Meet the guest editor

Get to know DANNY HAILE: Gelish founder, father & golf fanatic with an eye for innovation

With the Nail Alliance family.

MY CAREER JOURNEY

My interest in nails spurred from my love of sports. A professional baseball pitcher would put L&P acrylic on their middle fingernail to help them throw a great knuckle ball, and I wanted to do the same. I started visiting salons to request an acrylic nail and became fascinated by the industry.

I co-founded EzFlow Nail Systems in 1986 and went on to compete in nail contests across the globe, attaining over 60 trophies. I assisted with research and development for many top nail manufacturers, before launching Nail Alliance in 2009.

I hold the titles of CEO & founder of Nail Alliance, and developed Gelish brush-on, soak-off gel polish, which has won multiple awards for innovation. I’m very hands-on when it comes to product development and create, communicate and implement the Gelish vision, as well as its mission and overall direction. I have learned so much from the nail professionals I’ve educated during my career, and my business is a culmination of the lessons learned from thousands of nail artists worldwide.

MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS… Sushi.

MANICURE MUSINGS

When I joined the industry, there weren’t many male manicurists. I made it my mission to enhance my salon nail skills and entered a local nail competition, taking third place. It encouraged me to keeping learning and broadening my skillset, and education became a passion.

MY FAMILY

I work with my wife, Sheila, son, Garrin, and daughter, Morgan – who influenced the name of the Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer brand. We see each other every day to discuss ideas, and I love that I get to pass on my legacy to them, but we do have a rule to separate work life from home life. Once we achieve something, we celebrate with our nail community and continue to strive for the next milestone.

At HQ, showcasing Gelish’s PolyGel system.

Working at a trade show in the USA, with Nail Alliance VP, Gari-Dawn Tingler, and international account manager, Jake Daniel.

A TYPICAL DAY

I grab a Starbucks on the way to Nail Alliance HQ in Brea, California, and visit various departments and team members throughout the day. We work in an open environment, and I spend as much time as I can in the lab, collaborating with developers and creators. I love developing products, travelling the world and teaching.

MY FAVOURITE QUOTE IS… Passion breeds success.

MY NAILCARE ROUTINE

When I’m not testing products on my own nails (sometimes I come home sporting L&P acrylic or various nail colours), I tidy up my cuticles for a clean, neat look. Luckily, we have a salon in the office, or sometimes my wife does my nails!

SUCCESS TIPS

I believe that nail businesses are successful when they use safe, high-quality products. Combining these products with a clear mission and firm belief in your skills will lead to success. I founded Gelish in order to make the life of the nail technician easier. I’m always thinking of products or electronics I can develop to make a service faster. The journey might be bumpy sometimes, but if you believe in your product and yourself, success will follow.

MY FAVOURITE MUSIC IS… All types: from classic rock to rap and electro.

WHO DO I ADMIRE?

My good friend and master nail stylist, Tom Holcomb, had such a love for life – and for people. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, but he is in my memory as an excellent teacher, the world’s best nail tech, a perfectionist and an incredible person.

MY HOBBIES

I enjoy designing and watching sports. Playing golf helps me to relax.

MY HOPES

I had very few opportunities growing up, but I knew I had purpose, so I chased my dreams and hope I now lead by example.

WHAT MAKES ME PROUD

I love creating products that help pros and clients. Gelish and Polygel have changed the way many technicians do nails: making services easier and speedier. I am proud to create products that give back to the industry, because this industry has allowed me to live my passions.

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE IS… Any classic Western.

LOOKING BACK

A shoot for one of Gelish’s earliest collections, Colors Of Paradise, was particularly memorable, as it took place on a beach in southern California and was cold and windy, while we were primed for sun. However, we achieved some great shots and as I took it all in, I realised how far the brand had come in a short space of time.

www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk /www.salon-services.com

Facebook: /GelishProfessionalPage & @GelishOfficialUK

Instagram: @gelishprofessional & @gelishofficialuk