Nail Technician
Full Time or Part Time · Newly Licensed Welcome · Paid Training · South Loop, Chicago
Intro: Lumi's founding nail technician, a rare career launching role for a newly or recently licensed Illinois nail tech. No Efile or Russian manicure experience required: we provide paid hands on training. If you have a fresh license, a great eye, and the drive to master precision cuticle work and clean structured gel, we'll teach you the rest.
The Role: You're one of Lumi's founding nail artists. We'll train you from the ground up in signature Russian manicures, structured gel, and luxury pedicures, then you'll deliver them in our boutique South Loop studio. As you grow, you'll help shape the nail menu, contribute to brand aligned nail art looks, and be a key voice in how the nail side of Lumi feels and runs day to day.
What You'll Do:
Perform signature Efile / Russian manicures with precision dry cuticle work and a clean, sealed finish
Apply gel polish, BIAB / structured gel, builder gel overlays, and gel extensions with consistent shaping and apex placement
Deliver luxury pedicures, including Russian, classic, and gel, with callus work, exfoliation, and finishing rituals
Execute on trend nail art: chrome, French and micro French, encapsulated designs, ombre, hand painted detail, and seasonal looks
Conduct nail health and shape consultations to assess natural nail condition, recommend services, and set realistic expectations
Help shape Lumi's nail service menu, pricing, and add on structure as we open
Maintain meticulous sanitation and disinfection protocols using autoclave / disposable bits, sterile implements, and IDPH compliant station setup
Manage your station inventory: gels, polish stock, files, bits, and consumables, flagging reorders to the Operations Manager
Build and retain a loyal client book through exceptional results, attentive aftercare guidance, and rebooking
Collaborate with the Front Desk Concierge on content (with your consent), including process clips, before / afters, nail art reels, and educational moments
Coordinate with the aesthetician and nurse injector on combined service appointments and roadmap pairings
What We're Looking For:
Active Illinois nail technician license (required); newly and recently licensed techs encouraged to apply
No prior salon experience or Efile / Russian manicure training needed; we provide paid hands on training
Solid fundamentals from your nail program and eagerness to master gel polish, BIAB / structured gel, and nail art
Coachable, reliable, and genuinely excited to learn and grow with mentorship
Strong attention to detail: clean sidewalls, even apex, no flooded cuticles, no lifting
Knowledge of nail anatomy, common contraindications, and when to refer out
Meticulous sanitation, station setup, and bit / implement protocols
Warm, professional chairside manner, especially with first time Russian manicure clients
Comfortable in a boutique founding team setting: small team, building from scratch, wearing multiple hats early on
Bonus (Nice to Have):
Existing client following in the Chicago area
Advanced training: efile mastery, Apres / gel X extensions, master nail art certifications
Specialty technique experience: chrome, encapsulation, 3D / structured art, hand painted detail
Active social media presence or comfort being featured in educational nail content
Pedicure specialty training (Russian / dry pedicures)
Bilingual (English / Spanish)
Familiarity with Boulevard or similar booking software
Compensation & Benefits:
Paid hands on training in Efile / Russian manicure, structured gel, and nail art; no experience required
Hourly base plus per service commission and 100% tip retention
Ramp up support while you learn the techniques and build your book
Premium products, tools, and an autoclave equipped station; work with the best, not around limitations
Continuing education support for Russian manicure, structured gel, advanced nail art, and conferences
Flexible scheduling that grows from part time to full time as your book builds
Founding team seat, a voice in the nail menu, pricing, and brand direction
Friends and family discount on all Lumi services
Pay: $18.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
