Educator Spotlight: Niomi VanSchoiack

Getting Started

How did you get started in the nail industry?

I honestly never imagined I’d end up where I am today. I started doing nails because I loved having nails as a teenager, and I loved the artistry. But I quickly fell in love with the people and the relationships I built with my clients. Over the years, that passion grew into owning a salon, educating other techs, and mentoring the next generation of artists.

What made you stick with nails as a career?

Once I commit to something, I’m all in. I knew a lot of people leave the beauty industry within the first few years, but I never saw that as an option for myself. I was committed to learning, improving, and building a career I was proud of — and that mindset is what kept me going.

If you weren’t a nail tech, what would you be doing instead?

Before nail school, I was going to attend the Art Institute for interior design. I don’t know if I’d be doing that exactly, but something creative — something where I could add value to a team.

The Lessons That Stuck

What’s something you wish you knew when you first started?

I wish I’d taken better care of my body — using your e-file correctly, using a dust collector, wearing gloves. We only get one body, and it’s hard to break habits once they’re set.

What’s the hardest skill you had to master?

Confidence. Not confidence in doing nails, but confidence in trusting my decisions, setting boundaries, and stepping into leadership. Technical skills come with practice, but believing in yourself and owning your value takes a lot longer. Once I developed that, everything else — growing my clientele, opening a salon, becoming an educator — started to fall into place.

What was your biggest “I can’t believe I did this” moment?

Opening my salon, without a doubt. It was never something I originally planned on, so there are still days I walk in and think, “I can’t believe we actually did this.” It’s been one of the most rewarding and surreal accomplishments of my career.

When did you feel like you officially “made it”?

This one makes me laugh, because I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I’ve truly “made it.” For me, there’s always more work to be done. But if I had to name the feeling, it’s knowing you’re booked out — and it’s because clients chose you.

Real Talk

What’s your most embarrassing nail tech moment?

I’m sure I have a few I’ve blocked out of my brain! But the one that comes to mind is the time I accidentally dumped paraffin wax inside my client’s husband’s shoes during a pedicure. I was new to using the bags and overfilled one, so when I went to put it on his foot, the paraffin seeped out the back — a whole stream of it, right into his sneakers.

What’s something only nail techs would understand?

That feeling of spending hours on a set of nails, but the time flies because it’s your bestie client.

What keeps you motivated on hard days?

I remind myself that if every day were perfect, we wouldn’t appreciate the good ones as much. Sometimes the hard days get the best of us, but they make us more resilient and more grateful for the good.

On Being an Educator

What’s your favorite part of being a nail educator?

Being a support system for other nail techs. When I started doing nails over 10 years ago, social media wasn’t what it is today, online education was limited, and I didn’t have the mentorship I really needed. I had to figure a lot out through trial and error. Now I love being the person I wish I’d had when I was starting out. If I can help someone build confidence, avoid some of the mistakes I made, or reach their goals faster, that’s incredibly rewarding.

“I love being the person I wish I’d had when I was starting out.”

What advice would you give your beginner self?

The same advice my mom gave me when I started: be kind, and don’t become complacent. That’s the best advice I can give anyone, especially in this industry. Being kind can get you so far — that, and always putting your best foot forward.

On Luminary

What makes Luminary different in your experience as an educator?

In my experience, Luminary is just as invested in educating and supporting nail techs as they are in creating great products. I believe in the quality and performance, but what really stands out is how much they give back to the nail community — the tips, the free education, the resources that help techs keep learning and growing, wherever they are in their career.

As an educator, I never feel like I’m just teaching a product. I’m helping people understand the ‘why’ behind what they’re doing, so they can be more confident and successful. Luminary genuinely listens to educators and techs. It feels like a community that’s always looking to improve, innovate, and support the industry.

What do students usually notice first when working with Luminary?

How easy it is to use — it self-levels so nicely. And how strong and durable it is. They always do the “tap test.”

How have you seen Luminary impact retention and client satisfaction in the salon?

I’ve personally been using Luminary for 7 years — I was booked six months out before I even opened my salon. Now about 90% of our services are Luminary, and all 11 of our techs stay booked and busy. I can honestly say we wouldn’t have built our clientele so fast without this product behind us.

Why do you think Luminary works so well in both education and real salon settings?

It starts with a product that truly performs. I’ve been using Luminary behind the chair for years, so I can teach from real experience, not just a manual. When you genuinely believe in the product — and it’s this consistent and easy to use — educating others comes naturally.

What makes it even better is the team behind it. Everyone’s working toward the same goal: helping techs succeed through education, support, and innovation. Being part of a team that shares those values makes it easy to show up authentically, and I think that comes through in both the classroom and the salon.

Shop Her Favorites

Niomi’s Luminary Picks

The Multi-Flex Gel shades she reaches for every day — plus her lamp.

Learn With Niomi

Ready to book a class?

Niomi teaches Luminary 101, Demo Days, and the full-day Structured Manicure certification. Bring her to your salon, school, or event.

Questions? Email niomi@luminarynailsystems.com or follow @nailsbyniomi.