Today we’d like to introduce you to Amiyna Ninti
Hi Amiyna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi my name is Amiyna Ninti. I have been a passionate nail tech since around the age of 10. Growing up with not much when I was young I did not think nails would be something I could make a career out of. From constantly matching my nails to outfits to learning so many skills and always advancing my craft. It has always helped me calm my mind and remember all the beautiful things in life.
I would constantly do my own nails and practice on family and friends. I became a teen mom in 2012 and it made it harder to make the time to practice. In my senior year I went to the career center and obtained my nail license by the time I graduated in 2014. I would travel to peoples homes to do house calls and eventually I started in a nail salon. It definitely was not easy as a shy and introverted person to work with the public. But I stayed focused.
In July 2014 my life changed for ever and one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders my father passed away. He always told me “ Mamita if you believe in yourself, nails can take you very far, you’re very creative.” His words of wisdom and knowledge still stick with me to this day and is the driving force in which I keep hope alive no matter what obstacles I may face. But unfortunately shortly after he passed I stopped doing nails and strayed away from the thing I truly loved. I had a car wreck. I worked at regular jobs and then had people pushing me to go for nails again. Even though I knew how emotional I was after my dads passing I didn’t feel like my self but I knew he wouldn’t want me to give up.
In 2015 I was offered another opportunity to work in another nail salon. Nervous I pushed my self to get out of my comfort zone. (Since I didn’t have a car due to the accident) I would ride the bus to work and walk from the bus stop. I am grateful for all those at that time period of my life who helped, and guided me along the way. Meeting so many people I was able to build my skill up more and clientele. I had my son in 2017 which was a very hard pregnancy for me. During this time I put all my time and in energy in to work. I saved as much as could to continue on to the next steps in my life and career for my family.
In early 2018 I took a leap of faith and attempted to go on my own and I started my 1st business Ninti Nail
Lounge. (A suite/studio). A true success. Although intimidating especially at the time not having much knowledge about business, I was fully booked for months. But during this time I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd and last baby girl. Stressed because this was not what I planned for nor expecting I was determined to figure it out for my growing family. I kept my pregnancy quiet for most of it which cause me to be extremely reserved at that time. I just worked. Going through a few complications I just didn’t want customers to be concerned. After her birth I went straight back to work and I became highly requested. Trying to keep up with bookings, breastfeeding, being a mom of 3 and struggling with severe postpartum depression. I suffered in silence. And eventually I overworked myself to burnout. By the end of 2019. I had developed a few health issues due to me not taking care of myself the way I needed to. I had unfortunate circumstances happen in which I had to shut down Ninti Nail Lounge. And stop doing nails completely.
In the beginning of 2020 I spent a lot of time to focus on my health and mentally health. I would do alternative forms of healing & I found that art therapy was the most effective for me and has help me heal massive amounts of trauma. In which the “Art”was born. But still wanting to hurry and get back into nails. I would attempt to go back in to nails several times and show case some work that I learned and I incorporated it with my nail artistry.
During the period of 2020-2021 I would constantly put effort into my spiritual growth, my talents and navigating coparenting, while working in a hair salon. I met a lot of people and continued to overcome my fears. Traveled to healing places, sold paintings, drew tattoos for
customers to get, created and sold an all natural cuticle nail oil, sold
pressons and taught nail classes. Even though things weren’t perfect it was perfect for me and my kids. With my youngest daughter always on my hip, my son constantly wanting to be creative and do art with me and my eldest daughter always calling the shots. We became a little team.
In 2021 we moved into our 1st place together and filled it up with laughs and giggles. At this time I felt it was right to work from home as it would be easier for us. My skills grew tremendously at this time. I mastered my nail skills, and learn so many art forms and mediums.
Then Ninti’s Nails & Art was born. Incorporating all my talents into one. I began filling up my walls with my Original paintings and eventually began painting my walls with creativity. Clients began to see all the creativity I’ve held within me and what my dad seen all those years ago. I got to open up in ways I never got to before especially being an introverted person. And I am grateful for those who allowed me to be creative and appreciated my work.
In 2023 lots of people pushed me to put my work out there more. So I attempted to collaborate with people the best way I knew how. I began doing house calls as when I recalled earlier in my career it was easy. And painting on clothes. But I became overstimulated quickly with too many opinions and overexerted myself in which caused me to a major breakdown. I quit everything, gave/threw everything away. And I felt all the work, energy and healing I put in went out the window.
Isolating myself for months, traveling to different places and sightseeing. I felt the nudge of nails coming back once again. Traumatized I was unsure if I wanted to continue on with a career that seemed since 2019 has been very challenging. I would continue to pray and I finally decide to go back. I started doing house calls slowly again and now I am back in a nail salon. Starting from scratch, clientele started growing and once again doing what I truly love to do.
I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason. As a young child I never thought I would become an artist let alone known for my work. I was just a girl who had an extreme passion for nails and kept going despite the odds, negativity, trails and tribulations. And I am grateful that god blessed me with the talent and gift to share with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would not say the journey has been easy. Lots of trails and tribulations concerning my health and maintaining a work life balance. One of the biggest challenges is coparenting and being able to make time for nails around my children’s schedule. Also being able to cope through trauma and anxiety to be able to execute my job well. And some how I am still able to manage it all.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Acrylic Nails, Handpainted art, character art. I would say I am known for shaping, being very detailed, being colorful, and defining my own ways of thinking. I am most proud of how clean my lines can get, how some of art looks like stickers, and sharing my knowledge with others as I know how hard it can be to figure things out when you don’t know where to start. I think what sets me apart is my ability to weather any storm that comes my way and come back stronger than before.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Never let someone tell you, you can’t do something because it maybe taboo or not the norm. Be you. Find what lights you up. And don’t let the outside noise deter you from following what is in your heart and soul!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nintisnails.art
