WALKING into the Sorbet store in Gateway, uMhlanga you might be forgiven in thinking that the 41-year-old Joseph Gras is the manager at the popular beauty boutique; however, to the surprise of many, he is actually a qualified nail technician.
In a primarily female-dominated field, Gras has broken the mould as one of the first male nail technicians in Durban.
What is even more surprising is the tale of how the talented maverick discovered his hidden passion. For over a decade, Gras was employed at a chicken farm outside Mooi Rivier. He worked his way from a general employee to an assistant manager. Then, in 2006 he was retrenched when the company was sold.
To continue earning a living, Gras began helping out at his wife’s beauty shop in the center of Durban, where he would perform various cleaning tasks.
Eventually he began assisting his wife by prepping her clients, applying tips and doing other simple tasks.
“One day we just decided that it might be a good idea for me to become a qualified nail technician, and three months later I received my diploma,” said the South Beach resident.
Nine years down the line, Gras does not regret his career change.
“Becoming a nail technician is not something that ever really crossed my mind, but I enjoy my job. It is extremely rewarding when a client walks in unhappy with her hands and nails and by the end of the session she is left with beautiful creations. It makes me feel proud to make other people feel and look good,” he said.
