About Me

My name is Aaliyah Forde, and I’m the founder of The Toe Picasso—a space where detailed pedicure care meets education, restoration, and artistry. My journey into the beauty industry wasn’t something I planned. I started doing nails during the pandemic in 2020, when salons were closed and beauty became something personal again. It was just a way to keep my hands busy at first, but it didn’t take long before I realized there was something deeper pulling me in.

By 2022, I was offering lash services alongside nails and exploring different areas of beauty. But pedicures? That part stood out. I kept seeing how overlooked and undertrained this service was in the industry. Clients were either being rushed through unsafe, unsanitary experiences—or completely turned away because their feet were seen as “too far gone.” That’s when I realized: pedicure services weren’t just in low supply—they were being done wrong, and not many techs were being properly trained to do them right.

In 2024, I made the decision to niche down completely. I left behind lashes, minimized nail services, and stepped fully into what I was most passionate about: restorative pedicure work. That same year, The Toe Picasso was born. I created a brand centered around high-level pedicure transformations, using advanced tools and techniques to restore confidence for clients who had been told their feet were beyond help.

But I didn’t stop there.

By 2025, I made the full switch to pedicures only—and expanded my business to serve not just clients, but students too. After seeing how many techs lacked proper training in foot care, prep, sanitation, or e-file use, I developed The Pedicure Portrait, a 1:1 luxury gallery-style training that teaches beginners (and even experienced techs) how to offer high-quality, in-demand pedicure services that truly last. From nail anatomy to acrylic toes and marketing, my goal is to help other artists gain confidence in their craft—and charge their worth.

Originally based in Hamilton, I relocated to Toronto in April of 2025 to be closer to the growing community of clients and aspiring techs who were traveling in just to sit in my chair or learn from me. The move wasn’t just about geography—it was about being present where the demand lives, and continuing to fill a gap that most of the beauty industry still overlooks.

Everything I’ve built—every service, every training, every e-book—is rooted in a single belief: pedicures deserve better. And whether you’re a client looking for comfort and care, or a student ready to take this skill seriously, The Toe Picasso is here to raise the bar for what pedicures can be.