Nail Tech Spotlight Kirsten Cowell
This month we’re shining the Nail Tech Spotlight on Kirsten Cowell @polishedbykirsten, a talented nail artist, content creator, and key part of the HONA community. From real time tutorials to standout TikTok content, Kirsten’s journey is rooted in resilience, creativity, and connection.
Like many, Kirsten found nails during lockdown, but her story took a powerful turn. After facing a rare and life changing medical condition, she returned to the industry more determined than ever, reigniting her passion and rebuilding her confidence through education and creativity.
Now one of our top TikTok Shop sellers, Kirsten is known for turning client work into content gold and supporting other nail techs every step of the way. Her message is clear: show up, stay true to yourself, and find power in community.
In this spotlight, Kirsten shares her journey, how she balances it all, and the one thing she believes every nail tech should remember:
“Everything is content. Clients are content. Just show up, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to share your passion.”
If you’ve ever needed a reminder that strength, creativity, and community can take you further than you imagined, this one’s for you.
Q&A With Kirsten Cowell
Join us as we dive into an insightful and inspiring Q&A with Kirsten
Q: Can you tell us about your journey in the nail industry and how you got started?
A: Like many during the 2020 lockdown, I was constantly searching for a new hobby. I tried everything from baking and scrapbooking to drawing, until I came across nail tutorials on TikTok. I was instantly captivated by the creativity and techniques, and that’s when I fell in love with nails.
Once I set a goal, I do not stop until it is done right. So for Christmas 2020, all I asked for was nail supplies. From then on, I practiced daily, watched tutorials, and eventually got a traineeship at a local salon. I applied to college to study Level 2 Nail Technology and was completely set on becoming a nail tech.
Then everything changed. I became unwell with what looked like severe acne, but it worsened rapidly. I had to leave my course, my job, and a long term relationship. With no answers and my skin deteriorating, I was eventually hospitalised for three months. I was later diagnosed with an incredibly rare skin disease called pyoderma gangrenosum.
Despite the challenges, my passion never left. In September 2021, I reapplied to college, passed every exam, and threw myself into learning. TikTok became a huge part of that. I practised on anyone I could, tried different products, and shared my progress online.
One day, I got a message from HONA offering me the chance to trial their PureFoundation kit.
To be recognised by a brand I respected gave me such a confidence boost. I loved the products, but even more than that, I found a supportive community that I now proudly call home.
I have made genuine friendships, shared my honest opinions, and found the confidence to grow.
To me, HONA is more than a brand. It is a family. And for that, I am forever grateful.
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Q: What do you think is the key to creating a strong personal brand as a nail tech?
A: I think the key to creating a strong personal brand is individuality! Having, something special that makes you stand out from the crowd. Whether that be a unique style of nail art or method for doing nails. Even a personality that differentiates you from others, just be yourself! Being true and honest to your audience and clients will capture the hearts from those around you.
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Q: How do you balance creating content whilst handling clients?
A:Well, long answer short… clients are content! Vitalise all your work for content, such as; how i prep a nail, how i apply builder gel/ polish, client consultations, a video to showcase your work etc. everything👏🏻is👏🏻content👏🏻.
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Q: How has social media, especially TikTok, impacted your nail art business and visibility?
A: Social media has impacted my business immensely! It’s free advertisement, right at your fingertips, a way to highlight your work to the world. I am able to be seen from both locally and afar!
Having a platform gives me opportunities to work with brands and other nail techs, which can highlight me capture such a broad audience.
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Q: From your experience, how important do you think building community is for nail techs today?
A: I think having a community within the nail tech world is SO IMPORTANT! Especially if you’re a solo tech, you don’t have those work colleague’s and friends to chat to, or celebrate holidays with, confide in one another, it can be extremely isolating and lonely…
Which is why I’m in awe of the HONA community and others alike. The HONA community is BY FAR the most supportive and encouraging, some of the nicest people i have ever come across. Everyone is so eager to learn from one another, give feedback, tips, We celebrate milestones together and just uplift one another! HONA throws some amazing events where we can all meet up in real life, talk to the people you see online, meet the faces behind HONA, it feels so meaningful to have those one on one conversations. This gives techs a way to celebrate holidays, brand launches as if it’s a “workdo”.
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Q: Finally, what's one thing you absolutely love about being a part of the HONA community?
A: Gosh, just one?! There’s so many! But if i was to only choose one this i love about being a part of the HONA community, it would be how strong of a community it is, we have all chosen this brand because we all clearly stand by their motives and have such passion for their growth journey.
We are all one big family. There’s just no other brand quite like HONA.
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Summary
Kirsten Cowell’s journey is a powerful reminder of what passion, resilience, and community can achieve. From discovering nails during lockdown to overcoming a rare medical condition, Kirsten has rebuilt her career with creativity, confidence, and care.