Susan Lanigan

Not unlike many little girls, I had an affinity for beauty. Much to my mother's dismay, I cut all my Barbie's hair, did their makeup, and painted their nails. Even then, I felt certain I knew all the tricks to make a woman look even more stunning than she already was.

Hair was important to me, and in the early 80s I began having mine "streaked," as they called it back then. Then came nails — a lifelong fascination. I watched my nail technician create stunning pink and whites, which I proudly wore for many years.

Looking back now, it's funny to think that pink and whites were the only option we ever considered. Even when we wanted polish, it was always applied over them.

In 2002, after four years in Saskatchewan, I relocated back to British Columbia. Newly divorced and raising three children, I had previously been fortunate to stay home with them. Now that all three were in school, I found myself asking how I could best support myself while still being available to my children.

I had some savings and began considering options that would allow me to work from home or close to it. When I found a new nail technician in town, she encouraged me to look into becoming a nail technician myself.

After considering several options, I chose a certified trade school known at the time as Spa One Naturally. My education there was exceptional, and the support continued long after I graduated.

While I never became a full-time nail technician, I maintained a small, loyal clientele and worked primarily as a mobile tech or from my home — a setup that worked perfectly for my family.

As the industry became deregulated, I began to see a decline in standards. Non-standardized salons became common, and many clients focused solely on price rather than proper practices. Sitting on the sidelines, I became deeply passionate about advocating for the fundamentals of nail technology — health, sanitization, proper nail preparation, structure, and style.

I continued my education, absorbing both the good and the not-so-good information that became widely available online. In 2009, my nail tech educator launched an online trade school — the only registered online nail trade school at the time. This opened doors for so many people who otherwise wouldn't have had access to quality education.

In 2011, the Mirage Spa team approached me and asked me to join their school. I began reviewing student assignments, creating personalized feedback videos, and offering guidance through calls and virtual sessions. Sometimes, that personal touch is all a student needs to feel supported and confident.

I am proud to continue teaching the foundational skills of nail technology and remain with Mirage Spa today as the Director of Student Assessments.

My passion for nails is endless. I continue to pursue ongoing education, as this industry is always evolving. Upholding standards and prioritizing health and safety is essential as we train future professionals.

What began as a "handful" of clients has grown significantly, and I have also become a certified Eyelash Technician. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a client's reaction after a beautifully sculpted set of nails or a stunning set of lash extensions.