The Affiliate Era: What I’ve Learned Working With Nail Brands

Winging It from Educator to PR Package Girly

There’s no one “right” way to work with brands. You can be an educator, affiliate, content creator, or just a genuine supporter. I’ve dabbled in all of it—and the truth is, your path can (and probably will) shift as you grow.

For years, I affiliated with a brand and eventually stepped into an educator role. But I realized… while I like teaching, I don’t love doing it the way brands need it done. And that’s okay. The experience taught me that if you’re in a role that doesn’t feel right anymore, you could actually be standing in the way of someone else who’d thrive in it. Don’t feel guilty for stepping back when it’s not aligned—you’re not failing, you’re making space for better.

Affiliate Tips From Experience:

• Always listen to your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
• Ask the brand what they’re actually looking for when they open applications. You can’t grow if you don’t ask.
• Don’t take rejection personally. Not being picked doesn’t define your worth as an artist—it just wasn’t the right fit.
• Be specific when tagging. One brand per post. And go beyond just tagging—talk about why you love the product.
• Stay consistent. Posting regularly about a brand you love builds trust with your audience and with the brand.
• Be honest, but respectful. If something doesn’t work for your clients, you don’t have to bash it. Just don’t feature it—or explain gently why it’s not in your current rotation.
• Make your code make sense. Your audience needs to know that it benefits them and you. Be transparent and educate them on what they’re supporting.

Building Brand Trust (And Audience Trust)

When you genuinely love a product, it shows. People can feel the difference between “I actually use this” and “I’m just trying to make a buck.”

If someone asks a question about a product you’re not sure about, just say, “Great question! Let me get back to you.” Follow up with the brand or dig into it. Nail artists appreciate effort, not just perfect answers.

A few brands I’m currently loving:

• Jelly Sticks Cuticle Bomb (Utah-based!): It’s like a lotion/oil hybrid and I’m obsessed. Already have backstock and can’t wait to re-up at the expo.
• American Creator: Their PR package surprised me—in the best way. The construction gel is amazing, and I love the finish on their top coats. Some of the tinted hard gels might not get used right now, but I’m keeping them in my stash just in case. Plus, having them in the salon helps my team try them too.

A Quick Reality Check

Affiliating doesn’t always mean free stuff or big paydays. Some brands offer discount codes, some send product, some do both. Either way, how much you make really depends on how much effort you put in. If you barely post, you’ll barely see results. And that might be fine for you—but if you want consistent income, the work has to reflect that.

Know Your Worth

If a brand asks you to go above and beyond—without compensation or product—you have every right to advocate for yourself. You’re not “lucky” to work with a brand. It’s a partnership. Don’t be afraid to negotiate what feels fair. Brands need us just as much as we want to work with them. It’s a two-way street, and you’re not lesser than just because you’re on the artist side.

Start small. Stay honest. And always show up with integrity.