We were lucky to catch up with Summer Delagarza recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Summer, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I remember being about 18 years old and since I was 15 I got my nails done regularly. Every visit to the nail salon was anywhere from $80-$120 since I loved to be different with my nails. I enjoyed all the designs , bling & 3D art. I loved to stand out however spending the amount I did and always finding something I didn’t like about the nails, it was always the shaping or the quality of the nails and stones that made me super picky or unhappy. I remember specifically this one hot pink hello kitty 3D set I paid about $120. I was in love with the design but the thickness and shaping was hideous. I remember going home and picking up a nail file and started filing away at my nails. I then got pregnant at 19 and I was always home so I started looking for a hobby to keep me busy since I was not working. I knew how much I loved having my nails done so I thought how hard could it be. Back then eBay was popular to buy things online so I ordered and googled what I needed and started playing with it. No surprise but I literally was so horrible. I practiced on myself and other people but I didn’t give up. Speed it up a few years later, a bunch of practice but I was loving how my nails came out and not to mention I stopped going to the nail salons . I was so happy and everyone loved my nails. Everywhere I went I received compliments left and right about my nails which was awesome for advertising and conversation starters.
Summer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
So I basically started from the bottom and taught myself a lot of what I know. Of course I have been licensed by the state and I have even taken nail art courses along the way to help improve my skills. I think what made me dive deep with the nail industry would be my clients. I enjoy giving them a service that makes them smile, feel pretty, and most definitely the girl time. I think what keeps my clientele returning is not only the quality but the relationships I build with my clients. Women do their nails to feel good and look nice. It’s nice to have someone to chat with during the service . I have a lot of people who look forward to getting into my chair just to share good news or vent to. Some people come into my business with a lot on their shoulders who are just looking for someone to talk to. Some come in and shed some tears but leave with peace and happiness after being serviced feeling pretty and refreshed. I’m proud of how far I have come and building my business and growing with my clientele who have come to me since the very beginning of my journey. I hope that all my clients know I have much love for supporting my dreams and my small business I don’t know where I would be without them all.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I recently in the passes year started focusing on other things in my life. I’ve done nails now For about 11 years and taught nail classes for about 3 years now. I love what I do but as I’m getting older and working for myself , my family has grown and just simply wanting more for myself I started going to college again to get my masters in teaching grade school. I am currently working in an elementary school in special education and I love it although the pay is not well i am focusing on graduating and bigger things coming my way. My nail business is still something I will not ever let go I find it not only Therapeutic for my clients but myself as well not to mention the money is amazing !
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I will definitely say the power of social media is crazy and you can gain so much knowledge and clientele if you push for it. Networking as well I have linked up with millionaires, singers, models, boxers, reality tv stars and word of mouth and personality goes a long way. As long as you have a positive professional attitude and outgoing personality it can take you far.
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