Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Valdez-doherty

Hi Kristen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I started as a client of Mia Rubie’s (@superflynails) at Sparkle SF. Inspired by the whole process, I decided to enroll in nail school and got my manicurist license. I was offered a chair at Sparkle SF and became the third nail artist to join the collective.

Here I am, ten years later—with my own private nail studio.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Oh, there’s definitely been some mountains along the way!

At the start of my career as a nail artist, you really learn to deal with difficult people—QUICKLY. My first week of working, I had a woman inquire about an encapsulated butterfly design (embedded into the nail). The day of her appointment she ghosted me. I received another email from a different client/email address asking for a similar design and that’s when I realized that it was the same woman trying to rebook. I did respond to her, using both names she emailed me with. Needless to say, I never heard back.

The pandemic hit the nail industry hard. It was by far the most challenging thing I’ve endured in my career. I signed a lease for my own studio in February 2020 and was set to open by mid March. I was out of work for 7 months and many people were afraid to be in an indoor space, face to face with one another.

It’s taken at least two years to get back to where I was but the cost of doing business has gone through the roof in comparison to what it was pre-pandemic.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a nail artist that specializes in hand painted art. I’m most known for my ‘Kristen Special’ which are these beautiful hand painted, one stroke flowers along with anything that’s iridescent and covered in chrome.

I’m most proud of my ability to dissect and execute a design on the spot. What sets me apart from others is my speed—I’m very quick at what I do and my clients appreciate the fact that they’re sitting in my chair for the exact amount of time I’ve booked for them, if not less.

What matters most to you?

What matters most to me is that my clients are happy. Holding someone’s hand for approximately two hours is a very intimate experience. I’m fortunate enough to say that 80% of the people who sit with me have been coming to see me for ten years now—which speaks for itself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sfnoma