We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Astorga a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

At our establishment, we pride ourselves on a few key differentiators that contribute to the unique experience we offer.

Firstly, we operate as a private space, exclusively providing services by appointment only. This allows us to create a personalized and focused environment for each client, ensuring their needs are met with the utmost attention and care. We believe this approach adds an extra layer of comfort and exclusivity to their visit.

Moreover, we deeply value our team members as our most valuable asset. We go beyond the industry standard by investing in their continuous growth and development. Our team receives regular training to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends in the nail industry. Additionally, we prioritize fair compensation and foster a friendly, supportive environment where open discussions about personal and professional growth are encouraged.

By prioritizing these aspects, we aim to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere that fosters creativity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. It is our belief that these elements contribute to not only a remarkable salon experience but also the long-term success and satisfaction of our team members and clients.

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?

I’m Vanessa Astorga, an immigrant, food lover, and avid dreamer. I thrive on challenges and find great joy in helping others. I firmly believe that by supporting and uplifting those around us, we can achieve so much more together. No obstacle is impossible when we approach it with a determined mindset.

My journey into the nail industry was born out of frustration. I struggled to find the quality of experience and service that I had once enjoyed in my home country. As friends noticed my impeccable nails, they began seeking out the place I went to, to their surprise I was the artist behind them. Soon enough, I found myself doing nails for friends, and the flood of opportunities led me to seriously consider a career path in the industry.

At Vacana Nails, we specialize in GelX, structural gel manicures, and gel pedicures. However, our true strength lies in nail art. We firmly believe that our nails are an extension of our personality, a silent language that speaks to the world without the need for words.

Our mission is to help our clients grow their natural nails, offering nail sets that last for over four weeks. We excel in creating Instagram-worthy nails while also providing comprehensive care for the entire nail system and the delicate skin around it.

What makes me most proud is our ability to build a private, healthy work environment. It brings me immense joy to create job opportunities and showcase to the world that there is something better out there—something you truly deserve.

I want you to know that at Vacana Nails, we continuously strive for improvement. We believe that beautiful nails have the power to boost confidence, and we are here to make that a reality for you.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media has been an essential part of our journey at Vacana Nails. As a business that thrives in providing a private environment, social media has become our primary tool for reaching a wider audience and potential clients, especially in an area where public traffic is limited.

To build a social media presence, discipline is key. Setting weekly goals and consistently interacting with your audience is crucial. Show up at least twice a week so people can start recognizing and remembering your brand, business, or product.

When it comes to content, strive for quality over quantity. High-quality pictures that showcase your work and engage your audience can make a significant impact. Remember to talk to your audience, provide useful information, and share your expertise. As humans, we are always eager to learn and grow.

One strategy that has worked exceptionally well for us is utilizing Instagram Reels. These short and engaging videos have been a fantastic way to attract clients who may not have been aware of our services. Embrace the creative opportunities Reels offer and captivate your audience with informative and visually appealing content.

Above all, I want to encourage you to start building your social media presence. Be motivated, take that first step, and create something that resonates with your audience. Consistency, quality content, and genuine interaction will help you connect with your target audience and grow your presence online.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and building a social media following takes time. Stay persistent, stay dedicated, and watch your online presence flourish.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2021, I experienced one of the most challenging moments of my life. At the time, I was four months pregnant, eagerly anticipating the arrival of new life. However, fate had a different plan, and I faced the heartbreaking reality of a miscarriage.

The emotional toll was immense, I found myself in a storm of emotions. While I was running a growing business, I didn’t have the luxury of time to process and grieve properly. It was a delicate balance between healing and keeping my business afloat.

Only took a week off, to truly connect with me, and to process what had happened was crucial. It was a time to love myself through the pain and seek support from my loved ones. Yet, at the core, it was a journey of personal resilience that I had to face on my own.

At the time I was the sole service provider in my business, bills still needed to be paid, clients needed to be served, and my entrepreneurial spirit drove me forward. I felt the weight of responsibility and the fear of getting stuck in a difficult situation without finding the exit door. I honored my emotions and ensured the survival of my business.

In the face of adversity, I understood that stopping my business would not only hinder my personal growth but also jeopardize the hard work and dedication I had poured into it. I refused to let depression seep in or fall into the hole of financial hardship. It was a test of strength and resilience that went beyond society’s expectations of a perfect life.

As women and business owners, we often find ourselves navigating multiple roles and responsibilities. We become caretakers, nurturers, and leaders, all while striving for excellence in our business. It’s an ongoing dance of finding balance when balance seems impossible.

Life is not a linear journey, and unexpected challenges will inevitably arise. Yet, it is our resilience, our ability to rise from the depths of hardship, that defines our true strength.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vacananails.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacana_nails/

Image Credits
The portrait picture from Vanessa Astorga was taken by @harrellphotography_ (that’s her Instagram profile)