We were lucky to catch up with Tarshianna Morrow recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tarshianna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I would not change when I decided to start my business. I am one who believes that everything happens in its own divine timing. I ventured out and started my business in 2016. I had been employed with Nordstrom Spa for roughly 3 1/2 years. In the spring of 2016, they made the sudden announcement that the spa would be closing in exactly 30 days from the announcement. Some of the spa workers, whom had been there 10 plus years, were devastated by this news. I, on the contrary, began dreaming instantly! I had worked at Lifetime Spa prior to that, for roughly 4 years and I worked for a friend before then. I decided that day, in 2016, that I wanted to venture on my own. I entertained the idea of working for another spa, so I did interview with a couple local upscale spas and was actually offered jobs from both. However, I concluded, it was my time! I presented the idea to my husband and he supported it. I reached out to several of my clients, whom had already expressed interests in following me, should I decide to open my own business. A month after the spa closed, my business, Iconic Natural Nails, was birthed. Most of my clients followed me and supported my new business venture. Iconic Natural Nails has grown exponentially since 2016. Looking back, there is not one thing that I can honestly say I’d change about this journey. All of my work experiences leading up to me starting my own business, created the perfect recipe for where I am today. I am forever appreciative of the journey!

Tarshianna, 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?

I am Tarshianna Morrow, owner of Iconic Natural Nails. I have been a lover of all things beauty since the tender age of 8 years old. My introduction to beauty was my painting my grandmother’s nails and braiding her hair at 8 years old. That continued on into my teenage years where I would charge friends to do their hair and nails. I did not go directly to cosmetology school after graduating from high school; I went to college instead. I went to college while working for Delta Airlines. After graduating college, I continued to work in the airline industry. Fifteen years later, I finally decided to enter into the cosmetology industry and pursue my passion for beauty. I was always good at doing hair and nails, yet, I decided to make nails my main focus. I was licensed in 2009. After working for different spas for several years, in 2016, I ventured out and Iconic Natural Nails was born. Iconic Natural Nails’ primary goal is to maintain the overall health, integrity and beauty of the natural nail, with minimal manipulation.

I offer therapeutic manicures and pedicures to clients, in a relaxing, safe and clean environment. There are 3 things that set me apart from other licensed nails techs. Firstly, what sets me apart is that prior to working in the beauty industry, I worked in customer service for 15 years. Excellent customer service is key in running a successful business and I pride myself on my customer service skills. People will always remember how you made them feel. Secondly, I am a CCPMA (Certified Clinical Podiatric Medical Assistant). This certification affords me the opportunity to confidently provide services to those clients with health conditions. This includes clients who may be undergoing cancer treatment, those with diabetes or skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. I refer clients to the appropriate doctor, if what they require is out of my scope of practice. Finally, what sets me apart is that I make most of the skin products (www.apulens.com) used with my nail services. This includes sugar scrub, lotion, hot oil treatment, just to name a few. I created my own skincare line because I wanted to know what I was using on my clients’ skin. Skin is your biggest organ. What’s put on the skin is directly absorbed into the body.

What I would like potential clients to know about my brand and my work is, my brand is to go above and beyond as it relates to service; you’re always in good hands at Iconic Natural Nails. My work is quality because I am always perfecting my craft, as I am an avid learner of what’s healthy and abreast of new trends.

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

The most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been getting clients to leave reviews about my business on both Google Search and Styleseat, accompanied with, my presence on Instagram. I started off by creating a Google page, after a former co-worker suggested I do so because of the success she was seeing for her business. When my reviews increased and my rating began to go up, my presence began to grow on Google Search. The calls and bookings became more and more frequent. After seeing the success on Google Search I began to level up on my presence on Styleseat by getting clients to leave reviews there as well and I began posting pictures of my work. Collectively, with Google Search and Styleseat, I have been able to secure roughly 400+ 5-star reviews. I also was able to grow my clientele by posting pictures on Instagram, accompanied with, popular hashtags. Google Search and Instagram are free marketing platforms, that if worked properly, can render great results. Although Styleseat is not free, all of the benefits this platform offers, makes it worth it.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I generally keep in touch with clients, sending either texts or emails periodically to see how they’re doing with their self-care regimen. Most of my clients are on a standing appointment time and for those that are not, I send invitations to get them to return. The clients that receive an invitation to return, are typically appreciative of the reminder to invest in their self-care.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.styleseat.com/TarshiannaMorrow
• Instagram: @iconic_nails2009
• Facebook: Manicurist Tarshianna Morrow
• Linkedin: Tarshianna Morrow
• Yelp: Iconic Natural Nails
• Other: www.apulen.com Google: Iconic Natural Nails

Image Credits
Tarshianna Morrow

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