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

Erin, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I’ve known since probably birth that I’ve always been different, just like most of us, if not all of us as an artist and a creative. So I knew pretty early on that I wasn’t going to be content living what you might call a normal life. I’ve always enjoyed going against the norm and doing what I love instead of what society thinks I’m supposed to. And I would say the way that translates into my adult life, would be not having a normal job. I have worked the soul-sucking 9 to 5, sitting in a cubicle all day type of job and I can tell you it is not meant for me. I am so incredibly happy and free owning my own studio and getting to create art for people all while boosting their confidence. There’s nothing better than making someone else feel better. And getting to do that with my creative side is one of my greatest passions. The thought of having a regular job again never crosses my mind. Sure, you have to work harder for your health insurance and a 401(k), but why are we all living for the future? Yes it makes sense to plan for your future, but revolve your entire life around hoping that one day you can be happy? Absolutely not. Life is short. Be happy now.

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?

I am the owner and artist behind Nailcraft by Erin LLC, an independent nail studio where creativity meets self-care. My journey into the nail industry started with a love for art and design paired with the desire to create something tangible that could make people feel beautiful and confident every day. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a full-fledged career once I realized I could turn my passion for artistry and detail into a business that uplifts others.

I specialize in custom nail art, structured manicures, and luxury nail care services. Every single set I do is crafted with my perfectionism, tailored to the client’s personal style. My clients don’t just leave with polished nails, they leave with a piece of wearable art.
I feel that I solve a common problem many clients face in the nail world: durability and individuality. I have spent a lot of time testing quality products to ensure my work focuses on long-lasting results that don’t sacrifice creativity, giving clients nails they’re proud to show off.

What sets me apart is the experience I create in the studio. I’m not a high-volume salon that rushes people in and out; I provide a personalized, relaxing space where every client is given full attention. From neon lights and cozy vibes to one-on-one appointments, my studio feels more like a self-care session than a standard beauty appointment. Many clients have told me that sitting down in my chair is the highlight of their week, and that’s something I take to heart.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built. Nailcraft by Erin is more than nails—it’s about connection, creativity, and confidence. I’ve had the privilege of watching clients grow, celebrate milestones, and even become friends through my business. To me, that’s the biggest success.

For anyone discovering my brand for the first time, I want them to know that Nailcraft by Erin is all about individuality, artistry, and care. My goal is to create nails that reflect who you are, while giving you an experience that feels special, uplifting, and uniquely yours.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives sometimes struggle to understand is that being a creative entrepreneur means you’re still wearing all the hats—not just the fun, artsy one. Yes, I get to spend my days designing nails and making people feel beautiful, but behind the scenes I’m also the bookkeeper, marketer, social media manager, product manager, and customer service rep. It’s equal parts art and hustle.

Another misconception is that creativity just “flows” on demand. In reality, it takes time, practice, and sometimes trial and error to bring a vision to life. People often see the finished set of nails but not the long hours of training, skill, and patience that went into building the craft.

If there’s one piece of insight I’d share, it’s this: being a creative means learning to value your own work, and quite literally, putting a price on your work. It’s easy to downplay art as “just nails” or “just a hobby,” but for me—and for so many other creatives—it’s a career built on passion, skill, and dedication. Once you start treating your creativity as a real business, others will too.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

When I first started doing nails, it was never about building a business—it was just something I genuinely loved doing. I was painting nails for friends and family after work, losing track of time because I was so immersed in the creativity of it. What began as a fun little side hustle slowly became this thing I couldn’t stop thinking about.

The first time someone actually paid me for a set of nails, I remember feeling both excited and terrified. Excited because it was proof that people believed in me, and terrified because part of me wondered, could this really become something bigger?
I am so lucky to have a husband who believed in me from day one, who inspired and continued to push me to do what I love. He just kept telling me, I don’t care how much this or that costs, watching you love what you do is so satisfying.

Over time I slowly bought more and more products and professional tools needed to make my work even better and side-hustle more successful.
As more people started booking with me, I realized I had a decision to make: keep it as a side hobby or give it the attention it deserved. Taking the leap to register Nailcraft by Erin LLC was a huge milestone—it made everything feel real. From there, one of the scariest but proudest moments was stepping away from the security of a “traditional job” and going full time with nails. That leap came with so many emotions: fear of failure, but also excitement for the freedom to build something that was mine.

Opening my own independent studio was another turning point. I wanted the space to reflect my brand and personality—pink & black, neon, cozy, and unapologetically creative. The first time I sat down with a client in my own space, I felt an overwhelming mix of pride and gratitude.

Looking back, every step was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I’m proud that I didn’t let fear stop me, because now I get to wake up every day and do what I love full time. For me, Nailcraft by Erin isn’t just about nails—it’s about creating a career out of passion, taking risks, and proving to myself that I could turn a dream into reality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailcraft.byerin?igsh=MW5ubXNhdDZzN2psdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FSwDQQwRq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nailcraft.byerin?_t=ZP-8zCZZzJ2fFO&_r=1