We were lucky to catch up with Katie Cruz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Working in the beauty industry can have its ups and downs. Building a loyal clientele can take time. I was working at a nail salon in Philadelphia solely for commission, so if I didn’t have clients I wasn’t generating income. However, I was still required to be present at the salon. Building my book was essential for financial stability.

Before I started at Queen Beauty Institute I worked at a hair salon. The owner once gave me advice that’s stuck with me to this day. She told me “A lot of the beauty industry is about connection with the client. Be yourself. While still perfecting your craft I promise people will come more because they like you more than they simply like their nails”.

I took that advice and ran with it. Once I graduated I received an opportunity at a renowned Philadelphia nail salon for about two years. This salon was well-known and had very talented and established nail technicians. My determination to build my clientele was fueled. Many hours were spent watching nail application tutorials and practicing on a hand that I would use at work and at home. If you’ve ever seen the Adam’s Family… that is what I’d have sitting on my desk. I quickly found that the hand worked not just well for practice but was also quite the conversation starter amongst clients.

During the first 6 months of my career, I received constructive criticism, and nasty criticism, but also connections and clientele I still see today!

Within the first year, I’d built a great book! A strength of mine I was able to capitalize on was reading my clients, and personalizing the experiences to their comforts. If someone needed to talk I could talk all day. If someone seemed more quiet I wouldn’t push conversation. If they flinched I’d ask what made them uncomfortable or pull away. Essentially whatever they needed from me they got during their appointment. That skill was obtained throughout my time in the medical field, side by side with so many doctors. Before Covid, I worked in the medical field as an assistant specializing in Podiatry. During in-house surgeries and/or procedures my job was to read the patients that weren’t very outspoken. To prevent a patient from passing out, throwing up, or any other preventable event from occurring. I’d be attentive toward body language up high since generally, the doctor would be (down below) at the feet of the patients. This is something that allowed me to flourish in giving pedicures. My knowledge of the foot was a bit more in-depth, so I felt in that sense I had a bit of an upper hand. It’s had a great impact on my short career.

For my first year, almost every day was spent at the salon. Open to close. I wanted to always be present, to allow opportunity. Taking walk-ins or catching overflow when other techs were booked up. With what I know today the only thing I would change is my social media presence. I wish I shared more of my journey. If not for anything more than to see how much I’ve grown.

Katie , 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?

My name is Katie Cruz and I am a spiritual, artsy, mildly-tatted, curly-haired, licensed nail technician working in Philadelphia. I’ve been licensed for 3 years and counting and had worked in the medical field for about 7 years before my career switch; specializing in podiatry for 2 of those years.

I was attending nursing school when Covid hit and the reality of what a medical career could mean for my family and me was no longer an option. The decision to reroute was made. I’ve always had a passion for the beauty industry and loved working with podiatrist and their patients so when I decided to switch careers I knew nail technician was the ideal career path for me.

I am not licensed in cosmetology. Focusing solely on nails was important to me. This allowed me to put all my focus on receiving the best education for my newfound passion.

My goal as a nail technician is to show people the healthy side of beauty! I work with many clients on a “healthy nail journey”. A lot of clients come to me with damaged nails. Together we get their nails healthy again.

So many factors can cause damage to your nails. Sports injuries, poor prep (and removal) from inexperienced nail technicians, or clients’ unhealthy habits (nail biting, cuticle picking, etc). My main goal is to get your nails to your goal, but naturally! I also work with Gel X aka Soft gel extensions, hard gel, and BIAB for any of you who enjoy extensions or are looking for more foundation on your nails. I DO NOT, I repeat I DO NOT work with dip or acrylic! (Allergies, and a professional bias)

I pride myself on giving the client the best service, from our conversation to the products on their nails, and advice on at-home care. I am passionate about health. I am passionate about clean beauty. Lastly, I am passionate about making sure my clients enjoy getting their nails done.

I’m also married going on 6 years, and have two dogs who I adore and raise as if I birthed them. And love to be kept up on all the stories (tea lol) and pics of you and/or of your babies whether they have fur or not! I’ve been blessed to have grown some solid, genuine connections with some of my clients and I love the interactions we’re able to share. I enjoy discussions on history, love documentaries, and music, and am here for all the big moments in my client’s lives! From school dances to weddings to baby showers. Being a part of your milestones are milestone for me as your technician.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first started doing nails I was strictly into classic manicures. I’d had an unhappy client in my first few weeks. This client told me I shouldn’t do nails and proceeded to ask my boss why I was even hired. It was a very upsetting encounter. Needless to say, I didn’t give up. It made me work harder on perfecting my craft. I’ve been lucky enough to have worked at some award-winning salons, met some great people who I now consider friends, and have been awarded the very cool opportunity to share some of my stories through this magazine!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth. There is nothing like a client who knows and loves you. Client reviews and recommendations are almost always another guaranteed great connection.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Thatcurlyhairnailtech