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

Hi Lawring, why did you pursue a creative career?
Although doing nails is not a full on career for me (I help students with college applications as my full-time job), I initially pursued nail art at the beginning of the COVID pandemic quarantine just to have fun at doing Dimension Nails weekly nail art challenges #DNChallenge, inspired by my nail friend turned IRL friend (@polish3Dmommy) who has been participating, too. Before that, I enjoyed doing simple manicures on myself just simply because I love colors, especially vibrant and shimmery colors on my fingers.

As I continued doing one nail art after another, I gradually improved in my nail art skills and I started to enjoy and appreciate my work more. It’s fun to have my own interpretations of each week’s theme and to paint tiny lines, shapes, and animals on my small nail beds. I’ve loved drawing since I was a kid, but it was never something I took classes for or took seriously. It had always been something I did as a fun side hobby. However, doing nail art is the most serious route I’ve taken in pursuing art.

Being in the nail community, my account slowly gained traction and brands started noticing me and sending me PR. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’m given thanks to the continuous support and encouragement from the nail community. I really wouldn’t be where I am today without all of their love and support.

Two years in, I was fortunate enough to receive my first paid opportunity to do nail swatches for Olive Ave Polish! I couldn’t believe it because it is one of my favorite polish brands!! If you asked me five or ten years ago, I wouldn’t even be able to imagine that I would have a side hustle doing nails. My life has definitely been very interesting to have taken a turn in this direction. It has shown me that creative paths can be possible–anything can be possible if the passion is there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Outside of nails, I help students with college applications. Just like nails, I never thought I would end up in this line of work. I’ve wanted to pursue a career in education, but it wasn’t encouraged when I was growing up. However, I ended up where I’m at soon after college when I decided that med school wasn’t for me. It was definitely challenging at the beginning at my current job, but as with anything, with more time and experience, it gets a bit easier and smoother. Thanks to my friendly and supportive colleagues, work isn’t too bad. If I ever needed help, they’re always more than willing to offer a helping hand and guide me along the way. When I struggled to help my students, I would look for different approaches and self reflect more to see what I can do to improve and connect with them better.

The fun part of my job is that I get to learn about what makes my students excited and how they are quirky in their own ways, and I love learning more about them through their college essays. Of course, it’s a wonderful time when I find out that they get into their dream schools! Some of them I’ve really gotten to know and even stay connected after they graduate high school, which I’m so grateful for.

Working in this field of education, I realize more and more that it’s ok to not know what you want to do as a high school student. In our current society, there’s so much unnecessary pressure to know exactly what we want to do at a young age of 15-18, but it’s simply unrealistic. There’s still so much to experience in life to truly know what kind of career to pursue. Everything will pan out and be ok as long as you keep pushing forward, continue learning, and try new things. It’s great if they already know what they want, but it’s also ok to not know. Life plays out in interesting, unexpected ways, sometimes for the better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here are some places to check out in the Los Angeles area!

Places to visit!
The Broad – contemporary art museum
They have the coolest infinity room with so many lights and interesting contemporary pieces!

The Last Bookstore
This is also a must-see place for the artsy book vibes~

Venice Canals
It feels like you teleported to Venice. It’s such a nice walk especially during sunset. Very aesthetic location.
I also love paddle boarding there.

The Getty Villa
Has the most beautiful views and lots of art and history to see and learn about.

Hollywood Bowl
If there are any good shows/singers performing at that time, this is a great place for that!

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
This is the perfect spot for a cool photoshoot. Can you tell I love museums, artsy places? haha

Santa Monica Beach and Pier
Of course, who can visit LA without going to the beach!

Food!
Daikokuya Little Tokyo
As a ramen lover, this is a great place for authentic, flavorful ramen.

The Perch
A great rooftop restaurant with an amazing view!

Smorgasburg
A fun one-stop shop outdoor food market with vendors from all over so we can try lots of different food and dessert all in one location!

Oo Kook KBBQ
When in LA, KBBQ is a must!

Road to Seoul KBBQ
Gotta make the most of it and visit a second KBBQ joint!

Kansha Creamery
This is a bit far from LA, but this is by far the best ice cream place with so many unique flavors each week! Made with the best ingredients and they’re not too sweet.

Bopomofo Cafe
They have some unique boba drinks (HEY Sesame Milk and Strawberry Corn Milk) and Taiwanese inspired food that just hit the spot (Mapo Tots, Popcorn Chicken, and Honey Walnut Shrimp Burger)!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Special shoutout to the one and only Patty for sending me my first PR and many many many PRs after that. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities you have given me as well as those that followed soon after. I seriously wouldn’t be here without all your love and support. I’m so grateful for our partnerships and friendship.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colourftw

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99i1q5GtEKWpvu86l4RI6w

Other: https://linktr.ee/colourftw

Image Credits
Lawring Wood

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