We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rechield Serafino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rechield below.
Alright, Rechield thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?
The most important lesson I ever learned came while I was studying at Sunstate Academy, where I graduated in 2013 to become a nail technician. When I first enrolled, I thought I was just learning how to do nails the techniques, the shaping, the art. But what I truly learned was something much deeper: that being a nail technician is about healing people in small, beautiful ways.
I still remember one of my first real clients in school. I was nervous, my hands were shaking, trying to make everything perfect. My instructor came by and gently said, “It’s not just about her nails it’s about how you make her feel.” That moment changed everything for me. I looked up, started talking to her, and I saw how just listening, smiling, and giving her my full attention made her light up.
That’s when I realized this profession is more than beauty it’s connection. It’s a space where people open up, cry, laugh, and find a moment of peace. Over the years, I’ve met so many women who sit in my chair carrying their own stories and pain, and I get to help them feel seen, even if it’s just for an hour.
Sunstate Academy gave me the skills, but that lesson taught me the heart of what I do. It taught me patience, compassion, and pride in knowing that I don’t just do nails I help people feel like themselves again. And that’s something that has guided me not just in my career, but in my life.
Rechield, 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?
My name is Nikki Serafino my clients calls me Nikki or Nicole, and I’m a nail technician who graduated from Sunstate Academy in 2013. What began as a curiosity for beauty and self-expression has grown into a career that I truly love. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that nails are more than just a service they’re a form of art, confidence, and care. Each set I create is a reflection of both my client’s individuality and my dedication to detail. I take pride in my work and in the journey that’s brought me here, one that has taught me patience, creativity, and the true meaning of connection.
I’m a perfectionist by nature, and I believe every detail matters from the shape and finish to the atmosphere I create for my clients. My goal is to make every person who sits in my chair feel comfortable, valued, and beautiful. I see my work as more than just nails; it’s an experience, a moment of peace in someone’s day. I love knowing that even the smallest touch of beauty can help someone feel more confident and seen.
What I’m most proud of is the trust and relationships I’ve built through my work. My clients know that when they come to me, they’re getting more than a flawless set of nails they’re getting genuine care and attention. My brand is rooted in passion, precision, and heart. Every design I create is made with love and intention, and I hope that through my craft, I can continue to inspire confidence and bring a little more beauty into the world, one set at a time.
Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?
Yes, I sold my business last year, and it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. That business was my baby something I built from the ground up with so much love, sacrifice, and passion. Letting it go wasn’t easy, but deep down I knew it was time for a new chapter. I believe everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, even when it hurts, God has a different plan for us.
Selling my business taught me that growth often requires letting go. It reminded me that success isn’t always about holding on sometimes it’s about trusting that what you’ve built will continue to grow even without you. It also showed me the importance of self-awareness, knowing when it’s time to evolve and step into a new path.
I still do nails because it will always be a part of who I am, but now I’m also studying phlebotomy and transitioning into the healthcare industry. I’m learning to combine my passion for care and precision in a new way. My journey is proof that it’s never too late to start over, to grow, and to follow where your heart and faith lead you.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was believing that love meant sacrificing myself to keep others happy. For so long, I thought being a good person meant staying quiet, forgiving too easily, and carrying the pain just to avoid conflict. I thought that if I kept giving more, trying harder, and loving stronger, things would get better but instead, I slowly lost myself in the process.
I had to learn that it’s okay to put myself first, to say no, and to walk away from things that hurt my peace. That doesn’t make me selfish it means I finally love myself enough to choose me. It took a lot of pain, tears, and moments of feeling completely broken to understand that my worth isn’t measured by how much I can endure or how many people I can keep happy.
Unlearning that has been one of the hardest but most freeing things I’ve ever done. I’m still healing, still learning to stand on my own, but I’ve found strength in the parts of me I used to hide. Now, I’m learning that peace, self-respect, and happiness start from within — and that’s something I’ll never give up again.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: Rechield Serafino
