Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly Zuñiga. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kimberly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

So my business name, “Nails by Fresita” came from my nickname “Fresita”. My family and friends gave me this nickname after the song “La Niña Fresa” which is basically about a spoiled girl. And I am definitely a niña Fresa.

Kimberly , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Kimberly Zuñiga, I’m 24 years old. I’m a self employed nail tech for 4 years and model. I got inspired by doing nails from when I was younger and would go with my mom to her nail tech’s house. While she was getting her nails done I would play with her daughters in the garage. My sister also does hair and after school I would hang out with her at the salon so I was always around the beauty industry. When I was in college and unsure of my route I stumbled upon a nail salon called Love Sick Nails in the San Fernando Valley and it lit a fire in me. It was Latina owned and operated, the techs were also Latinas. It was the first time I ever saw Latinas do nails and the first time I ever saw really cool nail art. It sparked me to try that route and go to school to learn to do nails. Since getting licensed I’ve done nails for celebrities, magazines, photoshoots, albums, and companies. After 4 years, the best part of my job is honestly the personal connections I build with my clients. I get to sit and have intimate conversations with my clients and be a big part of their lives. Whether they’re graduating, getting married, breaking up with their partner, experiencing a loss, or just want a new set, they choose to come see me and connect. Their nails are a memory in important parts of their lives and I’m so blessed I can be a part of that for so many people.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

My parents/family/people who don’t have “creative jobs/careers” don’t really understand that it’s still work. Whether it’s nails or modeling, even though it’s fun and creative, at the end of the day it’s still a job. It took a long time for my parents to understand that. At first they thought it was just like a silly hobby or had no real understanding of what I would do with my day. They would call me in the middle of appointments or modeling asking me to do things I couldn’t because they didn’t understand I don’t just do whatever I want? Like there is SOME structure to what I do. And I can come home exhausted or drained or annoyed because at the end of the day, I’m providing a service and some days are better than others.

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

The most effective strategy with building my clientele has been just being myself. It’s crazy how simple it is but how hard it was at first. Because when you’re just starting you just want people to like your work, even if you don’t really like them/don’t vibe with them. But that’s where your client has a choice as a consumer, if they like you as a person and like your services, they’ll continue to come back because you build a relationship with them. Also being authentically myself online as well, so potential clients/returning clients/followers understand I’m just a person behind this account.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/fresac0ncrema

Image Credits
@ghetto.rodeo