Life and Work with Brandy Sucher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Sucher.

Brandy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I decided to go to beauty school in 2011 after going to community college for a few years and deciding that it wasn’t for me. I always enjoyed getting my nails done but I wasn’t sure if that’s what I wanted to do, so I learned everything from hair to nails! I truly did enjoy doing hair at first but after I got a taste of nails, I knew that’s what I was passionate about. After graduating in 2012, I worked at a couple of random salons but it wasn’t until I started at Altered Ego Salon and Spa where my journey really took off! I have been at AE for almost five years and in that time, I have been featured in many nail magazines and have been in the top 24 of Nails Magazines Next Top Nail Artist competition and I actually just applied again for their 6th season. This year, I am hoping to make it to the top 12!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. I went to cosmetology school where they focus more on hair than anything else. I got two weeks on learning acrylic and gel nails, and let me tell you that it is not enough time to get it down. It may look easy to do but it’s not. I struggled with nails for a while out of school but I kept on practicing and practicing! I am very grateful that I had friends and family who were willing to let me practice on them. My advice to any new nail tech or stylist out there is to not give up! You will get there but it does take time!

Please tell us about Altered Ego Nails.
I specialize in hard gel enhancements and gel polish manicures. I really enjoy doing hand painted, encapsulated and 3D art. Most of my clients get some kind of hand painted art or lots of glitters. You can never go wrong with glitter that’s for sure! I am most proud of how far I have come! I never thought I would be competing in competitions with nail techs around the world or be featured in magazines for my work. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am willing to try anything and I am truly passionate about my craft and I want to constantly keep learning!

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Women can do anything they set their minds to! I do feel like opportunities are more available to women now that we are becoming more equal in society now more than ever! If you want it bad enough, you will do what it takes to get it! Just don’t ever give up if it gets hard.

Pricing:

• Gel full set: $53+
• Gel polish manicure: $40
• Pedicure: $50

Contact Info:

• Address: 107 E Baseline Rd a6, Tempe, AZ 85283
• Website: http://alteredegosalon.com/
• Phone: 480-831-1910
• Email: Alteredegonails@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alteredegonails/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NailsByBrandy

Image Credit:
Tara Schubert, Kammy Turner, Kathy Sucher, Mackenzie Wright, Kristina Juan

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