We recently connected with Gianna Gutierrez and have shared our conversation below.
Gianna, appreciate you joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?
When I think of the things I have done for my clients to show my appreciation, it is difficult to choose just one. However, there is one case I will never forget. I give my clients a safe space for them to express what is going on in their lives without judgement or just someone to talk to while they are pampered. I had one client who was expressing her own mental health concerns and financial problems with the current economy. She stated how she loves to get her nails done regardless to make herself feel great even in her worst days. I often connect with my clients about their own situations, which in turn allows me to fully understand them. I had the urge to help her out in any kind of way so I went ahead and surprised her by servicing her for free that day. She was overwhelmed with happiness and more thankful than ever. I also have checked on her outside of our appointments to let her know I am always here for her and all of my clients no matter what! It brings me joy to know I can make a positive impact in the clients that choose me to be their personal nail technician.
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 am a licensed Nail Technician located in Greenville, South Carolina. I specialize in Acrylic nail extensions and nail art. I also offer relaxing Pedicures with complimentary drinks, snacks, and even mimosas! I have about 4 years of experience and I currently own a studio suite that personalizes a one-on-one experience with each client.
I was introduced to nails at around 16 years old when I began to visit nail salons in my town. I immediately fell in love with the idea and practiced on myself, friends and family over the next 4-5 years. In 2020, I graduated from a cosmetology school, earning my Nail Technician license. My dad helped me build an at-home studio salon where I started taking clients from. I was extremely determined to improve my skills and relationships with clients no matter what situation or struggle I went through starting up my own nail business. I loved art and painting, so creating artwork on nails quickly became a passion and lit the fire under me to become one of the best nail salon experiences a client could have.
My clientele built up pretty quickly as I learned to continuously give amazing customer service and exceptional work quality. In 2022, I signed my first salon suite to work out of in the heart in Greenville, SC. Ever since then, I have been able to give clients a personal experience, allowing me to get to know them for more than just a client. I became super skillful with nail art, making an inspirational photo my client wanted into a reality for them. I became viral on TikTok, which built up more clientele and even more opportunities to show people a new experience to nail salons.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I was fresh out of cosmetology school, I had an option to either work for someone in a local nail salon or start up my own nail business. My passion for the work led me down the path to start my own business. However, that comes with starting from ground zero. I worked for a major company to save money for startup items such as a desk, chairs, nail polish, lamps, acrylic systems, etc. With each paycheck, I would put it towards those purchases and more. Eventually, I was able to then startup my clientele from home with the basics i needed.
On the days I did not work for the company, I took every client that inquired about nails. I found myself working 7 days a week, easily, for months. I took the money I saved and invested it all into my business to purchase higher quality products and equipment to improve not only my work, but my clients experience as well.
Eventually, I was able to flip my work schedule from working five days a week for a company and two days for clients – to five days on clients and two days for the company. Soon enough, I was able to completely rely on my nail business for income as I successfully built a clientele.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Social media has a huge impact on building clientele. Starting up, I used Instagram and TikTok to create trending content. When you show off your work constantly, it eventually exposes your profile to the right audience. I would post everyday around noon to reach the most viewers on both platforms. One day, a TikTok I uploaded the night before, reached over 6 million views!
Consistency is key when it comes to gaining an audience. There is always a popular trend to follow with creating content. It takes time and dedication to make time for this but it played a huge role in part of my clientele growth. Social media does its own marketing typically. When someone shares your post, it will potentially reach hundreds of people they know and so forth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nailsbygigillc.com
- Instagram: nailsbygigii_
Image Credits
Jaden Gutierrez