She has those Classy Claws.

You can call her Bee. The artist, the founder, the queen.

"Classy Claws"

Having created the brand, and gaining a strong online following as well as a loyal client base, Bee is doing very well for herself. She isn't tied down to a 9-5 job, and she likes it that way. A self-made woman, and entrepreneur. 

I was curious to learn more about the girl behind the claws, and I am sure you are as well.  

"Ain't nothin like a bad bitch with dope nails." -Bee Lalli

Follow her on:

Instagram: @ClassyClaws

Tumblr: Classy Claws

Facebook: Classy Claws

To book an appointment: b.classyclaws@gmail.com

Had you always known you would get into this industry?

Not at all. I’m actually half way through my accounting degree and unsure where life is going to take me. What I do know, is that I love what I do at the moment, and I am so grateful for being one of the few people in the world that can truly love their job! 

Did you attend courses or schooling?

I did! A 400 hour, 4 month nail technician program here in Vancouver.

 Have nails always been your favourite part of the beauty industry?

Absolutely. There is something so satisfying at looking down at your freshly manicured hands. Aint nothin’ like a bad bitch with dope nails right?

 Describe a typical day of work for you.

I find that I personally like working long hours 3 times a week rather than holding down a typical 10-6 work day. So a typical day for me starts by putting on my sweats and hat, sometimes I’ll spike my coffee and start my 10-10 day. Throughout that day I typically will see around 8-9 clients and majority of them get full sets or fills with some sort of gel art on them. We talk about what’s gone on since I’ve seen them last- if they need me to murder anyone for them- you know the regular chit chat, we’ll blast music and make their hands pretty. 

What is your favourite part about being a nail tech and working for yourself?

I love that I get to meet so many amazing women! Working for myself is great because I can base it around my own life and never worry if I’ll be on call or whether the boss has me using product that I don’t agree with or the absolute worst was when I was working in a salon I’d have to censor my conversations with my clients. At Classy Claws there is nothing we don’t discuss. My clients are my girls, they see their appointments as girl time and over time we build a friendship so I always know what is going on with them and I’ll even text them between their appointments to check in if I knew theyre going through a rough patch. It’s little things that mean a lot to women and I do what I can to support them like they support Classy Claws.

 Least favourite?

Disrespectful clients. The no-showers, the 10-20 minutes late clients, or the last minute appointment beggers. Drives me nuts I swear. If I ever open up a salon I can not wait to have someone scheduling for me.

 How did you decide to go on your own vs. working for a nail spa?

Girl, I hated working in salons/spas. Lets start with the uniform. Making a nail tech wear all black is cruel because after our first client we’re already lookin hella dusty. Secondly I wear a hat every work day because I’m more concentrated and plus the dust gets in your hair then you look like you got dandruff. So I get to wear what I want. Also as previously mentioned I like working long days, so when I worked in a salon I typically had to work 5-7 hour days 5 times a week but now I get to do my 40 hours in 3 days. Thirdly, my girls and I talk about vulgar, perverted things that most spa owners wouldn’t want their clients to hear, so its more of a private/ exclusive environment. Lastly, I get to use the products that I love and stand by rather than what the salon can afford, this way I can stand by my work and put out great quality. So essentially the flexibility was the key factor in deciding to work for myself.

 What should girls look for in a good nail technician?

Look for someone that actually loves what they do. Because those people will continually grow and keep up with the current trends not because they have to but because they want to.

 What is your favourite style of nails to do?

Crystalized nails.

 Acrylic vs. Gel, what is your favourite?

GEL GEL GEL!

 Do you have a favourite polish colour right now?

Mystery and blue moon by akzentz.

 Favourite polish brand?

I don’t use polish I use gel polish so my favourite brand would definitely be Akzentz. I love the variety of colours and how smoothly the product applies and the minimal shrinkage is great!

 Your favourite current nail trend?

Bling fingers and negative space, I love.

 Worst nail trend?

Wide nails/duck feet.

 Favourite nail accessories?

Everyone knows I love Swarovski Crystal placement.

 How do you stay motivated? 

Seeing people work a 9-5 they hate is my motivation to keep killin the nail game so I don’t have to be a part of a corporate lifestyle.

 How do you prefer to have your nails?

I like keeping my natural nails with gel polish on them; I can naturally grow them pretty long so most people think they are extensions regardless. They always have some sort of art goin on. Whether it be crystals or painted art.

 How should girls be taking care of their nails at home in between appointments?

Just don’t use them as tools, keep them out of your mouth and don’t pick at them. Leave the rest to your tech. 

Joanna's Favourite line: "Your nails are jewels, not tools!"

What are some of your personal and professional goals for the future?

I’d like to open the go-to beauty studio in Vancouver in about two years after I finish my degree. I’m thinking of possibly starting to do competitions in 2016 but I think I have a ways to go before I start.

 Any last bits of advice for anybody looking to get into the nail technician industry?

 If you love what you do you will be successful. Don’t let people discourage you and make you feel like your work isn’t perfect, We all start somewhere. If I let all the people that told me my work wasn’t good get to my head I wouldn’t be where I am today.