We were lucky to catch up with Karissa Mathis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
I was always interested in nails from the application shape and design I got very influenced to start Nails through TikTok every nail video I came across I watched and never skipped. I figured with my creative skills and liking to draw I could learn and pick up as a new hobby so I took the risk. I went to my local nail supply with a budget to get everything I needed to start. That night I practiced my first set it wasn’t the best set but I was just starting out and all that mattered to me was that we took the first step. Pretty much from there on out I became obsessed with getting better everyday I would lock myself in my room and practice non stop the application was the first step to complete before even thinking about designs. I learned pretty fast because I was constantly working on my craft which began to make me realize the risk I was taking by constantly putting in more then getting out. As I was always practicing and needing new product I was spending money on new things pouring into the start of my business. I then knew it was time for me to begin taking clients. Taking the risk of taking your first client was the scariest but most exciting moment a risk I’m glad I took. Then on everything went pretty smooth I was getting more and more clients and more practice in. I would say 6 months in I was feeling very confident in my work I couldn’t wait to continue to see my progress and how good I’d become. Don’t get me wrong I had many slow days and still a lot more buying products with out making enough money but I know I had to start somewhere so I was determined. I gave away a lot of free and cheap sets just to keep people coming and get all the practice I could in. Now about 8 months in and starting nail school for 2 months the risk I took was starting to feel worth it. After I got my license I knew it was time to trust in god and let him lead the way. As soon as I got my license I got myself a booth at a salon for a more professional approach and it was great. I was continuing to gain more clients and practice as much as possible I also worked a waitress job on the side but when I was there all I could think about was doing nails I knew I had to get out of there. I finally decided to quit my waitress job but was worried about not having enough clientele to support myself, so I thought to work at a nail salon and privately on the side as well and that risk out of all the risks I’ve taken was the best one. Although I only worked at the nail salon for about a month I learned a lot. My main thing was I wanted to work with all the new and nice products and see what I could learn from other people. I did learn a lot of tips and tricks that I still used to this day that I would have never gained if I did not take that risk. After the month, I realized that working at a nail shop and working as a private Nail Tech are very different. I surely realized that Salon shop wasn’t for me and working privately one on one with my clients I was very happy with so eventually I left and went to work for myself full-time which made this one the scariest risk I took. Thinking about the slow days and no bookings was very overwhelming but again I let god guide me. As weeks go by I realize I was getting the clients and I was making the money I needed to make to support myself. My Business kept growing my work continued to get better to a point where I knew I needed a bigger space upgraded supplies. After that, I made a big move and Got myself a new upgraded suite in a Salon. Exactly where I always wanted to be. Now when I sit in my suite with happiness and gratitude I look back and think about every risk I took to get me where I am today and all the future risks I will be taking to continue to be great.
Karissa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Karissa Mathis 24 from New Hampshire I dislike the snow which made me move to Florida. I have been living in Central Florida for three years now. My idea for starting my business came from TikTok. Watching people do nail sets really inspired me with my creative thinking. I’m very strong minded saying if I’m going to do something I will do it and get it done. I’m also a visual learner so watching YouTube and TikTok videos from day to night helped me start my business, invest in my business and network. The services I offer are manicures, acrylic nails, gel toes, pedicures, and acrylic toes. I have clients who are indecisive and don’t know what they would like so sometimes I can help them steer them in the direction of a design or color they would like by offering and show them different inspiration pictures and if a client still can’t choose I also offer a freestyle set where it lets me have full control of design shape, and length of nails for them. What sets me apart from the rest is my determination and passion. I had never felt so strongly about the career path I have chosen and the passion comes in when I am doing nails all my other problems seem to go away, and I am in my happy place. I love pampering and making women feel beautiful. I am the most proud that a client can test my skills and I can deliver for them. Also going out of my comfort zone and surprising myself with things I didn’t even know I could do is also a great feeling. I want my clients to know that I I’m always open to learn more to be great, to be tested, to learn what Client likes and does not like and to always make sure the client feels comfortable to speak up if they have a question or want something changed I also want my clients to know that this is their world and I’m just living in it.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The best way for me to build clientele first of is marketing to always make sure I’m posting at least daily to every other day so I can stay on someone’s news feed. Next would be posting a new unique set once you post a beautiful set you will usually get more likes and new followers by posting some thing that catches the eye. Another strategy I used was following other nail techs followers definitely helped me gain followers and clientele. Following them will make them click on your profile and check you out.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Tik tok and YouTube have been my best friends. Tik tok is what influenced me by watching nails application videos and design videos. It also where I creat content and keep my clients entertained and updated with my business. YouTube can help with very detailed videos on how to master your craft I would not be where I am with out those two apps
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Karissaleenail.co
- Facebook: Karissa Mathis
