for this—I know how to take direction, think on my feet, and deliver exactly what’s needed without hesitation.
The Future of Session Manicuring & My Role in It
I’ll be honest: in the beauty industry, nails have long been at the bottom of the totem pole. But that’s changing. We are in the middle of a nail industry boom, and I’m so grateful to be growing with it. I truly entered this field at the perfect time, and my goal is to eventually make session work my primary focus.
📸 Want to see my on-set nail work in action? Check out my styling portfolio here!
FOLLOW ME ON INSTA @MADEBY.AHYOKA