Get To Know: Joanne Sorbello

Joanne Sorbello (@StoneRidgeSalon), a licensed nail artist of 20 years, owns a private, appointment only salon suite in the mid-hudson valley region of upstate New York. She considers herself a “Nomadic Freelance Nail Artist”, and can be found traveling to share her talent, on celebrities at New York Fashion Week and on various editorial shoots. 

We caught up with Sorbello to learn more:

Born and raised: in Stone Ridge, NY (about 90 miles north of NYC)

I am known for: I would love to work on: Dolly Parton or Barbra Streisand. To me, they are the original style icons in the nail industry (living). 

Favorite item in my wardrobe: My Kangol bucket hat

Favorite accessory: my tattoos! 

My guilty pleasure: Reality tv. (slightly ashamed to admit it)

For inspiration I: I study the fashions/trends of different decades

My “nail dream”: Each country has its own beauty style. I’m a bit obsessed with the Russian and Japanese nail art trends. I would love to travel & study abroad.

Every beauty professional should: Continue to take new classes annually

I relax by: Cooking & dancing like nobody’s watching (sometimes at the same time)

My goal as a professional: I set new professional goals all the time. That way, I’m always evolving. 

I became a salon professional because: I had a nail experience where they cut my finger pretty badly. I knew immediately that there had to be a safer & more sanitary way to do nails. 

For fun I: (I consider myself a car gal.) nothing beats driving fast on a sunny day with the moonroof open & the music loud.

My favorite nail products: Gel polish & cuticle oil

The one tool or product I use most often: my favorite tool is my electric file. I’d be lost without it.

My motto: Go for it! What’s the worst that could happen?

Advice for nail artists starting out: You don’t need to accel at every aspect of the nail industry. You can very easily specialize.