Michael lynn wherley
PA Licensed Nail Technician
For the past 17 years I’ve spent my days designing apparel for other people. Apparel will always be a part of my life but through the pandemic and some life changes I was able to attend beauty school for my nail tech license. I’m now hoping to take was once a hobby and form of self expression and turn it into my next creative career.
The earliest memories I have of being obsessed with nails would probably be of me pulling my mom’s Lee Press-on nails out of the trash and wearing them myself. I distinctly remember one time when my mother was polishing her nails and I asked her to do mine. So she was kind enough to put just a dot of polish on each of my nails. I remember thinking it was the greatest thing at the time.
My first time at a nail salon was with an older female friend who was getting her nails done for prom. I sat there hypnotized and in awe as the male nail tech built out a beautiful set of square acrylic tips and polished them in a stunning gun metal metallic. At one point he stepped away for something and I grabbed the polish bottle and tried polishing just one nail. He returned to see my struggle and held out his hand. I returned the polish but he took my hand cleaned off the mess I made and was kind enough to give me a quick one coat of color perfectly executed on all ten nails. This made my day. Not just because I had some color on my claws but because I never felt judged as a male wanting polished nails.
It wasn’t until I met my partner, who was a hairdresser at the time and had access to the good stuff, paired with the nail art boom of the late 2000’s and early 2010’s that nails really became a hobby for me. They would drag me to the beauty supply and I would always find my way to the nail section and drool over all the great colors. They’ve also been a huge supporter during this process and I’m thankful to have them and many other supporters through this new chapter. I hope I can count on your support as well.
My 4 guiding pillars for nails are…
Inclusivity.
Affirming.
Collaboration.
Creativity.
My favorite iconic clawed characters are Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman from Batman Returns, Lady Deathstrike, Wolverine, and Sabretooth from Marvel Comics and Warblade from Wild C.A.T.S.
Looking forward to holding hands and learning more about you.
LIL ANDERSON
PA Licensed Nail Technician
Art has been a part of me from my earliest memories. I would spend my days doodling, painting, and sculpting with whatever I could get my hands on. In school I was always told “oh you cant become an artist! artists don’t make any money”. I spent the next 15 odd years of my life trying to run away from art.
I graduated from Mccaskey in lancaster and got degrees in archaeology and philosophy from temple university in philadelphia. I had every intention of going to law school. then covid happened. i spent my days bored out of my mind with the endless essay’s , exams, and applications. in my spare time i would paint my nails.
I never really did my nails growing up. I found my passion for nails much later in life. I graduated from doing my nails to some of my friends. I was wrapping up my final thesis for my philosophy BA and I thought “do i really want to spend the rest of my life doing something i dont actually like? or do i go for it and completely switch things up?” I applied for beauty school and the rest is history.
I love caring for natural nails and working on regrowth. I feel joy in sculpting nails, fostering growth and expressing myself and my clients wishes through nail art. I am so looking forward to continuing my journey with Keystone Claws.
Some of my favorite clawed charaters are inuyasha, link with his Raru arm, paulette from legally blonde, and zoe kravit’s catwoman.
ANGELA MADOKA
PA Licensed Nail Technician
Nails have always been a passion of mine. The first time I had my nails done was in middle school, my aunt did them in Sailor Venus colors at her salon designed with gems. That sparked the interest and love of adding more than a single color onto nails, and opened the world to me for 3D elements of adding charms, gems and anything that adds texture.
Throughout high school I continued to paint my nails frequently with flat nail art and periodically with gems or pearls. But as I entered college I had lost myself and stopped doing anything artistic. I was doing what any first generation kid would do and was going for the “American Dream” , something realistic and stable, I was going into engineering.
Fast forward I moved to Lancaster during COVID, having a hard time finding a job for a while I started doing my nails again. Eventually, I lost the enjoyment in the work that I found and my fiance helped support me to push me to enroll in cosmetology school.
Having graduated in winter of 2023 it has been an amazing opportunity to find a community of like minded nail techs and be in a space where I can continue and create the nails that bring me joy.
My goal for nails is to be a certified Japanese gel nail tech, and to offer styles that draw inspiration from everyday items or colors, with a POP of texture!
My favorite clawed characters are Nino from Quintessential Quintuplets and any Sailor Moon character, especially Sailor Venus.
HILDA PALM
PA Licensed Nail Technician
When I turned 25, your girl had a quarter life crisis and decided to do a complete 180 and put my happiness first. I went from working in the Social Work field to becoming a Nail Technician, switching careers was the best decision I’ve made for myself! Don’t ever be afraid to put yourself first, it’s your life and you’re here to live it the way you want!
I am now able to tap back in and bring out my creative side. I love making my clients feel beautiful and giving them a confidence boost. When I’m not making my clients dreams come true, you can catch me cuddling with my tuxedo babe Sasha, playing my switch and watching a rom-com, an animated movie or reality TV.
I’m so excited to continue growing my skills, building my book and meeting new clients. #nailviews
joanna Rodriguez
PA Licensed Nail Technician
@_polishedbyjorodriguez
My love for nails began when I was young, spending time at the salon and becoming captivated by the creative process. I started practicing on my cousins, and over time, my passion grew into a career that allows me to share my love for nail art with others. In the salon, I focus on creating a comfortable, welcoming environment where clients can relax and leave feeling their absolute best.
When I’m not in the salon, I’m a learning support teacher, dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for my students. Just as I do with my clients, I believe in creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported.
I’m a laid-back and easygoing person who finds joy in the small things, especially spending time with my dog, Kisses. I’m also a true crime junkie who loves diving into a good podcast. And as a Disney girl at heart, I have a special love for the villains. Some of my favorite clawed characters include Ursula, Maleficent, and the Evil Queen.
I've been told my specialty should be floral nail art. I’m always excited to bring those intricate, beautiful designs to life. Whether you're looking for something simple or a bold statement, I’m here to help you express your style through your nails!