Meet Logan Evans | Nail Technician & Computer Scientist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Logan Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Logan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Mobile, AL the original place of Mardi Gras. I believe my background and upbringing greatly impacts who I am today. I come from a family of people who “make things happen”. We do not stay knocked down for long. If we get knocked down we already have a plan to dig and figure it out that way. I have rarely seen anyone in my family on either side let any of their circumstances become them. We really kept going in spite of anything. I know for a fact I hold that mindset and principle to my own life. There’s a million other things to do besides letting life take over you. My dad says “Everything’s small to a giant” meaning always look at the bigger picture. It may look like the worst thing ever but zoom out. It’s really just a bad moment and not a bad life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a self taught nail technician. I’m receiving my license/certification through apprenticing instead of schooling. When I was younger I practically stayed in the nail shop with my mom. Whenever I would go I was so curious about the process. How could them dipping a brush in some purple liquid create so many different sets and how could tiny brushes make designs? However, I didn’t think that was a profession Black people could have. I had never seen or experienced a Black nail technician my entire life before high school! I had this friend and her nails were always so neat and pretty. I asked her did she go to the shop in the mall and she was like no I did these myself. I was so stunned. I’m asking her well how did you do that don’t you have to be in a shop and have licenses she was like no I ordered everything from Amazon. That Black Friday I ordered all the essentials and the rest is history. The skill itself is not easy but I feel like I handled it and made it look easy. I’m constantly watching videos and picking up techniques even if I’m not physically practicing. I think the hardest part of this journey is balancing the other aspects of my life with my craft. I refuse to neglect my craft so I twist and turn my schedule and time to always have space to create. I would like for the world to know that you don’t have to be the first person in history to do something and be recognized for it. You could be the first person in your family to do something and it feels world renowned. Being the first nail technician in my family feels like an achievement. I aspired to obtain a skill, stuck with it, & no one can take it away from me. That’s powerful and important. It’s a Luxury.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week we would definitely be eating good. Ponce City Market, Slutty Vegan, Pao Pao Ramen Factory, Flying Biscuit Cafe, The Vortex, etc. As far as activities we’re going to the High Museum of Art or Ponce City Market for the rooftop aspect. It’s not complete until we go to my Nanny Tasha’s house and she bakes for us or getting drinks with Corbin & Kat. They know all the spots I’m still learning!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I really want to shout out so many people. My siblings Lexis, Kiara, and Loren for teaching me so many important lessons in independence and supporting me since day 1. My cousins in ATL Corbin, Cameron, and Kat for endless nights of talking and uplifting me. They give so much free knowledge and emotional support it’s astonishing. I shoutout thee Illustrious Tuskegee University, the school of finesse and hustle! Specifically Tyler Watson she is the first person who nails I did and she still to this day calls me hours away to come do her nails. That’s the definition of loyalty and love in one person. My girlfriend Astasia for supporting my dreams and seeing greatness in me when I couldn’t see it myself. My best friend Brittany for being a true best friend to me in all the aspects I needed. Basically it’s a lot of people in my support system even if they repost my nails everyday that means the world to me. If they’re a regular that means the world to me. If they refer someone that means the world to me. So shoutout to my family, friends, and everyone in between who shows me love and support. It really keeps me going.

Instagram: @luxurynailsbylo

Image Credits
L.A Alston Kat Morris Astasia Lee Logan Evans