We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrienne Cain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrienne, thanks for joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?

I’m really not the type of nail tech that does the real long eccentric nails. I’m all for free hand art and embellishments, but when it comes to the filing and shaping of those super extendos, you lost me. I do all my work by hand and I have NEVER used a drill. There was a time when I was still fresh and new in the game, maybe 6 months in, and I was hungry. I was really taking nail jobs way under value while I was working at a newly opened black owned nail shop in Riverdale, Georgia. One day I got a call from the shop that a client was there that needed a fill in and nail art on all fingers with diamonds. I accepted the appointment, but I quoted a very low price (about $60). I needed the money and the advertisement of my work. I was fresh out of school, so I thought this was the way to go. I should have never dismissed the reason why the nail tech called me instead of taking the client themselves. .When I got to the shop I was greeted by a very “over the top client”. She had a Big spirit, big voice, and even bigger nails. I asked myself, what have I gotten myself into? As I tend to do often in moments of fear, I sucked it up and reminded myself that I;ve got this. I did those big, curly, long nails with NO DRILL. It took me four long hours and everybody was tired. That was the night I learned what giving a real consultation meant. Time is money and experience will define what you are willing to waste your time on. I filed and painted for four hours learning a hard lesson on doing too much for too little. I have learned to practice asking relevant questions to the kind of work I do. Such as what type of work you do and do you do a lot of cleaning by hand. I ask about your health; your allergies, if you have diabetes, if you have nervous issues that have you bite your skin and nails. Some of these questions my clients may not even notice I’m asking because I make it apart of the conversations I have with them. Every bit of information plays a part in the nails I offer my clients. The shapes, the color the length. If a client tells me they need to live a little or want to try something different, I have outstanding colors I know wouldn’t shock a person with a laid back or shy spirit. I choose colors that give them the confidence and attention they desire. There is an art to the consultation and it plays a major part in the longevity of relationship.

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

My name is Adrienne Cain, affectionally known to my friends and family as “Bambi.” I’m originally from Chicago, IL and have lived in the Atlanta area for 16 years. I am recently married and have one son, two bonus sons, a bonus daughter and a cat. I started doing nails at a young age. I did most of my family member’s pedicures long before I had any proper training. I never thought that it would be a good career path because I only saw a certain demographic doing nails where I’m from in Chicago, IL. I soon sought out to change that, and now I have over 10 years of professional nail experience. The nail services I provide are acrylic full sets, gel manicures, pedicures, nail art, and much more. My main focus from day one was keeping natural nails healthy. I decided while I was in school that I was going to offer my services without the drill. Numerous clients have come to me tired of the traditional ways their nails were handled. They were also tired of the lack of customer service they received and the lack of communication when it came to what they wanted. I believe I am the answer to those challenges. I’ve strengthened nails and healed damaged skin. I provide excellent customer service. My communication style has allowed hundreds of clients to be build trust with me and achieve their nail goals with me.I have had the opportunity to work behind the scenes of several reality shows, one of the most popular being Netflix first reality show and season of “Love is Blind”. I have also worked for At&t commercials for artist and personnel. I have created a product line of scrub and body rub called ‘Wake Up Scrub’ and ‘Flexin’ Body Rub’. These handmade products evolved from the skin needs I observed my clients were experiencing. I am allowed to build relationships with people that I never would have met otherwise. Im given the opportunity to provide them services and give them counsel to personal interest (beauty professionals are therapist too). My profession is evolving. I feel as though I am apart of healing other as they are to me.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation has grown in my industry because of my consistency. Being a black nail tech is not easy because the opportunities are not as prevalent in our communities. Altough, I am excited that black nail techs are being sought after more and more today. I do nails completely by hand (no drill), so people aren’t always convinced that this method is effective. My dedication to my methods and consistency in nail care has allowed the work to speak for itself. I no longer have to over explain how well the no drill method works. I have plenty of reviews with proven clients results to support my work as well. I am glad I’ve made a place for clients that need and appreciate the services I offer. As much as I appreciate the endurance of what I have been proof of, I still seek out methods of providing better and more impressionable services. I do want clients to feel like they have never met a nail tech like me. I have taken more time in educating myself on the energy of people to have a better understanding of what clients want from me. I don’t allow myself to be over attached to the idea of the service but more so why their service is with me. I want my clients to trust that I will represent them well with their needs. I have tried to keep a bit of a social media presence because social media is necessary in this day and age for business. People feel like they know you and are more impressed with you by photos and videos. Sometimes I wish there was another way. People still need human connection and real understanding. So I’m definitely that person that will still go and hand out flyers just to be face to face with a potential client. There is nothing better than when a clients first time meeting you turns into 5+ years. It’s more to it than a service and getting paid.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was hired as a nail tech at Xpress Spa. I was really excited about this job and felt it was a great career opportunity. Xpress Spa gave me the opportunity to make consistent money, build my speed, and meet an array of clients passing through Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. While working for Xpress Spa for a couple of months and was able to find another salon to work at part time to build my clientele outside of the airport. I was up to managing the both but my clientele was growing so well that I cut back days working at the airport. I had to weigh my options: 1) keep a job that gave me a steady check or 2) venture out to grow my own business. I chose the latter. My clientele grew. I had more availability and this was my livelihood for real now. I was proud of myself for trusting myself. That was the best part of it, but there were many hardships faced along the way. I lost my grandmother. I made poor financial decisions. I even found that I had got stuck in my ways that were no longer serving me. With everything that went on, I never regretted the decision I made because with great blessing come great responsibilities. I have learned that every time I make a move to test my courage and do away with my fears, be prepared for a challenge. More so be prepared to win.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.thelapiscircle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelapiscircle_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.peak.16
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-cain-642b89232/
• Other: https://www.vagaro.com/us03/thelapiscircle https://www.tiktok.com/@the_lapiscircle/