We recently connected with Robin Rutledge and have shared our conversation below.

Robin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

As a child I always knew nails is what I loved to do and that one day, that’s what I wanted to be. I started to teach myself the craft as a kid and continued into my teen years until I went to school to finally get licensed in cosmetology. The one thing I could’ve done to speed up the process for me was to do it right out of high school, which I waited a few years until I got invested into my craft. The most Essential skills I’ve learned is patience and product control. My obstacles now are mostly in the social media area. But I’m advancing more there everyday!

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?

From childhood, i always knew I would be in the beauty industry. I loved to play with my dolls hair, practice my polishing skills, and I had to have “fake nails” for every Christmas!
I amm now a licensed cosmetologist for over 10 years and have been taking only nail clients for almost 6 years.
I got into the industry simply by loving it all my life. I was always the kid inside doing nails while everyone else was outside playing, and I couldn’t have been happier.
And from there my love for my craft only grew fonder. Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout this time is patience and that your time will come as long as you continue to work towards it! As cliche as it seems, hard work does pay off and I work on making my dreams come true every single day.
I provide most nail services that include, acrylic nails, gel nails, custom press on nails and more. But many of my clients come to me because i specialize in detailed and intricate nail art.
To create my looks, my usual go to products of choice are Mia Secret acrylic and Beetles Gel Nail polish. But, sometimes I try other affordable products usually found on Amazon.
Some things that set me apart from other nail artists in the industry is that I not only create my own designs but am also able to replicate mostly any others for my clients satisfaction and i do all my art freehand. I believe my artistry and capability to be able to create any set into a press on re- wearable set and my vast knowledge and ability to do any nail service flawlessly and efficiently also help me to stand out.
I also consider myself a content creator with all of the Youtube videos, TikToks, Instagram and Facebook reels, that showcase my work and give tutorials and lifestyle/beauty tips.
My clients not only love my work but also my energy, professionalism, and the atmosphere that allows them to be open and comfortable in a non judgmental environment. I’ve had clients that have turned into friends and some even more like family!
RobbiNails is just getting started! All of the opportunities for future and current nail techs, and services for clients I have in store, are the best yet to come!
My biggest goals are to give back to future professionals as well as continue to work on my craft and business to one day work with more high end and celebrity clientele. I have many goals not yet reached and my faith and patience is my path to get there!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One of my biggest goals is to give back by educating current and future nail artists in hopes to encourage them to be a better beauty professional and better version of themselves.
Also, im working to become a Celebrity Nail technician and have other businesses in the Nail Industry that not only include education but also providing services,

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Though there are multiple ways I gained my clientele that include traveling, handing out business cards, and Word of Mouth, the two biggest would have to be Social Media and Professionalism.
Being active, posting your work, and being authentic is important for trying to grow your business on social media.
Professionalism ties in because not only do you want to engage and post your work but also responding to comments, messages, and inquires helps to build clientele and respect as a business professional.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://robbinails.as.me/schedule.php
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbinails?igsh=MXh4bmRhcG8weHpuNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbinailsPA?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@robbinails?si=RwWMlGNliHr9p8wR

Image Credits

Image credit: Robbi of Robbinails