Senior Lola Ross’s first memory of art was when she won an award for a self-portrait in fourth grade. Although Lola didn’t truly get into art until her sophomore year, she always had an interest in it, and with that push, she knew that it was something she could pursue.
“I’ve always liked art,” Lola said. “[It’s] a good way to express myself and be creative.”
Lola’s preferred medium is mixed media, a method in which different materials and techniques are combined to create one piece. She collages to build layers and add depth to her works.
Lola named Dr. Irene Lantz, Mrs. Tricia Kaylor and her mom as influential people who have inspired her the most throughout her art journey.
“They are all very creative and push me [to be better],” Lola said.
In high school, Lola took almost all of the art classes DV has to offer.
“I just kept taking art classes [sophomore year]. I’ve done almost all of them, except for photography and computer art,” Lola said.
Outside of school, Lola found herself quickly profiting off of an issue that would eventually set the path for her future profession. When constant trips to the nail salon proved too inconvenient for her to continue any longer, she began doing them herself.
During the summer of her junior year, after gaining confidence from styling her co-workers’ nails, she decided to branch off and start her own business, but not without hardship.
“[I] was bad when I look back on it,” Lola said. “But I’m proud of myself for moving forward and doing way better than what I used to. I still improve with what I do.”
Currently, Lola has been fully booked for Prom and has two people almost every afternoon. Lola plans to attend the Beauty Institute in East Stroudsburg this upcoming fall. You can find Lola on Instagram at Lola Nova Nails.
