Meet Isabelle Core

We were lucky to catch up with Isabelle Core recently and have shared our conversation below.

Isabelle, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?

As a nail tech, overcoming creativity blocks is a natural part of the journey. Here’s how I’ve learned to beat them:

• Seek Inspiration: I regularly browse nail art on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and even fashion and art magazines. Sometimes just seeing a color combination or design style sparks a new idea.
• Change of Scenery: Stepping away from my workspace, going for a walk, or spending time outdoors helps reset my mind. Fresh environments often lead to fresh ideas.
• Practice Freestyle Sessions: I’ll set aside time to play with designs without the pressure of perfection or client expectations—just to experiment. It often leads to unexpected and exciting results.
• Collaborate and Connect: Talking to other nail techs or even clients about what they’re into helps me see trends and ideas from a different perspective.
• Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away and resting is what my creativity needs. I’ve learned not to force it—rest often leads to better ideas when I return.

It’s all about staying curious, being kind to myself during dry spells, and remembering that creativity is a cycle—not a constant state.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As a nail technician and artist, I specialize in beautifying and decorating nails, both natural and artificial, by utilizing rhinestones, hand painted art, glitter, foils, and pigment powder. It’s my job to stay up to date with trends and work closely with clients to match their personal style or special occasion needs.

Nail art is special because it turns a small, everyday part of the body into a creative canvas. It’s a form of self-expression and fashion that reflects personality, mood, or culture. What makes it unique is its versatility—designs can be minimal or bold, classic or avant-garde—and its ability to blend beauty with artistic skill in a way that’s wearable, personal, and ever-evolving.

As of March 2025, I have opened a small, two person salon with my business partner, located in El Cajon. I have fun summer specials coming up, including: discounted services, special summer pedicures, and hand-made shimmer oils to keep your skin hydrated during the dry summers we have here in San Diego!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities or skills that have impacted me most in my journey have been:
• Creativity and attention to detail: Precision is key!
• Good communication: explain, communicate, and make sure the client is educated on what you’re doing with their nails and their nail health! It builds trust.
• Patience: “quality over quantity” is such a valuable statement in this industry. Be patient with your clients and be patient when building your clientele. Your people will come!

Some advice I have for beginners or people wanting to do nails is:
• Practice makes PROGRESS: There will never be perfect, so practice to make progress in your skills.
• Keep learning: Our industry is ever-changing and evolves daily. Always be willing to learn.
• Be patient with yourself: Growth takes time. Every mistake is a learning step toward mastering your craft.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been improving the timing of my services and perfecting my prep work. I’ve really focused on streamlining my process—especially during the prep stage—to make sure I’m working more efficiently without cutting corners. Better prep has not only improved the overall look and longevity of my work but has also helped reduce issues like lifting. By refining my technique and staying consistent, I’ve been able to cut down on service time while still delivering high-quality results, which has made a big difference for both me and my clients.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

IcyNails by Isabelle

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