About
The Educator Behind the Education.
A career built on craft, a calling built on teaching.
Read my full story
My Story
My Story
My journey in the nail industry began long before I ever stood in front of a classroom. I started as a licensed nail technician in 1990 with confusion and frustration— the precision, the artistry, the quiet satisfaction of a perfect set came years later. Over the years, that love grew into something bigger: a desire to share what I had learned with the next generation of professionals.
What started as informal mentoring — answering questions, guiding newer techs, sharing techniques — eventually became a full commitment to education. I realized that the nail industry needed more than skilled technicians. It needed skilled teachers. Professionals who could not only perform at the highest level, but communicate, inspire, and build others up.
That realization became the foundation of everything I do today. LEAD Beauty Educator exists because I believe that great education changes careers — and great careers change lives.
In My Own Words
The Full Story
My journey in the beauty industry began in 1990, when I started my nail career through my family-owned business. What began as an opportunity to learn a profession became the foundation of a lifelong journey built on education, entrepreneurship, and helping others succeed.
In 1996, after graduating from college, I took over the family beauty supply business. This chapter allowed me to work closely with nail professionals, students, and salon owners while developing a deeper understanding of products, techniques, and the needs of beauty professionals. Over time, I realized that one of the most rewarding parts of my work was not simply providing products, but sharing knowledge and helping others understand how to use those products and services successfully.
As my experience and passion for the industry grew, I created and developed my own professional product brand, Gel-Le®. Building Gel-Le allowed me to combine my years of industry experience with my commitment to quality products and education. It became another way for me to provide beauty professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to grow their skills and their businesses.
Today, after more than three decades in the beauty industry, my purpose has evolved beyond teaching technical skills. I am passionate about helping experienced beauty professionals develop the confidence, knowledge, and teaching abilities needed to become educators themselves. I believe that when we share what we know, we create opportunities for others to grow, succeed, and ultimately help someone else along the way. This philosophy is the foundation of LEAD — Lead, Educate, Advance, and Develop. My journey began with learning, grew through teaching, and continues through my commitment to developing future beauty professionals and educators. My goal is not simply to teach a skill, but to help create leaders who are prepared to educate, inspire, and make a lasting impact on the beauty industry.
Experience
Background & Experience
Credentials
Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
I don't just teach techniques. I teach professionals how to think, how to problem-solve, and how to grow.
My approach to education is rooted in respect — for the craft, for the student, and for the industry. I believe that every professional who walks into my classroom already has something valuable to offer. My job is to help them discover it, refine it, and build on it.
I design every program with intention. The curriculum is hands-on, practical, and immediately applicable. No filler. No fluff. Just the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to move forward — whether that means elevating your technical work or stepping into the role of educator yourself.
Purpose
Why I Teach
The moment a student has a breakthrough — when something clicks, when their hands find the right movement, when they look up with that expression of quiet confidence — that is why I do this. Teaching is not a side project for me. It is the work. And I take it seriously.
Explore My Programs