Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Esquivel.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a family of predominantly women who used beauty as a form of self-care. It’s something that they can do independently on their own without having to ask for permission to express themselves. Reflecting now, I feel like it is a form of meditation. It’s something we can actively sit still with or without music, in the present moment, just free flowing creativity with whatever medium we are using from colors, looks or hairstyles even fashion and accessories. It’s empowering both mentally and physically for us.
I grew up watching my mom and sisters always do their make up. When the time came for me, it’s something I would sit still and be present to be my most creative self. I started cosmetology school as a dual credit class in high school. To be honest, I mostly went because I could get out of high school for two hours every single day. I knew deep down it was something I would continue to pursue. I just wasn’t quite sure on what direction I would take, that was the beauty of getting a cosmetology license. You are free to do anything in the realm of cosmetology licensing without having to fully commit to one practice. It gave me the freedom to try everything, learn what I like, disliked, and eventually being able to niche down as a nail artist. It’s given me appreciation of the entire beauty industry. I’m grateful I tried so many services before deciding what I truly loved. My first job I worked in a spa and it was the most boring job ever. I wasn’t good at it, but I knew I was going to learn out of spite, determination and being hard headed emotionally ugh to keep going until I figured it out. It gave me a good foundation of customer service timing, and the basics of a manicure with high level precision. I took a break after I had my daughter, and went to another spa after nine months of postpartum anxiety, and depression. It was my way of getting back out of the house for a couple of hours a day, giving me the confidence to keep going and learning. The spa I worked at was not a good fit for me and I ended up dreading going to work with my postpartum anxiety and panic attacks. My sister convinced me to leave and work with her independently with the zero clients. I made the jump and worked with her for 7 years working in a tiny hallway. I won our local list for best nail artist during Covid my business blew up insanely . It was hard for me to keep up as I didn’t really have the knowledge on how to handle the boom topped with struggling with my own boundaries with myself, home and my work. Eventually, I got a good handle on it, got comfortable with numbers, hours to work, when to say no, and stayed fully booked for a long time. I met a lot of people that year I honestly don’t remember meeting because I was so burnt out. I learned how to control my own schedule, implemented online my booking and make the money that I want to without sacrificing myself. Four years ago, I had a friend believe in me and take me to an all women’s speaker event in Arizona. It was the hardest year of my life, questioning everything I thought I wanted and once knew. It came at the right time I really needed it, something powerful to push me to the next step in my life. I knew it was time for me to make a massive change in my life and it was just the foundation I needed to support me. Conquering my fear of flying, we flew to Arizona and I was able to meet other inspired women powerful enough to believe in themselves. We did some deep core work, and it was the beginning of living our future manifestations in the present moment. Coming back an entirely new person, I prioritized myself my workouts, meetings with like-minded businesswomen and visualized the physical image of the salon of my dreams, which I was very lucky to be in for three years. It was such an amazing process to watch where I came from to where I am today. I am now leaving that salon and who knows where I’ll go, but the dream is open to wherever life takes me. No rush, no pressure, just time to create the freedom and peace in my life I’ve always dreamed of.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, I definitely had life struggles, learning curves, clients that didn’t work out. Things come and go in waves, and it can be hard to not take things so personal in your job is such a hands-on physical touch relationship you build over time. You learn what you can control and can’t control. As long as you’re open to everything being an experience to learn from, you’re able to push through and keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After trying everything in the nail industry, I decided to focus on being a gel nail artist. I love using no fumes or harsh chemical smells. I feel like we are able to provide a relaxing and elevated environment without having to sacrifice any of the cool stuff like adding length or art. I focus on handpainted art. I’m most proud of being self taught. I was definitely one of the first in my city to work independently and focus on the gel artistry that hadn’t quite taken a hold of the city eight years ago. It was harder to find these products, they weren’t accessible in every brand like they are now. Also, having to learn how to sell it because people didn’t know what it was so they were very hesitant on trying something new. Once I knew how to sell it, they could try it out and decide for themselves. It got easier to gain the clientele that I wanted without feeling like I was losing customers.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I’m sure with AI so many things will be changing. But the core foundation of the beauty industry always rotates. You can always count on those trends to circle back around with a new name and a new celebrity to promote this older style as a brand new look.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mynaikgirlsteph
- Facebook: @mynailgirlstephhh
