Meet Nef Temple | Nail Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nef Temple and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nef, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work:Life Balance. I think as an entrepreneur who is fully invested in their craft there is none. As a nail tech when I’m on my free time I’m still thinking about nails. Whether it’s a design I want to try, or content ideas, changes I want to make with my business I’m always thinking about it. But everyone does need a break including me, so I do try to take vacations and make sure I take days off when I need it because Burn out is real.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Structure is my main focus when I’m practicing nails. I say practice because I don’t believe I’ve truly mastered the art. I’m in love with making sure my work doesnt only look good but that they are durable by being put on a good foundation, which in my experience not many places take pride in anymore. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. Of course I’ve had good days and bad days but there was a point in the beginning where I completely gave up on nails, I threw everything in a corner and said “forget about it” because I wasn’t “getting it fast enough.” As an artist you cannot be discouraged by watching someone else thinking you’re supposed to be in their level. That was my mistake. I beat myself up by looking at the work of other nail technicians trying to get my work to look like theirs instead of focusing on my own. Once I worried about myself and worked at my own pace my whole outlook changed. My story is that I have never been creative or an artist. My mother used to do my arts and crafts projects in grade school lol. Doing nails truly feels like it was make for me or like i was made for it. Over time as i continued to practice my love for this art became greater and I got better. Now i eat, sleep, breathe nails.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend was visiting for a weekend we would definitely have to go hit up Brick house in Wynwood on a Saturday night. I love Brick House for their playlist. They play the perfect mix of R&B and Rap, not to mention the atmosphere. Then, Sunday for brunch we can go to R house. They have some of the most fun Brunches I’ve ever been to and bottomless mimosas which is a plus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to really thank my mom for allowing me to fill her house with the beautiful aroma of monomer everyday, shes is and has always been my #1 supporter. I also want to give a shout out to everyone who has sat in my chair and allowed me to practice my craft especially in the beginning. Really its a thank you to everyone who has supported me in this journey because it has only just begun.

Website: Linktr.we/nefnailedit

Instagram: Miaminailtech

Youtube: Nef NailedIt