Women Who Helped Shape My Journey in Beauty
A reflection on the women whose wisdom, discipline, and influence helped shape the philosophy behind The Global Manicurist®.
March Reflection
In every season of my career, there has been a woman whose wisdom helped me see further, think deeper, and work with greater responsibility.
There was a time before Women’s Month became widely celebrated, and even then, I was already celebrating women. If it were not for women, I would not be where I am today.
From the beginning of time, women have carried wisdom. That is why I have always positioned myself to listen when a woman of wisdom speaks. Their experiences, discipline, and insight have quietly shaped the path I walk today.
“From the beginning of time, women have carried wisdom. I have always positioned myself to listen when a woman of wisdom speaks.”
The first woman who shaped my foundation is my mother. She is my rock. She showed me that modest dressing with quality fabrics will never go out of style. Her presence taught me that presentation, discipline, and integrity matter in every environment. She studied economics, owned a salon, worked private duty care, and owned three properties. To me, that is the definition of a superwoman.
While working in my mother’s salon, I often found myself reading Nails Magazine. One day I came across an advertisement for Mehaz nail tools featuring Deborah Lippmann. Something about her presence and confidence stood out to me. I remember saying to myself, “I want to be like her.” Her energy sparked something in me that went beyond simply working in the salon. It ignited a curiosity about what more could exist in this industry. Over time, I learned how to keep that fire alive within myself.
Later in my journey, I met Crystal Wright in Orlando during a trade show. I purchased her book Packaging Your Portfolio at a time when I knew I needed to shift how I positioned myself professionally. I eventually attended her two-day in-person workshop, and that experience completely changed my trajectory. It helped me see my work and the beauty industry through a different lens.
That investment opened doors I had not imagined. I began receiving recognition from artists in my city, which led to my first center spread in a magazine. Three years later, I was signed by my current agent, Holly Colbert, who represents me through her agency.
That period of growth also led me to something deeper.
That is actually how The Global Manicurist® was born.
Before that transition, I operated under the name Visionary Nail Spa, a name I had borrowed from another nail professional. As I continued to grow, learn, and define my own philosophy within the beauty industry, I realized it was time to step fully into my own identity.
Today my work has evolved into several expressions of that journey.
Titilayo Bankole represents my freelance work and creative collaborations across editorial, fashion, and on-set environments.
The Global Manicurist® reflects my commitment to education, products, services, and professional events centered around responsible nail and skin care.
Beauty With Responsibility™ is where conversation, storytelling, and connection take place through podcast discussions and social platforms.
Each of these spaces allows me to share the same foundation: knowledge, responsibility, creativity, and care.
“The beauty industry can either become your canvas, or it can swallow you. I chose to make it my canvas.”
I chose to add value by becoming deeply committed to continuing my education in product knowledge and skin science. I chose to strengthen my relationships, remain a good listener, stay flexible, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
This work continues to take me across different cities, area codes, and time zones. Traveling through my profession allows me to experience different cultures and perspectives that continually refine my craft.
Most importantly, I remain deeply grateful for the women who trust me to care for them in my private studio in Maryland. Their trust allows me to practice my philosophy every day.
Beauty is more than appearance. It is responsibility.
Responsibility to the craft.
Responsibility to the client.
Responsibility to the next generation of professionals.
“Beauty is more than appearance. It is responsibility—to the craft, to the client, and to the next generation of professionals.”
And if my journey has shown me anything, it is this: when women share wisdom with one another, entire industries evolve.
—
The Global Manicurist® is a professional philosophy dedicated to responsible beauty, nail health education, and the intersection of wellness, artistry, and professional integrity within the beauty industry.
