#WCW Ali Spittler

Ali Spittler, one of our two new nail technician apprentices, is our awesome #WCW today! Prior to joining the Beautifully Polished team, Ali worked at a local Poulsbo bakery, and had never been to the salon, or really ever seriously considered a career in the beauty industry. When a salon client, and friend of Ali's, heard about the apprenticeship opportunity offered here, she thought it would be perfect for her. Ali's love for nail art goes way back, and she was constantly trying new things on her own nails. The apprenticeship program offers an on-the-job-training approach that's affordable, and keeps the student in the locale where they'll be working. This felt like just the right fit for Ali, and she definitely jumped in with both feet to her new line of work, and the salon family that came with it. Hailing from the tight knit community of Port Townsend, WA, Ali appreciates the bond that's been forged with her fellow co-workers, and with guests to the salon. She enjoys the safe atmosphere that is fostered, for women, (and even some brave men!), to come in, relax, and be themselves. 

When Ali isn't at the salon, she spends a lot of time visiting her friends and family up in Port Townsend, and catching concerts and movies whenever she can. Her favorite new skill as a nail apprentice is currently gel manicures, but we have strong sense that acrylics will be up next, because she has tons of natural talent! If you haven't already, come meet Ali for yourself, and let her show off her awesome techniques! Ali perfectly illustrates why we should always be ready to step through newly opened doors, and into new opportunities, because we never know what could be around that next corner of life. We're so happy to have an addition to our clan that is fun, expressive, and hard-working! Ali brings a great energy to the BP family, and we can't wait to watch her successes grow!

#WCW Kate Waag

For this edition of #WCW we’re totally crushing on one of our two new apprentices, Kate Waag! She brings determination, humor, and a refreshing bluntness to her journey towards licensure as a nail technician. 

Originally from the tiny town of Winthrop, Washington, Kate first chose a career as a Certified Natural Balance Farrier, or in layman’s terms, someone who shoes horses. But after suffering an injury in a car accident, she was unable to continue as a farrier, and subsequently devoted her time to her now 7 year old daughter as a stay at home mom.  With her daughter now in the 2nd grade, she recently made the decision that it was time to pursue something that was just for her, in an industry that she loves. Having grown up in close proximity to the beauty industry - her mom was a cosmetologist for 21 years before becoming a nurse - Kate knew this was something she enjoyed, where she could express her creative side, while also helping people look and feel their best. She loves that her new career path gives her another way to spend time with her daughter, practicing skills, and having fun together. When Kate isn’t working, her other interests include hiking, kayaking, and fishing with her husband, as well as reading, crafting, and many other domestic-goddess type pursuits. 

Kate’s favorite thing so far about being an apprentice at Beautifully Polished is the feeling of having an extended family and sisterhood with the women she works alongside, and those that visit as guests. She also appreciates that the education she’s receiving is primarily hands on, and that when she’s licensed she’ll have 2,000 hours of training, vs. the 650 hours that’s required at a traditional beauty school.  We love that Kate believes there is no limit to one’s education, and that it’s never too late to start doing what you love. It’s inspiring to see women step out and begin something new, and Kate sets a wonderful example to all! 

#WCW Jenny Ingram

If you don’t already know our #WCW for today, the (in)famously hilarious Jenny Ingram, you’ve probably at least heard of her, or seen her face around the internets. She’s kind of a big deal. This lady has been writing about life and parenting on her blog, Jenny On The Spot, since 2004; first as a personal creative outlet, and eventually as her full-time job. Beyond being wildly entertaining, Jenny keeps things REAL. Her authenticity, and ability to focus on positivity while still acknowledging the challenges that life throws at all of us, is what makes her so inspirational to us, and so many other women.

Entering the blogging world basically in its infancy has meant that Jenny has done a ton of hard work to learn new skills, such as photography, to adapt to the ongoing changes in the industry, maintain her content, and to grow her following. While on the surface it may look like working from home, making fun videos, and taking photos is easy, it most certainly is not. The administration and back-end side of having sponsors, managing a website, developing posts on a deadline, and the need to be “on” when she may not feel like it, requires major hustle. But Jenny wouldn’t have it any other way, because at the end of the day she gets to be herself, share her passions, and spread what she hopes is a message of balance, creativity, and humor to those near and far.

Part of Jenny’s passion is in helping women, and moms, come together and support each other, whether that is through blogger conferences, or through the women in her own community. Being part of the Inspired You team has given Jenny another exciting way to reach out, and bring in more ladies who are ready to turn their own dreams into reality. While Jenny’s candid and funny videos have a knack for making you feel like you’re long time friends, meeting and chatting with this lady in person is even better! Which leads us to the obvious next step – y’all need to go and register for Inspired You, so you don’t miss this opportunity to make new friends, discover more of your own potential, and hang out with Jenny!

So seriously.

Go do it.

Ready?? Click here!

#WCW Marnie Clark

For this edition of #WCW we’re crushing on an incredible woman with a huge heart for the women in our communities. Marnie Clark is one of the trio of amazing ladies who are hosting the Inspired You conference this fall. Marnie has such a giving spirit, and authentic openness, which immediately makes one feel included and at ease. She has a passion for bringing women together in ways that foster storytelling, camaraderie, friendship, and support. Marnie believes we can all live an extraordinary life, based on our individual dreams and goals, and she wants to help women achieve those dreams by connecting us to each other as a system of support.  

After over 20 years working alongside her husband in their family-run construction business, Marnie realized she was missing a creative outlet with which to share her own story, and to connect with other women who could encourage, and be encouraged by each other’s experiences.  Her website and blog, Life Extraordinary, was born out of this need, and what’s followed has indeed been extraordinary! She began hosting gatherings for women called Dine and Dream, where they did just that – shared amazing food and drink, made new friends, swapped stories, and heard from a special guest on a topic close to their heart. Dine and Dream has been a resounding success, and through it Marnie has forged the relationships that led to the creation of Inspired You. She hopes that the momentum will continue, and that women here and beyond will be inspired to start their own groups, and to live fully, authentically, and with passion, to be the best version of themselves!

If you haven’t met Marnie yet, we think you ought to! You’ll walk away pumped to get involved with her projects, and motivated to be your most creative self. 

#WCW Jackie Wood

This #WCW we’re crushing hardcore on Jackie Wood, one of the three organizers behind the Inspired You event for which we’re thrilled to be the Presenting Sponsor.  Aside from this event, Jackie is a hardworking, big dreaming superwoman who has taken the courageous leap into starting her own marketing and event planning business, SparkWood.

This lady is an organizational maven if we’ve ever met one! Her passion is creating environments for her clients that allow people to connect, relax, and truly get the most out of their gathering. With a background in hospitality and restaurant management, and a career built in corporate positions, Jackie has a wealth of experience that makes her an expert in her field. From family reunions, to large corporate functions, and everything in between, Jackie not only handles it, but she handles it with style, precision, and a hefty dose of humor.

Jackie understands life’s challenges, and she wants to help inspire others to be authentic, to remember that we’re all works in progress, and to step up out of the hardships, and into the potential that we all have within us. For Jackie, success is not only being emotionally and financially healthy herself, it’s also building a business that allows others in her area to find success as well. From creating jobs for high school students, to building community through seasonal side work during the holidays, she has many blossoming ideas on how to incorporate local talent into her projects. We can’t wait to see where her goals take her!

When Jackie isn’t growing her new business, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.