Most people know a lot about the difficult training and education it takes for jobs like lawyers and doctors, but there are few who know about the hard work and struggles it takes to be amazing in other careers. Local manicurist Sarah Petersen has been working in her field for over 17 years and has lots of experience to share about how she got into this line of work and the knowledge she has gained throughout.
To become a certified manicurist in Missouri, you need to complete 400 hours of a nail technology program plus pass both a written and practical examination, and pay associated fees to the program. Peterson decided to start this program right after she had her first son.
“I was still searching for my ‘forever’ career. Having a child put real life into perspective real quick for me. My sister was in beauty school for cosmetology, so after talking with her about my longing for purpose, she suggested manicuring…As it turned out, I was one of the lucky ones who had a knack for this craft,” Peterson said.
A really neat part of Sarah’s job is the international travel and opportunity she has gotten to experience. She completed educator training in 2014 to become an international Artistic Nail Design educator. This allowed her to travel and educate others all over the world and work alongside some of the best nail artists in the world. She is constantly looking for ways to expand her skills and continue to learn and grow.
Peterson has also learned to pivot when needed. In 2020 when the pandemic was at its peak, she had to adjust to creating and designing acrylic nails that she could make at home and then leave out for her clients to pick up and apply to their nails themselves. This was a creative way to still bring in income as a person who works in very close proximity to the public.
Peterson also owned her own business, Salon Legacy, for 12 years of her career, alongside her sister Ashley Whittingham. Owning her own business was difficult but Peterson saw many rewarding factors also.
“You get to pick the vibe and the policies. You get to integrate your values and morals into your business, and hire who you want to work with! Being a part of the community and being able to give back to your community is so rewarding,” Peterson said.
The thing that Sarah loves the most about her career choice is getting to know and working with the clients.
“I love the business I have grown and the clients I have chosen…I love the variety of work this industry has to offer and its challenges too; it’s constantly growing and I plan on growing with it,” said Peterson.
