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

Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In all honesty, I guess you could say I stumbled upon my passion to create beautiful nail art and use nails as my canvas. I was shopping around on Etsy looking at some nails I wanted to purchase when my boyfriend said why don’t I make my own. I looked at him like he had 10 heads and thought to myself Ya, ok, sure. Little did I know, he had planted a seed that would ultimately lead me to creating my own press on nail business, Claw’d by Katie. I started by learning as much as I could to start through YouTube and purchasing items, I had learned about to help create my nails. I remember my first set being not up to par and thought there was no way I could do this, but I took that negative thinking and decided to keep pushing forward and teaching myself, reading articles on techniques and products that were good to use, watching tutorials. Not long after I started to notice my work improve significantly. The time came when I knew I wanted to open an Etsy shop, so I got with my friend Mel who created my amazing logo, and it was then where it all started to come together. The joys and happiness I felt was electrifying and I remember thinking this is really the beginning of an amazing journey. My shop, ClawdDesignsByKatie went live via Esty, and I remember thinking I don’t care how long it takes to make a sale, the fact I accomplished this with all the doubt I had in myself was something to be proud of.

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?

I wanted to offer an alternative to pricey nail salons while offering the same great quality. I wanted to give people their time back, so they didn’t have to sit in a salon for hours on end or wait weeks to get into an appointment to have beautiful, flawless nails. The items I sell are salon quality press on nails. I currently sell on Etsy but am working on my website as well. I truly enjoy helping people when they have any questions on their nails. Whether it is what they can use in between application to keep their nails healthy to helping them come up with a design they will enjoy. I create my own designs, but I also create custom orders as well. If a client ever wants something specific, they can always message me what they are looking for. I offer different shapes and lengths as well. Such as short, medium, long length stiletto, square, coffin, almond and round. Some amazing benefits to press on nails are the fact that you can put them on whenever, wherever. Whether you are hanging out with girlfriends drinking wine and watching Netflix or getting ready for an event, it literally takes a few minutes to have amazing nails that are high quality. Another great benefit is that they are reusable. With proper wear and care you can use them time and time again. They are great if there is a design your nail artist did on your natural nail that you would love to put on a set of press on nails and wear whenever you want after they remove that gel or acrylic. I believe that your nails can be an extension to your personality and another opportunity to express yourself. It makes me happy when I hear a client tell me how much they love their nails. I just want to create smiles on people one nail at a time.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I think it is really important to keep your name out there. Post regularly to social media or as much as possible if you have another full-time job like I do. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with social postings, but it is important. It helps people see you work, and it is free advertisement. It also allows people to see your processes and maybe even learn a thing or two from you. I also like to consider myself a walking billboard, wearing my own nails and making sure to have business cards handy. Wearing my own nails allows me to show off my work and engage with people who may like what they see and have questions. Those are some of the ways that have helped me to grow.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Having a shop through Etsy allows me to reach out to clients through their messaging service. I can create coupons or sales and send to customers. Whether it is to say thank you for your purchase or showing my appreciation for them. I can also reach out through email if I ever need to follow up with a client. I always try to stay personable as I think that little touch can go a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www/etsy.com/shop/ClawdDesignsByKatie
• Instagram: @clawdbykatie
• Other: [email protected]