nails I've done the past year as a beginner

I finally have the courage after silently browsing this app for a while to finally make my first post! My name is Tabitha but you can call me Tabby. I'm 24 and a mom of a 2 year old boy who I love to death!!! I always loved having that me time and getting my nails done but when I worked they always broke and it felt like a waste of money! so I started to try and do my own nails to save money and to pass time when mom things were done. over the course of the last year and a half (in picture order) are the nails I've done mostly on myself but have done a few family members nails.

photo 1: the very first set I did. I was so proud that I did it but the OCD and just the type of person I am I scrutinized the outcome.

photo 2: just like most of my other sets that I've done I was just playing with the new stuff I had bought. at first the accent nails was covered in full rhinestones. needless to say I didn't like it and tried to take them off. didn't come off but chipped and too me I thought cute looks like a kaleidescope 🤷🏼‍♀️ top coated it and call it a day. but what irritated me most was how sheer the shimmer polish was and I could see the glue underneath.

photo 3: just honestly one of my best sets and one of my biggest headaches. 😅 if I remember correctly took me about 9 hours including manicure and tip application then individual step by step on every nail one at a time 😮‍💨 yea I was doing the most.

photo 4: my Halloween nails!!! I was so shaky and equally frustrated but like my husband loved how it looked like a set of eyes staring at you. but that's just him being supportive.

photo 5: did this set for my aunt she had been at her previous job for about 6 years and they didn't value her work and dedication. so when she finally went for a different job and landed an interview to one with better pay at that she wanted to do something nice but didn't have the money to get them done. I told her I was still learning but if she had a design I'd practice before I came over. well she lived this finished look and aced the interview and is happy at this new job!!!

photo 6: HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE SET!!! main reasoning I was originally going to do just simple blue set but as I looked through my stuff I just got this vision in my head and bringing it too life just made me happy. and everyone I saw complimented them too!

photo 7: most recent set I did on myself about 2 weeks ago. just from my first photo to this one I see a cleaned brush stroke application and I learned on how to not flood the cuticles so alot beater around the nails now.

I know I have a lot to learn, and there is a lot I don't know. however this has been the best self investment of my life. I have a hobby, a self love activity, a coping mechanism for my mental all in one setting. I did all this with the beetles polish brand. I absolutely love love love them!!! I feel like with the progress I have made I'm comfortable enough to now start my journey with acrylic. I hope this gives you the courage and inspiration to just do you have fun and be happy!!! we all deserve it!!!!