Israeli Manicurist Builds Celebrity Clientele and Nail Empire from Home in Hod Hasharon

Yuval Livnat, a 21-year-old manicurist from Hod Hasharon, has built a thriving nail business serving top Israeli celebrities such as Gal Gadot, Rotem Sela, Yael Goldman, Maya Wertheimer, and Ruslana Rodina. Livnat entered the field at age 15 and during the COVID-19 pandemic took a gel nail course that sparked her passion. She expanded her skills through additional training and grew her clientele primarily through word of mouth and Instagram exposure.

Her first celebrity client was Maya Wertheimer, who was introduced to Livnat by her producer. Wertheimer then promoted her on Instagram, leading to referrals including Yael Goldman and eventually Gal Gadot. Livnat sometimes works at her clinic located in her parents' home or visits clients at their homes or on photo shoots, such as when she accompanied Rotem Sela to an El Al commercial set.

Livnat emphasizes equality among clients, stating she offers no special discounts to celebrities and treats all customers the same. While her celebrity clients prefer classic, understated nail styles, her Instagram also showcases extreme nail art featuring long nails, intricate designs, stones, and diamonds, which she pursues for competitions and personal challenges. She has won two medals in nail art contests and trains others through certified courses at her clinic.

Livnat often works early mornings or late evenings to accommodate clients' schedules and attributes her success to hard work and dedication beyond just completing courses. Her ultimate goal is to establish a large nail school staffed by instructors she has personally trained.