We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lexus Suggs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lexus, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

The beauty industry is beginning to transform right before our eyes. We are beginning to express inclusivity more openly and gender norms are deteriorating. Conversation has circulated within the pink walls of my nail studio about the discomfort experienced in the traditional nail salon. I serve those who may not feel welcomed in the traditional nail salon setting by providing healthy nail care services, and products; that allow my clients to feel safe, beautiful and pampered. Beauty has no definitions and nails are not identity specific. Everyone deserves a comfortable nail experience; no matter your race, disability, gender identity, gender expression, biological s*x, or sexual orientation. It is within my near future to open an Inclusive Nail Salon & Spa. I want anyone who has experienced any uncomfortable situations within the beauty industry to find a home within my future staff and future place of business. I hope to constantly spread love and acceptance and that my message can reach other beauty industry business owners.

Lexus, 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?

Hey Folx! I am Lexus, the owner of Amuze Me Glam Nails & Co. I am a licensed nail artist located in the Tampa Bay Area. About 4 years ago, I found myself tired of paying for my nails and not getting what I desired in return. I had decided to teach myself how to do nails and ended up falling in love with the craft. A year later, I moved to Tampa, and came to the realization that I needed to begin doing nails for profit, because the hobby was becoming extremely expensive. I am grateful for that time of transformation as it has lead to the discovery of what my passion is. Throughout this journey I have found many areas that need improvement within the nail industry. Such being; the lack of inclusivity, lack of healthy nail care, and mental health. It is my duty to provide a safe space for all of my clients. I plan to blaze trails within in my journey of nails to show that everyone should be comfortable while getting nail services.

Traditional nail salons have been the foundation of the nail industry and have paved ways for many artists like myself. Unfortunately, I have come to learn that some traditional nail salons lack the fundamental knowledge of healthy nail care. I have had many clients in my chair express the disappointment from the damage done to their natural nails. My motto is: “Providing healthy nail care, one service at a time”. I firmly stand behind my motto as I continuously educate\ my clientele on the products being used, proper removal techniques, and much more. While nail health is an important topic of discussion mental health is the most important.

As a nail artist who suffers from depression and anxiety I found myself in a pivotal position. I have been a friend and a nail “therapist” all-in-one. I have been honored for my clientele to speak to me openly in regards to their mental health or just life in general. I am able to resonate with them and lend an ear as well as a shoulder. Those vulnerable moments I have with my clients have allowed me to evolve as a nail artist and most importantly as a human.

I offer mobile services throughout the Tampa Bay Area and provide Gel Extensions, Manicures, Pedicures, Gel overlays and intricate nail art. Each service is a luxury experience. I offer a massage, beverages, and most recently hand exfoliation and hot towels. As for products, “Oh Sooo Pressed” Press-On Nail Collection is a luxury, hand-crafted design that provides re-usable, durable, and classy nails to fit your elegant needs and style. My Press-on nails give you luxury salon-like nails at a fraction of the price and time.

My journey has been one of many twists and turns. Through this journey I have been grateful for every failure, every road block and every lemon given. As I elevate within my business I want those who may be watching, potential clients, followers, and fans to know that, struggle is inevitable it’s how you move through struggle that determines your outcome.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This year has been quite the ride for me. In the early month of May, I experienced a manic episode 2 weeks before my college graduation. I never realized how not taking care of your mental health can truly effect your everyday life until then. I found myself in a place I never thought I would be. Yet somehow, I persisted through this battle and found myself walking across a stage to receive my college degree. Daily, I am reminded of this moment in time and have used that as the driving force and fuel for all of my future endeavors. Now of course, there is more to this story about my journey with mental health. I have a video podcast coming out soon called Nail TheraTea with Lex. It is a space to talk about the uncomfortable journey’s, trial’s, and tribulations that we face daily, while enjoying the satisfying sounds and visuals of doing nails. I encourage anyone who has a battle or who has battled mental health to tune in and sip some tea.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Being a creative and going into a business can be a troubling road. I have “jumped the gun” many times. In doing this, I have encountered some unpleasant results within my business. Through that time in my life, I had to internalize that patience is truly a virtue. When your concepts are bigger than you can imagine, you may become eager to begin them or pour your all into them. Sometimes you have to let those concepts brew, and devise a logical plan to turn them into reality. Always dream big, but always take the necessary steps to live in that dream. Even if it takes some time.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.amuzemeglam.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/AmuzeMeGlam
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/AmuzeMeGlam
• Youtube: Nail TheraTea with Lex

Image Credits
(Headshot) Zenea Johnson IG:Ohzaysnapped