Meet Andreya Bishop | Self-Taught Nail Technician & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andreya Bishop and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andreya, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to become a nail technician because I am really good at using my hands and creating things whether it is drawing, painting, sculpting, reconstructing etc. I love all things art and being able to express myself in all forms, especially creatively. I don’t like conforming to the normalities of a regular work life. If I can’t be my complete self at all times, I’ll feel trapped. I’d much rather work 24/7 for myself, invest in myself and my own pockets than to make money for someone else if I’m not enjoying the work. I enjoy using my time to challenge myself creatively and working on my skills and technique in order to perfect a craft. Art is all about the process; making something from nothing. I fall in love with the process every time being in a creative career field.Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a self-taught nail technician, I realized early on that I had an innate ability. I’m naturally a fast learner but doing nails came to me a lot easier and quicker than most. Things that would’ve take people months to master, I was able to learn in just a few tries. I can thank my grandmother for genetically blessing me with the creative ability as I had just learned she was a nail technician when my mother was little. I am eager to learn and master different styles because the creative possibilities are endless when it comes to nail art. New and old styles are constantly being recycled so it leaves a lot of room for growth. Starting a business isn’t easy and I don’t expect support from everyone. I am however, more than happy with the progress I’m making and the ones who have supported my ambitions. I believe in myself and know I can and will be successful. I’m going to trust the process and continue to strive to be better than I was yesterday while leaving my artistic mark.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being a resident in Southern California there are a lot of things to do from a 10 minute drive to an hour away. I’m currently residing in downtown Fullerton in Orange County. I’d take my friend visiting me to my favorite brunch spot called Guacamigos in Newport Beach. They have the best bottomless mimosas and the food is amazing. Afterwards, we could even rent a duffy boat from the ports around and watch the sunset from the waters. We would definitely need a day for Knott’s Berry Farm because their rides are thrilling and the snoopy vibes are so cute. We would also have a thrift day in downtown Fullerton followed by stopping at the best taco food truck on Harbor st for some Birria Tacos and consomé to end a good day. On a nice warm day we could hit Laguna Beach and boogie board through the waves and have a picnic on the beach. We could even hit the drive in later on that night to watch whatever scary movie is out. One of my fave restaurants is Habana in Costa Mesa, they have really good Cuban food and a flight of whiskey shots that get the job done, we’d have a great time there. I’d also have to give my friend a personal pamper day and do their nails and toes myself to show them my skills.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if my mother (Chandrea Gilchrist) hadn’t shown me the hustle mentality as well as always telling me to stay genuine and true to myself no matter what. She has always encouraged and supported me through all my aspirations and successes. She is the first person I go to because I will always receive constructive criticism as well as motivation to keep grinding whenever I feel stumped. I’ve always admired my mother from the way she carried herself to the way she was determined to get everything out of life that she deserved. She raised me to be independent and gave me so much room to be and express myself. She is a phenomenal woman and I hope I can continue to make her proud and continue her legacy.

Instagram: Personal: dreya_yabishh Nail page: Clawedgalz

Other: Email: Andreya.bishop@gmail.com

Image Credits
Nicole Melody