Good Morning everyone, welcome back to another sunshiny day! Well I think so, depends on where you are of course. But either way I hope you are in good spirits as I have someone wonderful to share. Today we have a special guest in, and she’s amazing too! I present to you Le Chat, Anastasia Totty!
Good Morning Anastasia, how are you on this lovely day?
Good morning, I’m doing great and I would like to thank you for this interview. I hope my story will encourage and inspire others to be successful in this industry.
Oh you’re so very welcome hunny! May I ask, how did you get started in this wonderful nail industry?
I started in 2008 and was completely self taught. In Eastern Europe nail enhancements became popular maybe about 20 years ago, so when I first saw them I became obsessed. As soon as I could pay to get them done they became an absolute necessity for me. My friend was a nail technician and when she moved away I had to try different people and finally decided to try to do it myself. I started with some tips, a jar of hard gel and some glitters- had to pretty much figure out how this all works. Most of my knowledge and design skills came from step by step tutorials in a nail magazine published in Ukraine. The artists from there were always top notch. When I moved to St. Petersburg, Russia I had to go get professionally trained and learned so much more about nails and worked in a very nice salon for 4 years.
My stars I didn’t even know you lived in Russia, I know we are talking about nails but I am so curious about the food! That must of been a wonderful experience learning abroad like that. And to know you gave yourself lessons by a magazine shows your determination as well, I love that for you. So from then on, what made you want to do your first nail competition?
When we moved to the United States I had to go back to nail school and get licensed in the State of Florida. Once I started working in my first salon I heard people talking about the big hair show in Orlando and how they have competitions every year. So in 2015 I entered my very first nail competition at NailPro Competitions and came in dead last. It was a very challenging experience because I couldn’t handle the anxiety of the whole process and pretty much cried the whole time they were judging it.
Oh hunny I am so sorry, I am, I know that must of really hurt, but I will say I am very glad it didn’t break you! Which begs to me wonder as a nail competitor, what do you find the most challenging about competing?
The biggest challenge I would say is being able to face the very stressful period of training, constantly growing and learning new techniques to stay relevant and competitive as well as simply being prepared to not win in the end and being ok with it.
You know, I appreciate your honesty in saying that, because I feel as though I never want to train or practice and thats the times that are the most important to my or anyones career, we need to get over that hump and you validating that its a challenge is so true. Also, acknowledging that it’s ok to fail but to keep pushing through until you finally get that achievement is worth working for. What is one piece of advice do you have for a nail tech wanting to do competitions?
Don’t compete with anyone but yourself! Don’t compare yourself and get discouraged by picture perfect content that doesn’t always reflect reality. Competitions have time restrictions, the nerves get the best of you so you have to do exactly what you did in your practice and hope for the best! I remember when one of my nail friends in Orlando said that someone was really intimidated by my presence at the competition and said “ Here is that girl who wins everything!” And it’s so funny cause I was a complete mess emotionally and could barely focus on my task, certainly did not win everything…
How remarkable, everyone is intimidating to someone, and now you see are a beast too. But that goes to show all the hard work you have put in as well. You should feel quite successful, you have earned a huge pat on the back hun. So then what is your most proudest achievement thus far in your career?
Becoming my own boss in every sense of the word… I own my building, am fully booked, busy and blessed! I get to travel with my favorite nail people, network and have fun learning new things! I’ve created some beautiful competition pieces and earned 55 trophies, hoping that I can still get more…
Geez! 55 trophies! I want one but I hate the stress of competing. *laughs out loud* I like to do it for fun, but this is an insane and wonderful accomplishment. You are a beast! Here give me your back, and take my pat. With all that knowledge im glad you chose to spread it and educate. How did you become an LeChat educator?
Lechat has always been very supportive of Beauty Shows and Nail Competitions, they always sponsor these events. I met the team and they encouraged me to apply. I had to interview twice because the first time we spoke I only knew some of the products. My boss wanted me try them first, test and make sure I can endorse this product and know from experience how it all works. In 2019 I became a LeChat Educator and started sharing my ideas with others.
Oh thats so awesome, I’m glad they really made sure you could be synthetic and give great knowledge on what you are using, thats what all nail techs want from a really great educator. When it comes to educating, what has been the most rewarding experience for you?
It’s very exciting when you realize that you made a difference in someone else’s work and they learned something new from you. It doesn’t matter how small, it really lights their fire and inspires to try new things, sculpt or even file better. That to me is the best part about this whole process.
I 100% agree, you being that person for them changing their lives I’m sure is monumental. Did you need another pat? Im ready. But seriously, you are making waves in this industry, and I for one, am glad you are. What is the next big thing for you, or goal?
The next goal is really quite simple…. Finding the best work-life balance!
Because I have been going hard for so many years it pretty much became a second nature so if I take time off I sometimes feel like I’m wasting it. I need to allow myself to be lazy sometimes… and spend time away from my business, classes or next competition. I want to keep working with my wonderful clients and learning, competing without feeling guilty or overwhelmed.
Yes absolutely, you truly have to take a break, recharge, or do what you must to maintain good health and sanity. Also, take a look at the accomplishments you have achieved and now celebrate them. Celebrate you! I am so proud of everything you have done, and I find you very inspirational. Where can the good folks of the industry find and connect with you?
I am on Instagram and Facebook and post quite often, especially when I am traveling and have time for it. Follow me @anastasi.totty and we can learn from one another!
Thank you so much for being here, I have truly enjoyed learning so much about you, and I just know everyone else will as well. You are a wonderful soul and I can’t wait to see you again!
Thank you so much and see you at the next beauty show 🤗
And thank you all for joining! Make sure you follow her socials to stay connected, and be sure to catch our next article on who we get to meet next! Until then, I will see you later sweets!
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