:: Industry Spotlight - Lola's ::

Hello there girls!

I feel like I haven't posted for a while, but I'm back! This is an introductory post to a series which I've been planning for these last two weeks with the talented nail technician Lara Vella from Lola's! This series will include myself meeting numerous professionals in different sectors of the industry, such as hairdressers, make-up artists, nails technicians, beauticians, models, photographers etc...

I got the opportunity to visit her one morning, and get my nails done, and hence I decided to share my experience of getting them done with you! 

The polish used is Tan my Hide by Gelish Urban Cowgirl Collection, as well as Trendy by Orly FX Nailpolish on the ring finger. Since it was my first time getting gelish nails done, the idea was to keep the colours neutral during the transition from winter to spring, but also to add a pop of colour; in this case a bright coral! 

I also had the opportunity to ask Lara some questions, so I hope you enjoy them! 

1) Who are you exactly and what do you do? 

My name is Lara Vella and I have worked in the beauty industry for over nine years. Five years ago I fulfilled my dream of opening my own beauty salon, Lola's in Msida. At Lola's we offer our clients all sorts of beauty treatments from specialised facials to hot stone massage, waxing, make-up for all occasions, and finally all kinds of nail treatments, which is the treatment I specialise in. Our belief has always been that beauty comes from within, but there's nothing wrong with giving a little love on the outside too. Our aim is for clients to look and more importantly feel, radiant with every visit to Lola's. 

2) What made you choose this sector, and did you always find the industry intriguing? 

I have always been fascinated by the transformative power of make-up and I feel that its my way of expressing myself creatively. As a teen I would save all my pocket money, to then spend on stick on nails and nail polish. I would spend a whole Saturday painting and repainting my nails. I was always a girly girl, and in fact that is where my nickname Lola came from. It was never about work to me. Then my cousin Rebecca introduced me to the industry when I started training in her salon and for that I am forever grateful.

3) What is a positive aspect? 

I am so lucky to have found my passion in life. I absolutely love what I do! I've been in beauty for a while now and I'm confident in my work, which means when I'm with clients I can afford to focus not only on the job I;m doing but also on spending quality time with the person. Some people have been clients of mine for years, it's almost like having coffee with a friend! One of my favourite quotes is: ''Discover what you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life.'' I feel this describes where I'm at perfectly. 

4) What is a negative aspect? 

I wouldn't exactly call it a negative aspect of the job, but it's definitely the area I find most challenging. Being your own boss you always tend to work more than the standard '40 hour week'. This is completely understandable and I believe that all the effort and energy you give out will come back to you tenfold. However, especially during the busy periods, I find it challenging to keep a balance between accommodating all my clients and not over booking my schedule. So I am learning to be stricter with taking breaks and not working more than a 60 hour week. 

5) What inspires you to keep working hard and reaching new goals?

I can't possible imagine myself doing anything else or not being my own boss anymore. I'm constantly inspired by new treatments especially those I discover while travelling. One of my main priorities in life is to travel as much as I possibly can, and this job allows me to do so as I regulate my own schedule. Flexibility in my job allows me to live a balanced life, which is of paramount importance to me!

I hope you liked this post! I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Lara; I highly recommend that you to visit her adorable salon! More pictures coming soon! 

Also, feel free to forward your ideas with regards to which aspect of the industry you'd like me to tackle next! I am currently planning something with a gorgeous model; so stay tuned!

Kaylie Chetcuti
Soarella

xxx