Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Artistry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
I was 18 years old and fresh out of cosmetology school with my manicuring license. I got my very first job doing nails at JC Penney salon. I worked there for a few months before I got hired at a day spa in town. I enjoyed it for a while, they do the scheduling for you, pay your taxes, and you get a paycheck, it was so easy. I started building a following there, many clients were repeatedly requesting me for manicures because I would do a really good job. But I was so frustrated with the pay because it was commission, so I wasn’t getting paid enough yet I was doing great work. That’s when I decided to go back to beauty school to get my operator license so I could do facials and waxing at that spa also, which would hopefully mean more money. After I got my license, I stayed at that spa doing nails, facials and waxing for 6 months. I still wasn’t satisfied with the pay nor did I feel fulfilled creatively. That’s when I decided to set out on my own. I put my 2 weeks notice in and they let me go that day. I started working in a salon as a booth renter the next day.
Stephanie, 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?
I always knew from a young age that the beauty industry is where I belong. I can remember even at a young age collecting nail polish of every color. When I was 10, I had to beg my dad to buy this green glitter nail polish i found at the mall because I had never seen anything like it at the time. Fast forward to today, I have ever color imaginable and thensome, it’s young Stephanie’s dream.
I specialize in Russian (dry) manicures, structured gel overlays and nailart. Russian or Dry manicuring is a manicuring technique that is done completely waterless. I use special diamond nail bits on my e-file that gently cleans and exfoliates the nail plate and skin around the nail. Structured gel overlays strengthens your nails and helps to grow your natural nails long and strong with regular appointments. Doing nailart is just my happy place, I love creating unique nail designs for my clients or doing something classy like a chrome french manicure.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
In the beauty business, word of mouth is by far the best and most effective strategy for growing clientele. I treat every manicure I give with the utmost importance. Not only do I give a quality, long lasting manicure each and every time, I am also personable. I remember details and stories about my clients. I build a genuine connection with each hand that I hold, and I think, besides the work that I do, building those connections has lead me to be fully booked.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Surprisingly, Instagram! Within the last year or so I started taking my social media presence more seriously, and I’ve gained several repeat clients from Instagram. Making reels, sharing posts, getting tagged, all of that has helped me reach new, local customers who are interested in my services. They tend to like my posts for a little while before booking an appointment with me, so I try to show not only pictures of my work, but also me. It’s like we’re friends before we ever meet in person that way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephanieartistry.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_artistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/BGVy76vMs5FfeLyX/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephanielcanfield
Image Credits
Jenny King Photography