Today we’d like to introduce you to Astrid Gonzalez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My interest in being a Nail Technician started after I decided that CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthesiologist) wasn’t for me while I was attending college. Like many, I decided on a career change when reality hit. I realized that being a CRNA required a lot of time away from my family. So, I decided that my family was more important. I attended San Jacinto College (Central) on Spencer in Pasadena, Tx in the program Cosmetology Nail Technician. I really believe that if it wasn’t for my teacher Amanda Valdez taking the time and explaining all of her life experiences and tips, I wouldn’t even know what to expect. Also, my good friend Dyamond Thomas believed in me and pushed me to keep going when I would feel overwhelmed when I couldn’t apply acrylic the correct way or when I couldn’t file right, etc.
I recently graduated back in December 2018. Which I am really proud of because I am the first in my family to graduate college, thanks to my mother & father’s support of putting me through college. I have been working on building my clientele. I am currently home based which means I work from home, even though I’ve gotten multiple job offerings from nail salons. I choose to work from home because I can set my own days and hours while still being able to be a wife, mom to my 4 dogs, 1 fish & 2 African dwarf frogs & also being able to take care of 2 of my nieces in the comfort of my own home. Although I would like to dedicate my full time to being a Nail technician, it’s impossible to do so right now without leaving my home unattended.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It is never a smooth road for anyone, there is always life obstacles we have to overcome. Mine was having to deal with paying for all of the materials and books for school or whether or not it was the correct decision to do my career change and if I was going to make my parents proud. I can honestly say it was very overwhelming dealing with all that emotional stress plus other stuff that was happening in my life at that moment. I am just glad I was able to overcome it and leave it behind.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Nail Glamour by Astrid G story. Tell us more about the business.
So, I am a 24-year-old Nail technician who has been doing nails for almost a year since I graduated from school but before that, I was also practicing on family and friends… I know I am nowhere near perfect but I know with lots of practice, I will get there. So, as of right now, I’m trying to specialize in acrylic nails with designs but I also love doing dip powder, hard gel, gel polish and polish nails. I want to be known for my designs using Swarovski crystals, foil, stamping, chrome, 3D, etc. Anything that has to do with nail art. I especially love doing designs that have to do with the season, holiday & special occasions like birthday nails, weddings, babyshowers, etc. I am so proud of myself because I’ve noticed the improvement in my work since I first started, and how all the frustrations and stress were worth it at the end. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I’m a Hispanic that does nails and communicate better with clients since I speak English and Spanish. Normally, when you hear anything that has to do with nails, the majority automatically thinks Asian people, so it’s a shocker to them when they see I’m Hispanic.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am lucky to have so much support from my husband and my parents because, without them, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my goal.
Pricing:
- Acrylic Nails start off at $25 for short to medium length. $30 long & $35 for extra long for one color only.
- Hard Gel with Gel polish start off at $30 for one color
- Gel Manicure starts off at $10 for one color
- Dip Powder starts off at $20 for one color
- Gel X starts off at $25 for one color
- Regular polish starts at $6 for one color
- Soak off starts at $5 depending on how much I have to take off
- Anything extra such as nail art, stamping, Swarovski, chrome, foil, 3d designs are $5 and up depending on how much the client wants on their nails.
- Nail shapes are extra $5 if it’s not square
Contact Info:
- Phone: 713-269-4467
- Email: gonzales.astrid56@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astridgonzalez01/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanie.gonzalez.96742
- Other: Snapchat: Astridgonzalez2
Image Credit:
Astrid Gonzalez
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