Beauticians of Springfield
Writing and Graphics by Cole Vest
We have all been told that beauty is much more than skin deep. Who we are is much more important than what we project. We are encouraged to strengthen the content of our character and strive for a well-rounded personality. Personally, I do believe this is true. Vanity, rarely warranted, is a slippery slope towards arrogant, inconsiderate, selfish action.
“I am kind,” “I am smart,” “I am fun,”
I repeat to myself in the mirror.
“I am considerate,” “I am selfless,” “I am beautiful–”
The words ricochet off of slightly green glass, towards my confused expression, and for just a moment, rattle around in my head like a little pinball. I know my character is ultimately where I should derive my confidence. However, that is not always the case (and, for many, is so much easier said than done. Honestly, I’ve had a really hard past few semesters, struggling with my appearance, self-concept, what have you. In these few months, I’ve learned that sometimes, feeling pretty can not only be one of the first steps in not only feeling “kind,” “smart,” “fun,” what have you, but even having the motivation to make good decisions and put yourself first. I believe everyone deserves to feel pretty, if not every day, (because trust, I, if anyone, understand, we all have our days) at least every so often. While “beautification” or “feeling beautiful” relies heavily on (alphabetized, including but not limited to): a gendered, homophobic, misogynistic, racist, xenophobic (the ropes) society, a hair, nail, or even skin appointment can actually do wonders.
So, naturally, I decided to look for the best resources in Springfield. I grew up fascinated with the processes of beautification. For context, I’m a geography and sustainability major at Missouri State, but a huge part of me thinks I should have been an esthetician. So, again, naturally, I began to seek out — through peers, social media, and word of mouth — the best services I could find in the Springfield area. In my search, I found Asia Hatfield (@esthetics_by.asia), Audrey Ann (@nailsbyaudreyann), and Jade Evans (@jade.l.evans). I interviewed these three to get a better idea of what it’s like to be a beautician, and to give readers an opportunity to learn about new services offered locally.
Who are you?
Asia
“My name is Asia Hatfield, I’m 20 years old!”
Audrey
“My name is Audrey and I do Gel-X press-on nail art and application for in-person clients in the Springfield area, as well as shipping all over the US! I work under my business name of Nails by Audrey Ann. I am 21 years old and have been running my own business for around two and a half years now, with over 7 years of experience on myself and my family!”
Jade
“My name is Jade Evans, I am 19 years old, and I am an artist in many ways. I love to draw, paint, do makeup, and now I also do spray tans!”
What services do you offer?
Asia
“Services I could offer in the salon are basic facials including dermaplanes, enzymes, and microdermabrasion!” Hatfield is currently working towards completing her state boards so she can be an officially licensed esthetician. “I will also offer lash/eyebrow lifts and tints, facial waxing, body waxing, Swedish massages, and makeup services.”
Audrey
“Instead of the traditional acrylic or dip nail services, I offer a newer form of nail extension called Gel-X. Gel-X is a soft gel nail extension that comes as a preset shaped tip that avoids the buildup of excess acrylic powders and harmful chemicals. These tips are thinner and more lightweight, but stay on for several weeks, giving you a month-long average wear time. I then apply gel polish. I’m best known for doing more abstract and intricate designs, as opposed to the solid color or french tip manicures you see at most nail salons. The Gel-X tips can also be used for creating press-ons for anyone that may want nails for a shorter period of time. My press-ons are all made to last and be reused, so you can switch out whatever designs you’re feeling for certain days or events! I also occasionally will do gel on people’s natural nails, so no extension necessary!”
Jade
“I work for Urbyn Glow Tanning, we offer spray tans of a few kinds. We have our regular Bronze tan, which is our most popular option because it suits all skin types and shades. We also have our Violet tan, which is more ashy than golden bronze. That one works really well for people who have olive skin tones or naturally tan skin. Finally, we have our Express tan which is the same color as the bronze, it just processes quicker, so you can get a spray in the morning and go to an event that same night!”
What does beautifying mean to you?
Asia
“I love the feeling when completing a beautifying service such as eyebrow waxing or lash lift and tints; the way a client's eyes will glow when they love them. Everyone wants to feel beautiful, but helping someone realize their beauty is such a rewarding experience. I’ve always loved makeup and skincare, and the way it can make an impact on someone’s whole perspective.”
Audrey
“Beautifying, to me, is making someone feel confident in themselves and giving them a little built-in accessory for their day to day lives. I have girls that come in just for a special occasion like their birthday or a vacation, then I have others that come regularly and love having their nails done every month. I even have girls that will come to help them stop habits such as cuticle picking or nail biting!”
Jade
“To me, helping someone feel beautiful is one of the most important things. I strongly believe that looking good and feeling good on the outside have a major effect on how you feel on the inside.”
Do you have a favorite customer reaction?
Asia
“My favorite customer reaction is most definitely doing services on my friends. When they are super impressed it makes me feel cool.”
Audrey
“My favorite customer reaction is when they tell me they feel like themselves again when they get a fresh set, or that they feel more confident after having their nails done! Taking on new clients is so fun because most of them have never been to an independent nail tech. These clients may be used to a rushed and lackluster experience at a larger nail salon that rotates people in and out too quickly. When clients leave my place saying, “this is the best my nails have ever looked,” that makes my day!
Jade
“I did a spray tan for a family friend and she texted me the next day. She told me she absolutely loved it and she would recommend it to all of her friends. She said I made her feel so comfortable during the process and that she felt so beautiful afterwards. She doesn’t normally get spray tans, so to hear that she felt so good about it afterwards made my heart happy.”
How can potential customers reach you?
Asia
“My esthetics Instagram is @esthetics_by.asia!”
Audrey
“I’m very booked and busy, so the best way to reach me for an in-person appointment is to direct message me on Instagram and check my stories every day for new spots. For any press-on orders, I released a new website where you can order straight from the site and have them either delivered to your door, or you can come and pick them up from my home studio! My Instagram and my TikTok is @nailsbyaudreyann and my website URL is nailsbyaudreyann.squaresite!”
Jade
“You can book at UrbynGlow.com! I work at the Springfield location, so make sure to choose that one when you book. (The website) doesn’t let you select a tan artist, but my hours are 8am-12pm Monday-Friday, and 9am-2pm on Saturdays!”
Beauty is not only much more than skin deep, but beauty is also always within reach. Feeling beautiful is not only deserved by all, but much more accessible than most think. What goes around comes around, and there is plenty of beauty to go around, especially in Springfield.
And finally, a very special thank you to Asia, Audrey, and Jade for interviewing! Be sure to check out their services!