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

Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I took a huge risk when I decided to step out on faith and quit my job at Blue Blue Shield of MI. When I first started at BCBS I had it in my mind that I would continue to climb up the ladder in the corporate world. I had tried for a good 5 years straight to get into the company but when I got in there I wasn’t really feeling it like I thought I would. Around this time, I was just doing nails as I side hustle but it seemed as soon as I started at BCBS my demand increased significantly forcing me to reevaluate what I really wanted to do. I begin to brainstorm hard on the possibilities of me going fulltime with my craft and if I could realistically sustain my life if I did so. I spoke with my long time boyfriend at the time about it and got his input on if he also agreed that I could make it and happen and he supported me 100%. After getting his blessing and doing some serious thinking about how I could make this dream a reality, I realized that it was something that could be really fruitful for me, so I put my plan in motion to leave BSBS. After leaving my fulltime job, it started out a little rocky because it seemed I wasn’t getting the bookings I anticipated but that that was very short live once word really got around that I was now full time everything picked up and my business took off!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My interest in becoming a nail tech started when I was just 11 years old. I remember going with my mom to get her nails done and watching her do her friends nails at home and I told myself I wanted to do them too! I honestly didn’t think it was something that I could actually do as a career though because I believed it was a job that only Asians could do because growing up I had only witnessed them doing them (besides my mom). However, My senior year of high school I found out there was a nail technician program at the Kent Career Tech Center and signed up, graduated top of my class and that was the start of me entering the beauty industry. Being that I was so young getting started I can admit I was not the most disciplined, not wanting to miss out on fun with my friends I didn’t take it as seriously and would cancel and reschedule clients the moment something came up that I wanted to join in on but I learned quickly I couldn’t continue on like that if I really wanted people to take me seriously and continue choosing me at their nail tech so I tightened up significantly. I bought me a planner to organize my appointments to make sure I wasn’t overbooking (because that was a huge issue when I first got started) and begin keeping track of my supplies and needs to operate efficiently. Since then, I now use a booking site which has been a huge help in keeping things organized and running much smoother.

When I first got started I only offered acrylic nails and pedicure services but that has now progressed into Acrylic nails, manicures, pedicures, and I’m now looking into getting more skilled in toe nail reconstruction which I have already helped a few of my clients feel more confident in showing their feet from the work I have done and have even helped some see a complete turn around in the condition of their toenails overtime. The work I do on both my clients hands and feet is really rewarding, seeing the smile on my clients faces really makes me feel good about what I do and I how I contribute to making them feel better about their appearance and in some case giving their confidence a major boost! Aside from that, I am most widely known for my quality of work and my intricate nail art. I have a very keen eye for detail and take pride in producing eye catching art for my clients. I have done just about everything under the sun when it comes to nail art from adding things like mirrors, money and 3D art to gore Halloween art I have done it all and love bringing my clients ideas and visions to life!

I am most proud of the relationships and bonds I have created with many of my clients over the years. They have become more like family and I look forward to each every interaction with them. I make it a point to be personable and really get to know my clients, their likes, dislikes, the favorite colors, foods, music style, tv shows and etc. I always want my clients to be comfortable when sitting in my chair, especially those who come in with things they are ashamed of, I want them to know and feel when they are sitting in my chair they are in a judgement free zone! I pour into my clients through encouragement, uplifting, compliments and they pour into me as well. I can definitely say that the connections I have made over the years have been the most rewarding in my growth both personally and in the industry.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am actually in the process of pivoting my business right now. Last year, I found out I was pregnant unexpectedly and now that I’m a mommy life has definitely taken a turn. I have had to make a major adjustment to my schedule which has caused me to be available a lot less then what I’m used to which has been very challenging. Coming into these new challenges have been forced to reflect and think about what direction I am really trying to go in the buisness, especially since I now have a baby to consider. I am When I first opened, my original plan was to have a full beauty lounge with nail techs, lash techs and make up artists but I realize now its not really my hearts desire to have a full lounge and would like to downsize and stick to just the nails because that’s where my real passion is and always has been. Besides this realization of what it I desire there’s also the fact that, we are in a era where everyone wants to do their own thing and be their own boss and finding people was actually really challenging anyway and I honestly rather not even go through the hassle of it all anymore. The dreams and goals I have for my career does not align with the having full salon so I’m making the decision to proceed with downsizing so I can put my other ideas, plans and goals into action!

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

I believe word of mouth will always be the most effective way to build clientele but social media and creating creative content has been a really effective way for me to grow my clientele over the years. I have done progress videos, before and after pictures, live videos and etc that have all peaked potential clients interest in me and my work. Social media has also helped me land some of my biggest opportunities yet like being selected to work at Teyana Taylors nail salon Junie Bee Nails in Harlem, NY in 2018 as well as the opportunity to work New York Fashion Week the very next year!! I have also hosted giveaways, raffles, and numerous specials as well that have been a huge help. However, regardless of what method you use, the key is to be consistent and patient!!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/thenailarteest
• Other: tiktok – @thenailarteest For booking – Thenailarteest.glossgenius.com