We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Salina Nèou. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Salina below.

Alright, Salina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Being able to support myself as an artist is a dream come true. I think it’s natural to wonder what it’s like to have a conventional job, but that thought never lasts long. There are people whose job stress them out while my job de-stresses me.

Salina , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Though I have the skill set to work with all mediums, I am a gel nail artist. There is a forgiving element when working with gel that I appreciate. Art was always the constant in my life since I moved around often. So it’s no surprise I made a career out of it as it’s my comfort. I was born and raised all over New England. From NYC to little peaceful country lake side towns in Maine. It’s so much of who I am and how I got my people’s skill. I feel like no matter which walk of life you’re from, I’m able to relate and hold conversations fairly easily. Which is why my clients and I end up becoming genuine friends after a while. This bond allows me to treat all equally, no matter level of popularity. I think that’s why people like coming to me. I won’t ever cancel on them last minute because of a bigger name or opportunity. In a city where influence matters, I treat everyone the same. That’s a quality I hold with pride.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The mutual beneficial exchange between the artist and client. I can’t speak on everyone’s relationship but I know between my clients and I, we know each other on a very mental intimate level. They leave with their nails done, but also with a lighter load off their shoulders. My clients vent to me about every topic. Theres truly nothing off limits and they know I won’t judge them for it. Not everyone has a safe space and I try my best to provide that.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

People underestimate what a simple share on social media does. Understandably not everyone can afford to financially support or maybe they can’t because they’re not local, but sharing an artist’s work means the world because we’re almost always a one man team.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_linadoll