Meet Burbank Nail Artist: Mary Wolf

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Wolf.  She’s a shining example of what the independent community of LA is all about – she left a safe job to pursue her passion for nail art and has worked relentlessly to make it work.  Below you’ll find our interview with Mary.

Mary, please share your story with us.  How did you get to where you are today?

I started out as a Nail Art enthusiast, always on the prowl for the perfect nail shop to make my visions come to life! From the time I was a little girl I had always been obsessed with nails and art! However, I never thought it was a practical career choice for me until about 2 years ago when I found myself at a boring, yet successful desk job. One morning in the shower it dawned on me that I needed to find out what it would take to put myself through nail school, and I found it was totally within reach! I was growing tired of my 9-5 and not being able to express myself artistically. In 2014 I took the plunge and went to school at night to get my nail technician certification. At this time I also discovered the Japaneae nail art world and I was completely swept away! After completing school and getting my license I launched Nail Wolf on a part time basis while I eased out of my day job. As of 2016 I am proud to be a full time Nail Artist living my ultimate dream!

Has it been a smooth road?

It was definitely not an easy path to get to where I am today! Working a full time job during the day and then going to school everyday afterwards until 10pm was a struggle at the time but so worth it! It was really scary when I was faced with the decision to quit my steady day job, but ultimately I knew it was my only choice. I had to have a lot of patience and discipline along the way and now I’m seeing the results and I’m so pleased with myself.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m really excited to be building a presence in the nail world and a business in Burbank, I can’t wait to see what the future will bring on that front! Later this year I’m looking forward to becoming a certified technician for one of the Japanese gel brands I work with to create my nail art. In the bigger picture I see myself becoming an educator in the field and visiting the amazing nail artists in Tokyo!

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story.  What was the hardest time you’ve had?

I think the hardest time in my career was when, after 7 years, I still worked my 9-5 and I was faced with the realization that although I had worked really really hard for security I was not at all happy. During those 7 years I had a couple failed attempts at other small businesses, an indie magnet company I started with my friend Sarah called Magnetic Culture and a small bakery farmers market stand I called Miss Treats. While those businesses were fun and rewarding endeavors they weren’t really sustainable and I inevitably gave up. I felt like I would never really find myself. It wasn’t until the light bulb went off one morning that the escapist activity I had been participating in as a customer all along would become my saving grace, nails! It took a lot of time and patience, but a couple of years later in January this year when I had established my business in Burbank I finally saw the other side of the coin. I knew I had made it because I was finally living my life in the creative and independent way I’ve always wanted to!

Pricing:

• One Color Gel Mani $50
• Nail Art Gel Mani Natural Nails $65-$120
• Nail Art Gel Mani with Extensions $75-$140
• Bridal Packages $80-$175 

Contact Info:

• Tel: 636 288 7084
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @nail_wolf
• Twitter: @nail_wolf
• Website nailwolf.com

Check out her work below: