We were lucky to catch up with Libby Humphress recently and have shared our conversation below.

Libby , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

I appreciate this question.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of pressure put on young high schoolers with the emphasis on traditional college education.

Over the course of the last decade, I have undergone several career changes. During my time in high school, I wanted to pursue the cosmetology program. However, due to discouragement regarding the lack of financial ability to sustain myself, I ultimately opted for the nursing program that was available.

Unfortunately, I found no fulfillment in this path. The medical field leaves little room for creativity, as could be expected.

Next, I enrolled in several semesters at KSU for Special Education. Despite my passion for assisting students with disabilities, I wasn’t fond of the overall structure of the college experience. I didn’t understand the rationale behind being required to take classes that had no relevance to the field I had chosen. I felt like I was wasting my time and money, and I still couldn’t shake the itch to work in the beauty industry.

Just over five years ago, I made the decision to discontinue my college education and got a job as a receptionist at a hair salon. This opportunity opened numerous doors and valuable connections for me. It provided me with firsthand insight into behind-the-scenes of salon management and allowed me to acquire knowledge about the business aspects involved. Additionally, throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of encountering so many entrepreneurs across various industries. Most of the individuals I admire for their success did not go to college.

Everyone’s path to success is unique and there are multiple avenues to achieve it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

From a young age, I always wanted to do hair. Growing up, I lived with my grandmother, who was a hairdresser. I would sneak into her stash of color, mix random things up, and throw them on my hair. I’ve always had passion for art and drawing. Initially, I began my career in the beauty industry as a receptionist and manager at a hair salon. Throughout my time in this role, I had the opportunity to witness the transformation of a small salon, consisting of only five employees, into one of the most well known salons in the area. Within a few years, we experienced significant growth, tripling our size. Although at this time I did not have a cosmetology license, I was fortunate enough to work closely with the owner, serving as her right-hand man. This position allowed me to see into the life of a successful entrepreneur. I would observe the other stylists and on occasion, they would teach me and allow me to practice on them. During the pandemic, I began to experiment with my own nails, and then friends and co-workers. Nail design came naturally to me, and I loved getting to show people’s personalities through the nails they chose. As soon as things began to open back up, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in cosmetology school!

Currently, I am an independent nail artist and I specialize in hand drawn nail art, and natural nails.
One of the most special parts of my job are the connections I have formed over our nail sessions. It’s hard for me to envision going to work daily without the opportunity to have relaxed and informal conversations with my girls. Going through life with my clients, I have learned so much. In just two years as a nail technician, I have been fortunate enough to witness so many beautiful life events. From new professional ventures, experiencing the excitement of new relationships, celebrating engagements and marriages, embracing the joys of parenthood, and much more. Conversely, I have sat across the table from clients-turned-friends during their challenges and life’s hardest moments. The trials and tribulations of daily stressors, deaths of loved ones, divorces, etc. I often joke that I could be a therapist! No matter what kind of day it is, my nail desk will always be a safe place for my clients. And in turn, it’s become a safe place for me, too. I love that I get to go to work everyday and feel comfortable being who I am, while embracing all of life’s ups and downs. Not to mention that in the meantime, my clients are getting some sickly unique art on their nails, during our little therapy session!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Following cosmetology school, I was simultaneously providing hair and nail services at two separate locations. With hair, I worked at a salon where I had been employed for several years. The people there had become family to me. My position at this salon was that of an employee rather than an independent contractor. Simultaneously, at a separate location, I rented a room as an independent contractor focusing on nail services. Attempting to balance both options, my workdays often consisted of 12 to 14 hour days, six days a week. Unfortunately, this schedule led me to burnout. My mental health declined as I became exhausted, neglected self-care and physical health, and was treating people in my life with less than they deserved. It became obvious that a decision needed to be made regarding whether I would choose to pursue hair or nails. Although the salon had become like family to me, I found that my passion truly was in providing nail services and the luxury of being my own boss. Ultimately, it was the freedom and flexibility that operating as an independent contractor that ultimately won me over.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a positive reputation is essential for personal success. It will either make you or break you. I think it’s crucial to surround yourself with individuals who share similar values and goals, not just in professional relationships but in all aspects of life. I have devoted myself to perfecting my craft, and striving to provide every client with meticulously crafted nails. However, it’s about more than the quality of my work. How I conduct myself as a woman plays a huge role. One of my favorite quotes is, “Show me your five closest friends and I’ll show you your future.” Most of my closest friends are successful entrepreneurs who have earned great reputations for themselves. Additionally, I value having a diverse range of friends in different age groups, from 20 to 60 as it shows me so many different walks of life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @beleza.nail.studio

Image Credits
Taylor Bodis