Michelle Feltman has spent years perfecting her nail art.
“It’s extremely creative and it’s a way for me to get my art out there into the world,” Feltman says.
As a part-time student at Allan Hancock College, she rented booths at local nail salons to continue her work.
“Booth renting was a great option for me that I could arrange my schedule to work with my existing 9 to 5 schedule and still gain clientele,” she said.
But this option may disappear for her and many others in 2025 because of Assembly Bill 5.
Originally, the bill aimed to protect workers like rideshare drivers, deciding whether they’re independent contractors or employees. While some jobs were exempt, that exemption for manicurists runs out on Dec. 31, leaving workers like Feltman with limited options.
One of those options is to work in a traditional nail spa, but Feltman says that doesn’t fit her future college schedule.
“That’s going to be my only opportunity to work while I’m still enrolled in school because of the opportunity to adjust my schedule,” Feltman says.