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

Alright, Taya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I use to work at Forever 21. Hated my job but knew I was talented in something. So, I bought all my supplies and practiced really hard and noticed that , nails was something I wanted to do full time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I just through myself into the industry with no intentions. I learned that I had to be myself because no one will take you seriously unless you’re being yourself. So I do nails. I offer acrylic nail and toe services. Soon hoping to add full pedicures. I also own my own Online Nail Supply shopnailssbytaya.com. I think what sets me apart from others is my creativity and the type of content i make for my online audience. I’m a very personable person and i take pride in everything i do. I’m proud of every single accomplishment, even if its little. My most recent accomplishment that im very proud of and literally always talk about is my La Times Image entry. BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT EVER.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect to me is making women or whoever my client is HAPPY. It’s such a warm feeling and when your clients are constantly happy you know you’re doing something right.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Recently, everything went left for me in the past year or 2. My depression & feeling that I wasn’t good enough was starting to really eat at me. I was in a space plenty of times this past year where i really felt like giving up. My bills were piling, going deeper into debt, no light at the end of the tunnel. But when you’re business minded & have nothing to depend on but your business, you have to push through it. I did HUGE deals for months just to try to get back on my feet. I had to eliminate bills that wasn’t necessary. I was never one to ask for help but i did. Sometimes you really have to put your pride aside because sometimes all you need is a little push. My mom helped me throughout the year. She helped with my depression, any little thing that would make me happy she participated in helping me smile. My boyfriend comforted me through it all & would even pay my bills for me as well. Without my mom and my boyfriend, i probably would still be a negative nancy. I love them both dearly and thank them always.

Contact Info:

• Website: nailssbytaya.as.me
• Instagram: @nailssbytaya
• Youtube: NailssByTaya
• Other: shopnailssbytaya.com