TGB Insider Spotlight: Emily Lugo
Welcome to TGB Insider Spotlight, our series celebrating the talented nail technicians behind our TGB Insider community! From the stories that started their nail journeys to the products they can’t live without, we’re getting to know the people behind the manicures, discovering their creative inspirations and celebrating the work they’re proudest of.
This time, we’re shining the spotlight on Emily Lugo, a US-based TGB Insider who turned an early love of doing her own nails into a career in the beauty industry. From studying cosmetology in high school to creating intricate seasonal nail art, Emily shares her journey, her must-have TGB products and the details behind her favorite fall set.
Follow Emily on Instagram at @knots_and_nails
Tell us your story: how did you become a nail tech?
“I started doing my own nails at a young age and fell in love with it! When I got into high school, I was able to join a cosmetology program, and by the time I graduated, I was a licensed cosmetologist. I started working at a local spa the month after I graduated!”
Show us a set you’re most proud of
“This set for fall I’m especially proud of the line work used to create the plaid! I love creating seasonal designs, and plaid is such a perfect detail for autumn nails. Getting the lines just right makes this set extra special to me, and I’m proud of how the finished design came together.”
What are your top five TGB favorites?
“These are my most-used products! From creating a flawless base to adding those finishing details, these are the products I find myself reaching for time and time again. Having reliable essentials in my kit makes it easy to create a range of different looks, whether I’m keeping things simple or getting creative with nail art.”
Tell us something about you that might surprise your clients
“Every time I have a new client, they’re surprised by my height! I’m six feet tall!”
The quick-fire round
Describe your workspace in three words.
“Cozy, clean and personal.”
Who would be your dream celebrity client, and what would you create for them?
My dream celebrity client would be Ella Langley! I feel like the shade Boudoir would be perfect for one of her concerts.
What’s on your nails right now?
“I have a lot going on with my nails right now! I have a different design on almost every nail, which is perfect because I love mixing things up and getting creative.”
- French tip: Marshmallow and Boudoir.
- Tortoiseshell: Glass Yellow, Caramel, Mocha and Jet Black.
- Glitter: Rhinestone.
- Butterfly: Fall, Daisy and Jet Black.
- Croc print: Pacific and Almond.
“I love having a mix of colors, textures and designs all in one set. It’s such a fun way to experiment with different techniques and show off just how much you can do with nail art!”
A huge thank you to Emily for sharing her story with us!
We love celebrating the creativity and talent within our TGB Insider community, and Emily’s love of detailed nail art is a brilliant reminder that there are endless ways to express yourself through nails.
Want to be part of the TGB Insider community? Keep creating, keep sharing your work and stay tuned for more Insider Spotlights coming soon!