There’s power in words and reading; whenever you feel down or uninspired, simply grabbing a book can make you feel better. You can always read self-help books to improve yourself as a nail tech, but here are our inspiring book recommendations for iGel Beauties who want to feel unstoppable and empowered. So, every time you’re enjoying some downtime, don’t forget to read a page or two on our list.

 

List of female empowering books:

1. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

“If I don't poke my head out of my shell and show people who I am, all anyone will ever think I am is my shell.” ― Shonda Rhimes

Think about your favorite shows from Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, to Bridgerton. Shonda Rhimes is the showrunner and founder of Shondaland; behind those successful shows, now you may not be working in the media industry, but you'll relate to her as a creative who experiences self-doubt and fear of going beyond their comfort zone.

If you're stuck in a rut and are looking for a book to challenge you personally and professionally that goes beyond dipping powders and nail art, this book should be your go-to. This book will help you make this a  year of yes, as part of your new year resolutions. It can help you market yourself as a nail tech and defeat self-doubt. You can also read our blog about defeating self-doubt as a nail tech.

 

2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle.”- Marie Kondo

There is power in cleaning up your space and taking control of your life. You'll be surprised how this book by Marie Kondo can help you declutter your nail desk and maintain nail salon sanitation that goes beyond using a UV sterilization box and hand sanitizer.

There's more to cleaning and decluttering that we often do not see; magic and transformation take place internally aside from externally. Let Marie Kondo enlighten you. This small-sized book is jam-packed with wisdom and practical tips for nail professionals that you shouldn't miss.

 

3. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life' by Jen Sincero

“If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.”- Jen Sincero

This book is like a sister or friend who knows how to cheer you up. It's packed with words that are encouraging and empowering. Sometimes we all need to hear words that can lift us after a bad day at work. It's an excellent read for nail techs who need a boost in life.

In times like this, Jen Sincero is the life coach/ sister you will need. Don't forget you also have a community with us, iGel Beauty! Join our Facebook community to feel the love and support!

 

4. More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth

“When the world tells you to shrink, expand.”― Elaine Welteroth

If you haven't heard about Elaine Welteroth, then you're missing out! She's the former Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue, who broke barriers since she's the second-youngest editor and paved the way for politics to be a section in the magazine.

This is the book that can empower you to break the glass ceiling, accept your flaws, and work on your creativity. It's a memoir with lots of advice and wisdom you can incorporate into your nail career.

 

5. Educated by Tara Westover

“My life was narrated for me by others. Their voices were forceful, emphatic, absolute. It had never occurred to me that my voice might be as strong as theirs.”― Tara Westover

This powerful memoir of Tara Westover will make you feel all the feelings and see the power of education. If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your beliefs and inform and empower you in the process, this book will do so.

After reading Educated, you’ll be motivated to start enrolling in an online nail tech course or a nail tech school. You’ll be inspired to fight for your dreams, learn and grow as you go.

 

6. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

“Nobody will protect you from your suffering. You can't cry it away or eat it away or starve it away or walk it away or punch it away or even therapy it away. It's just there, and you have to survive it. You have to endure it. You have to live through it and love it and move on and be better for it and run as far as you can in the direction of your best and happiest dreams across the bridge that was built by your own desire to heal.”― Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed is known for her book Wild, and this book is a compilation of advice and insights you'll find helpful no matter what season in life you are in.

She used to be a columnist for The Rumpus, an online literary magazine, where she used a pen name called sugar, and this book is a collection of all her works. You'll love reading this book since it's heartwarming and empowering as well.

 

7. Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis

“You are allowed to want more for yourself for no other reason than because it makes your heart happy. You don’t need anyone’s permission, and you certainly shouldn’t have to rely on anyone’s support as the catalyst to get you there.”― Rachel Hollis

There’s no shame in reaching for your dreams as a nail tech; there’s no shame in trying new nail art techniques from crackle gel to ombre nails; there’s no shame in juggling your nail career and motherhood.

Rachel Hollis will empower you to stop apologizing for things and start taking actions for yourself and making you better. Read this book if you’re looking for a sign on when to start changing your life.

 

8. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

“Loneliness is a sign you are in desperate need of yourself.”― Rupi Kaur

If you need a book that you can easily read after a long day, then let Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur soothe and heal you. Life can be challenging, and not every nail session is the same; sometimes, you need a book to curl up and cry. Drink up the poems of Rupi, and see the difference in your heart and mind. You’ll be energized and nourished to start again.

 

9. 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest

“Work on closing the gap between who the world thinks you are and who you know you are. Your mental health will change significantly.”― Brianna Wiest

If you're on a mental health care initiative, this book will help you achieve that goal; Brianna Wiest will challenge your mindset, push your self-limiting beliefs and empower you to tackle your fears. It's the perfect book for those nail techs who need a push when things get tough.

 

10. HeartTalk by Cleo Wade

“Do not ignore your intuition. There is an infinite intelligence within you; let it be your guiding light.” ― Cleo Wade

This book is the kind of heart-to-heart talk you will need when times get tough; Cleo Wade will hold your hand and let you cry with her words. After feeling the feels, you will feel stronger than before.

This book is the perfect excuse for you to wear your heart on your sleeves. Being vulnerable, whether personally or professionally, is one way for people to understand you and your nail clients to fall head over heels for you since they know you’re real. 

Here are the top 10 female-empowering books you should read; whenever you feel down or happy, it will help you stay inspired, create and learn in the process. Our iGel Beauty Facebook community is here to give you insights and nail best practices you will need. You won’t feel alone with our supportive community, so what are you waiting for? Join us now!