We were lucky to catch up with Hope Goldman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hope thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I’ve always loved nails. Back in the day, I’d spend hours painting intricate designs on my own nails with regular polish. Then, after a disappointing experience at a nail salon, I decided I wanted to give people that feeling of care and confidence that can come from a nail appointment. That moment sparked my decision to become a professional.

When I moved to Seattle, I discovered there weren’t any reputable nail schools nearby. I learned that Washington State allows apprenticeships at salons instead, though it required 2,000 hours compared to the 600 hours of nail school. But, I didn’t care. I was ready to dive in.

I started cold-calling salons, hoping someone would take me on. After several rejections, I found an ad on Indeed for a licensed apprentice. My husband encouraged me to call, and to my surprise, they hired me! This salon specialized in waterless manicures and pedicures, and I was trained in advanced techniques from the start.

It was not the traditional path to entering the industry, but it shaped really shaped my trajectory. Completing that amount of hours with expert training really set me light years ahead in my career. I ended up staying at that salon for about 3 years before moving away and starting my own business as a Pedicurist where I now transform people’s feet!

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.

Before becoming a Nail Technician, I was a professional dancer and choreographer. Movement and working with bodies have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When COVID hit, we moved and that shift allowed the opportunity for me to start my business, Health to Beauty Nails, where I specialize in Advanced Waterless Pedicures.

During my apprenticeship, I discovered my passion for foot care. It felt like the perfect blend of my skills and purpose. Focusing exclusively on foot care is where I can create the greatest impact.

My background in dance heavily influences my approach. From the way I physically hold and care for my clients to creating a judgment-free, open space for transformation, I bring intentionality to every step of the process. These values are what set my services apart, beyond the techniques themselves.

My Waterless Pedicures are highly specialized. They eliminate the risk of waterborne pathogens, deliver smoother, longer-lasting results, and save gallons of water per client. I work with a range of clients, from diabetics and immunocompromised individuals seeking a safe alternative, to healthy individuals who want meaningful results after disappointing experiences elsewhere—even with medical professionals.

I see my role as bridging the gap between cosmetic pedicures and podiatry. There’s so much that can happen in that middle space, and I’m proud to be able to fill it in a way that’s practical, safe, and transformative for my clients.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Aside from training and knowledge, I think the most important thing for succeeding in this field is building trust and creating meaningful connections with clients. It’s not just about offering a service. It’s about making clients feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Being intentional with how I communicate, the space I create, and the experience I deliver helps clients feel safe and valued. This is especially important in foot care where vulnerability often plays a big role.

Another key factor is adaptability. Every client has unique needs, and being able to adjust your approach while staying consistent with your values is critical. Success in this field goes beyond technical skills. it’s about creating lasting relationships and offering a service that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the best strategies I used to grow my clientele was an extensive promotion I planned in the first year of my business, with guidance from my business coach. When I was launching my Soft Feet Spa Pedicure, I spent about six weeks building a promotion that added a ton of value without discounting my services. The key was creating an irresistible offer that was a “no-brainer” for both existing and new clients.

At the time, my Soft Feet Spa Pedicure was $97. My promotion offered clients the chance to pre-purchase the new pedicure and receive a complimentary Express Manicure and Hand Cream, which was a combined value of $163. The critical piece of this strategy was knowing my numbers. I made sure the promotion made financial sense on the backend so that I wasn’t losing money while adding significant value for my clients.

I also prepared in advance, scheduling email blasts, text messages, and social media posts to ensure the promotion reached my entire audience. This consistent messaging helped me sell a significant number of these packages, bringing in a wave of new clients. On top of that, the money I earned upfront allowed me to move to a new suite without needing to take out a loan!

This experience stretched me out of my comfort zone. Promoting myself was difficult at the time, but I discovered that selling is serving real solutions to people’s needs. Everyone loves a deal, and this taught me how to craft promotions that are packed with value while preserving the integrity of my pricing. It’s a strategy I’ve continued to use, and it’s been a game-changer for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.healthtobeautynails.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthtobeautynails
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthtobeautynails
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/healthtobeautynails

Image Credits
Headshot yellow background: Clara Jay Turner Group class and houndstooth jacket pictures: Gehwol Footcare All others: Hara Allison