We were lucky to catch up with Kira Salgado recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kira, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission has always been to uplift, empower, and motivate others—especially people who relate to my story. I started doing nails during a time when I felt isolated and overlooked, and what began as a personal outlet grew into a business that helps others feel seen and confident. With Nails by Kira Skye, I create more than just nails—I create an experience that makes people feel good about themselves. And with Unforgettable Effect, I’m building a space where young women can express themselves freely through fashion, beauty, and storytelling. This mission matters to me because I know how it feels to doubt yourself. If my work can remind even one person of their power and potential, then I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Kira Skye Salgado, and I’m a creative entrepreneur, nail artist, model, actress, and the founder of Unforgettable Effect—a fashion editorial magazine. I’ve always had a passion for beauty, fashion, and storytelling, and my mission has stayed the same across every space I step into: to uplift, empower, and inspire others, especially those who relate to my journey. Unforgettable Effect was first introduced as a magazine to showcase creative direction, personal style, and real, unfiltered stories. But it’s only the beginning. Soon, Unforgettable Effect will expand into a fashion and lifestyle brand offering statement pieces and curated collections. Beyond clothing, I envision the brand as a platform. In this space, other creatives, entrepreneurs, and service providers can share their work and promote their businesses within the pages of the magazine. It’s a creative outlet for everyone, and ultimately, I want Unforgettable Effect to leave a lasting legacy of impact, confidence, and self-love. In the beauty space, I’ve built Nails by Kira Skye into a luxury nail brand that offers custom nail sets, high-quality press-ons, and my first product: the Nourishing Nail Serum made with 100% pure ingredients for healthy nails and cuticles. This brand started as a personal outlet during a quiet time in my life and has grown into an uplifting experience for my clients. Looking ahead, I plan to open salon suites in Atlanta—a safe and creative space for local beauty professionals to grow their businesses. Within the next 5 to 10 years, I also plan to launch my nail supply line, offering everything from tools to high-performance products that professionals can trust and feel proud to use. What sets me apart is my heart. I’m not just creating content or offering services—I’m building platforms with purpose. I care deeply about how people feel when they experience my work, whether it’s a magazine feature, a new nail set, or a moment of inspiration online.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that I needed to have everything figured out before I could start. For a long time, I felt like I had to wait until I was “ready”—until I had the perfect setup, the following, the resources, or even the confidence. But the truth is, if I waited for everything to be perfect, I would’ve never started at all. When I first began doing nails, it wasn’t in a salon or a polished studio—it was at my vanity, with my supplies stored under my bed. I wasn’t making money at first, and I didn’t know if people would take me seriously. But when I finally posted my work and let go of the idea that I had to be fully “ready,” everything changed. People responded with love, support, and bookings. That moment taught me that taking the first step is more important than having the perfect plan. Since then, I’ve carried that lesson with me into every part of my journey—from launching my magazine Unforgettable Effect to building a brand, releasing products, and taking creative risks. I had to unlearn the mindset that I needed permission or perfection to pursue my dreams. Now I know: starting imperfectly is still progress, and showing up as you are is more powerful than waiting for the “right” time.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my audience on social media has been a gradual, intentional process—not an overnight success. I started by simply sharing what I loved. At first, it was my nail sets—mostly the ones I did on myself or close friends. I didn’t have a huge following, but I stayed consistent with posting my work, even when I wasn’t sure who was watching. What helped me grow was focusing on value and creativity. I made it a point to showcase the full process, not just the final result—whether that was a nail set, a shoot, or a product I was working on. Reels and carousel posts became my go-to, and I’d also repost other artists’ work or inspiration to keep my feed active. I eventually started offering deals and launched my ambassador program, which helped get more people talking about my brand while allowing me to create more content with creative freedom. Engagement was key. I replied to comments, interacted with my followers, and made sure my posts had personality. I also promoted myself offline—wearing my nails out in public became free marketing because people would always ask about them, and that opened the door to more organic followers and clients. I’m still growing my platforms, but what’s worked for me is staying true to my mission and building a brand with heart. People feel that—and that’s what keeps them coming back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nailsbykiraskye.square.site
- Instagram: @kirassalgado @kiraskyearchive @nailsbykiraskye @unforgettableeffect
- Facebook: @kirassalgado @nailsbykiraskye @unforgettableeffect
Image Credits
Furcoat shoot: @_e.b.a.y_
Unforgettable Effect Nail shoot: @ellagrxcee_