We were lucky to catch up with Annel Castillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Annel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Showing clients you appreciate them is something I think most folks want to do – but it’s not always clear how to do it in a meaningful way. What’s one of the best examples of client appreciation you can share with us?

I try my best to have snacks for my clients for when they come to their appointment. Sometimes they come straight from work and don’t get a chance to stop and buy food or a quick snack after a long day at work. I like having a variety of chips, candy, drinks etc. and I know they love it because they always thank me and let me know. The biggest thing I’ve done so far has probably been the Christmas gift. I bought small hand sanitizers, included candy, a personal written card and a surprise discount for their next service ranging from $5-$20 but the main gift was a $50 voucher! I mixed the gift bags up and put them under the tree then at the end of their appointment they could choose a bag of their own. It was so much fun seeing them get excited hoping it was the big gift. They definitely appreciated it and I loved giving something back to them even if it wasn’t much it, it was just a way to say thank you for supporting my business specially after the rough year we had with covid. Thanks to them my business continues to grow and remains open.

Annel, 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?

I’m a 26 year old licensed nail tech. My passion for nails started when I was in high school in the cosmetology program. I was 15 years old when I did my first nail set and fell in love with this career. I didn’t get my cosmetology license however after I graduated I enrolled in a manicurist program and received my manicurist license in 2015. I worked in a nail shop for 2 years (2016-2018) and became home based June 2018. I’ve been working from home ever since and I’m months away from moving into my own private studio. I’m super excited to share the news with my clients although some already know. I can’t wait for it to be finished and I’m finally moved in! People always ask why didn’t I open a salon instead and the truth is I’ve experienced being an owner to a nail shop already and I couldn’t handle all the stress. Being on my own made me realize it was better for myself. Maybe in the future I’ll change my mind but until then come get serviced by me I promise you won’t be disappointed! I specialize in acrylic sets, Swarovski nail art, overlays (I help you grow your natural nails) I also offer refills and I can work with any length from short to xx long. I’m always taking classes to stay up to date with the new trends and to improve my skills to better service you.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

You are the most important source in your business! As a nail tech I always try my best to have my own nails done with the newest trends, or flashy designs to get peoples attention. But my most effective strategy has been word of mouth! When clients love your work they will show their friends, family, neighbors etc. they will promote you without you knowing it. I appreciate my clients so much, they’ve booked their whole department, family, neighbors with me. I’ve had bridal parties, sweet 16 etc. it’s an amazing feeling when they tell you they need appointments for 8+ people. I show my appreciation by giving them a referral discount for every person that books an appointment under them. We have to show our clients we appreciate their support because thanks to them our business is growing!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Months before deciding to leave the nail shop I decided to go back to school. I was set on being a pharmacist or going into the medical field. I was no longer happy nor passionate about nails. Certain experiences at the nail shop stressed me out and just made me loose passion. It was a very hard decision to make but I knew I had to not only for myself but for my family. I was coming home very late and I wasn’t dedicating enough time to my daughter who at the time was 2 yrs old. I worked Monday – Friday and sometimes Saturday as well. My pay wasn’t reflecting the hours I was spending at the nail shop., I was working too much for so little. June 1, 2018 was my last day there. I thought that day would be the last time I ever did a full set…I was wrong! All I needed was a break and to clear my head. I never went back to school, instead I set up at home and slowly grew my collection of acrylics, nail art etc. I’m beyond thankful for my clients who encouraged me to not give up and who were patient with me. I’m proud to say I continue to be a full time nail tech!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annelxonails.as.me/schedule.php
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/annelxonails?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=