Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raquel Diaz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Raquel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Like any other immigrant who comes to the United States, my mother’s purpose was for my siblings and me to have a greater opportunity. When my biological father decided to step out on us, things became a little bit more difficult for my mother as she still wasn’t a legal resident. I still remember the fear in her eyes when we would step out of our home, she always feared that someone would come and take her away from us. Regardless of the fear that my mother carried, I will always remember her perseverance through it all. As the years passed, my single mother nurtured and provided for us like no other. She worked as a housekeeper for most of her time here. She then had the opportunity to upgrade her job status, and just about 2 years ago she became a full-time entrepreneur, making worship garments for churches all over the United States. As her only daughter, it has always been difficult for me to not replicate her character. All I can see when I take a look at my mother is a humble, empowering, fearless woman. To this day, my mother has taught me how to push through and always count God into my life and troubles. I truly couldn’t pray for a better role model. Gracias por todo, madre!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Raquel (Rachell). As the only girl in my home, I was always intrigued to be more and more feminine. When I was 15, my mother allowed me to get my first set of acrylics. I was so excited to go to the nail salon and get so many designs and colors, but I walked out with a single-color polish. Just to put the cherry on top, when my mother and I left the nail salon. She let me know if I wanted to get my nails done again then I would have to pay for them. So when I turned 16 I was determined to do my nails because I wanted all the designs and all the colors with no additional cost. I bought my first nail kit and I was super stoked to start this journey. It was inconsistent up until I was 20 and I went through it head-first, hoping for the greater outcome. Now I am 23, running my own business, working my desired hours, and planning to expand my brand.

I offer nail and toe services, specializing in freestyle and exotic nail art. I am a nail technician looking to offer a unique service as well as a safe haven. As women, we go through so much every single day, what better time to talk it out than with someone who you sit with for 2 hours creating innovative nail art?

I am very grateful to every one of my girls who have been with me from the beginning. I have a list of girls who have taught me so much just with a simple conversation. I have realized that’s the principle of my career choice, to sit and create beautiful work while learning and growing with my girls. Zhanae, Cienna, and Jenny thank you for your consistent love and support, not only for me but for my business. God knows how grateful I am for allowing you to cross paths with me.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I got my manicurist license in 2022. Once I got my license I immediately got a job at a nail salon that had just opened up. With all the fear I had, I always tried to show my best version as I know, I was still new to the industry. Working there had me doubting if this was the career choice that I had wanted to take. The owners of the salon where I worked provided very cheap and low-quality products which made it difficult for me to service my clients to my best potential. When I decided to take it upon myself to get my materials, they started wanting to take money away from clients and the services that I had provided. I was a 1099 employee working a 9 to 5 with overtime every single day of my shift. When I decided to rent out a suite for myself and work individually, they didn’t want to give me the money from services I had already provided which only made the move more difficult.

Regardless of the situation, I decided to continue and pursue what I had already started. I rented out an individual workspace in Downtown San Diego, but like any other business place I had taken one full week from 8 am to 2 pm to decorate and put up together my suite for my clients to come in. The smell of monomer and nail products is very harsh, so they forced me to move rooms or to leave the building. With all the hard work and dedication that I had already poured into my business, I was very down with the predicament I was placed in. Regardless I always turn to God for more strength to continue to pursue what I want. I decided to move rooms with a better ventilation system. Proceeded to be there for the time being.

In just 7 months of being licensed, this all happened to me. These two scenarios always sit in the back of my head when I encounter problems now because if I can overcome this, I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I do not manufacture my products just yet, but it is something that I would love to achieve in 2025. I would love to start my product line for nail technicians and also clients looking for hand care and nail care products.

I know there is a vast amount of nail businesses, but what I’m planning to do differently is to integrate more attention to what is needed on both sides of the table. For nail technicians, I am planning to offer high-quality and affordable products for all levels. For clients, I am focusing more on their needs and targeting them. For example, hand care, nail strengthening supplies, or even cute accessories to take nice nail pics after their service.

Although it has been difficult, this is a plan that I’ve had in mind for the past two years. I’m now waiting for everything to finally be set and done.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.conceitedsd.com
• Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/conceited.sd/&ved=2ahUKEwi6tIf41PuKAxXKxuYEHY6PKPEQFnoECEUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw236lAs_9niCR52EJWtlUXa
• Facebook: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/conceited.sd&ved=2ahUKEwi6tIf41PuKAxXKxuYEHY6PKPEQFnoECEMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0VBevqMGgWFaSGFRe-ZL2p
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_5R6nZ4xWuqrrJZJ_ieQA