The Isolation Diaries: Mannequin Hands
Victoria Houllis via @mannequin.hands
We know isolation can get a little lonely.
In honour of staying home, we’ve decided to take some time to chat (via the internet) to some of our favourite creatives to find out how they are dealing with this very new and strange state of being.
Victoria Houllis is the Sydney-based nail artist behind the much-loved Insta handle @mannequin.hands. Just last year she left her role as a marketing manager to pursue her love of nails full-time, and with a quick scroll of her Insta it’s clear she can do anything you would dream of asking for, and then some.
From french tips to 3D butterflies and creative hand-painted designs, she spares no detail. So it’s not surprising that she’s been the artist behind nails on Dua Lipa, M.I.A and Flex Mami, with her work being featured in Vogue and Paper Magazine - just to name a few.
While her work doing nails has been disrupted by COVID-19, she’s keeping busy selling custom press-ons to tire you over during lockdown. I chatted to her about how she got started, and her tips to help carry your hands through quarantine.
Hi Victoria! When and how did you first get started as a nail artist?
I’d always been a DIY nail artist but it wasn’t till my second year of uni that I did my nail course. I was working in a shoe store and one of our regular customers owned a Japanese nail salon. I’d been obsessed with Japanese nail art for years, collecting Nail Max magazines from Kinokuniya so when she mentioned her salon I started going as a client. Sumi, the nail tech who did my first set there mentioned that they did courses so I ended up signing up and she taught me!
Can you remember the first time you got your nails done?
Very distinctly! It was my 16th birthday and my mum took me and my three best friends to my friend’s aunt’s salon in the city. Chances are the set was a white French tip – square obviously!
What’s been your proudest moment since starting Mannequin Hands?
I feel lucky to say that I’m struggling to think of just one. I guess the first time I saw my name in Vogue – doing something that was tangible and recognisable for my family meant a lot, especially since leaving my job and changing career paths, despite my degree (to ‘do nails’ of all things!) isn’t all that celebrated in most Greek Australian families.
What inspires your designs?
It’s always art or fashion! They’re my two other obsessions I guess so it makes it so easy to transfer what I’m loving into something on my nails – especially if I want to make a whole look of it, or if it’s something I can’t afford to own…
Although nail art has been around for decades, do you think nails are having a moment in the spotlight? I feel like it’s moved beyond being a fleeting trend to an accessory, and form of expression.
There was definitely a time where it wasn’t anywhere near as big as it is now and it is far more a part of peoples everyday lives now. I think we’re passed a moment in the spotlight now for sure. People that love nail art are making it part of their identity, their friends and co-workers always know to suss out their hands for a new set and they’re always planning the next set once their appointment is over!
What are your nail care tips for those of us struggling without the help of our beloved nail salons?
Keep your cuticles oiled up, wear gloves while cleaning and keep them at a manageable length! I’ve started on making IGTV tutorials to encourage people to give DIY nail art a go at home! Lots of the techniques are things I used to do as an early teen before I delved into gel, so it’s been fun to get back into the way I started.
Walk us through your daily routine and how it’s changed due to COVID-19.
It’s been a crazy change! I normally work from around 9 or 10am to 9 or 10pm, eat takeaway and sleep! Now I sleep till around 10, drink an oat chai, go for a huge walk, send out orders, record tutorials if I’m in the mood (it’s a tedious set up!) and eat!
How have you been staying sane during isolation?
Walking has been my underwhelming, but saving grace! I also had lots of things on my to-do list before this that I’d slowed down on because of the long workdays so now it’s catch up time!
What does your ideal WFH outfit look like?
I was a tracksuit enthusiast before this so I’ve been cruising with WFH outfits! Dax tracksuits, Nagnata bike shorts and full bodysuits are my go-to’s.
Give us your isolation recommendations; what have you been reading, watching, listening to, or eating?
I’ve been re-watching Sex and the City and The Nanny! I’ve started The Ethical Slut. I’m listening to lots of D’Angelo, Pharaoh Sanders and Erykah Badu. And I’m eating lots of veggie lasagna.
What’s something you’ve learned during this time?
That I’m more adaptable than I give myself credit for! That I do require physical presence to feel connected to people and that I won’t die if I don’t get physical affection (shocking).
Follow Victoria on Instagram @mannequin.hands and shop her cuticle oils, custom press-ons and more via her website.