We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Stille. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.

Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I never saw myself as a risk-taker, but looking back now, I can’t say that anymore. All of my life, I followed the “right” path. I graduated high school, earned my bachelor’s degree, then my master’s, secured what I believed was my dream job, married my high school sweetheart, and started a family. By society’s standards, I had it all. How could I not be happy? I did everything by the book! But behind the scenes, I was far from fulfilled. I dreaded each day, counting down the hours until the weekend.

Then, encouragement from a dear friend and an unexpected opportunity came along, and I took a leap of faith, defying the expectations that had always guided me. After 7 years of college and just 2 years in a career I thought I wanted, I backpedaled. I pursued my nail tech license—a path that took only a fraction of the time and effort it took to earn my previous qualifications.

How could I walk away from financial stability, healthcare benefits, and a 401K to start my own nail tech business in a state where I was barely a newcomer, with just a handful of friends? I must have been out of my mind. But strangely enough, for the first time, my mind felt completely at peace. I was finally free from the relentless cycle of anxiety, dread, and worry.

I can’t overlook the unwavering support of my incredible (and not-so-risk-taking) husband. He stood by me through all of the years it took to earn my college degrees and continued to support me when I turned everything upside down with a decision that left him wide-eyed and speechless. Though he couldn’t fully grasp or understand it, he still stood by me. Would I have taken this leap without his support? Probably not. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Every day, being a business owner comes with its own set of challenges, especially in a very niche and specialized market that’s often the first to be cut when financial concerns arise. But every day, I have the privilege of staying home with my son, which was my ultimate life goal. I’m able to balance my paid work with my most important role—being a mom, and that alone reminds me that taking this risk was wildly worth it.

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

Hi, I’m Hannah! Originally from Wyoming, I’ve been calling Colorado home since 2021. My husband and I have been together for 14 years (married for 3), and we have a sweet, smart little boy who’s almost two.

Nails have always been a passion of mine. I looked forward to every other Friday when I’d get my nails done, often going with my mom. When the chaos of 2020 hit and salons closed, I decided to try doing my own nails. I ordered a kit from Amazon and jumped in, discovering I had a knack for it! Soon I was even doing my sister’s nails. While I finished my master’s degree and worked in healthcare for the next two years, nails remained a favorite hobby.

After moving to Colorado, I was getting my lashes done and venting to my lash tech (now dear friend) about the stresses of my current job when she encouraged me to purse nail school—and even offered me a spot in her new salon! Craving a change, I researched every nail school nearby, earned my license, quit my job, and spent the next year working at her salon. My business was called “Habit Nails by Han.”

At 8 months pregnant, I left the salon to prepare for maternity leave, planning to paint custom press-ons until I was ready to return. But as it turned out, that return never came. What started as a few sets of press-ons grew into something bigger than I ever imagined, and in March 2023, Habit at Home was born.

Now, I create luxury custom press-on nails for women across the United States. These are no ordinary press-ons; they’re custom-fit to each client’s nails, 100% hand-painted, and made with salon-quality products for a level of durability you won’t find in drugstore nails. Plus, they’re reusable!

As a busy mom, I know how hard it is to carve out time for yourself, especially to spend two hours at a nail salon! My solution? Salon-quality nails shipped directly to your door. With the added benefit of reusability, my press-ons offer the luxury of a salon without the high price and time commitment.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the creative process itself is incredibly rewarding. Taking someone’s vision or idea and turning it into a tangible product feels deeply satisfying. It’s a messy (literally!) and unpredictable journey, but each set I paint brings a sense of exploration and discovery that keeps me inspired and constantly evolving as an artist. There’s a sense of magic in starting with a blank nail and watching it transform into something that can bring joy to someone else.

Hearing a customer’s excitement when I reveal their finished nails is such a special moment. It’s as if we’ve created a virtual bond, however subtle, through the process. That connection, even if brief, reminds me of why I love doing this—it’s the chance to share a bit of my passion and make someone else feel joy.

When a customer comes back for more, that’s the cherry on top—it’s the best validation of my work and reminds me why I love what I do.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to bring a bit of luxury and self-care to women’s lives in a way that feels personal and accessible. I want my nails to be more than just a product—they’re a chance for clients to feel confident and express themselves without the time or cost of salon visits.

I’m passionate about empowering busy women, like moms and professionals, to reclaim a moment for themselves. Each set is designed to feel special, made just for them, and durable enough to enjoy again and again. Ultimately, my goal is to create small moments of joy and self-appreciation through every custom set.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://habit-athome.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habit.athome/profilecard/?igsh=dDJrYzllOGRlOHVy

Image Credits

Francesca Falbo, Tessa Lane