Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Cortez.
Hi Vicky, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my nail journey at 15 after watching a YouTube nail tutorial; I never considered it COULD be a career. I only practiced on myself for my own joy. At 16, I made the decision to withdraw myself from high school. I was directionless, unmotivated and unhappy. Although I now regret this decision, I wouldn’t change a thing. I spent day after day not only bored but financially broke! After expressing these issues to my boyfriend, Caden, he suggested the idea of “doing nails” as a career since I enjoyed it so much. (Something I would have never thought possible) I can’t say why I took this idea and ran the way that I did, but for once, something felt RIGHT. I hurried to my parents to share this grand idea, only to be laughed at because like so many others, they did not see nails as a “real job.” Fast forward a few months, I had finally received enough tips from doing practice nails on friends and local supporters to fund a down payment on my $18,000 cosmetology school course. Except there was one problem…A local had reported me to TDLR for practicing nail services without a proper license!
As I knew from the get-go, practicing with no license was a no-no, I never imagined a complete stranger would go as far as reporting me to the state for innocently practicing my craft. Needless to say, I stopped performing services on EVERYONE. I deleted all the photos of my progress, stopped practicing what I learned; I felt betrayed, humiliated, and angry. I wanted nothing to do with the nail industry for months after this. I had completely given up in a rage of self-pity. Fast forward some time, I found myself depressed with no self-motivation once again and no career path. It brought satisfaction to many that they were right, that nails WASN’T a “real job,” and that I DID fail. But my pride wouldn’t let them win. I spent countless hours daydreaming of all the what-ifs. What if I DID go to cosmetology school. What if I DID open my own salon one day. How great would that feel? But at the end of the day, it was just daydreams. Or so I thought. Until my one and only true supporter from the get-go, Caden, sat me down and gave me the simple answer of ”No.” No what? I asked. His response fuels my drive to this day. “No, you aren’t going to just give up.” I was told no, in the best, most positive, motivational way possible. How I wish all no’s could be as great as this one was!
Caden pushed me to apply to cosmetology college to the point where I was annoyed at the constant reminder of “so, what schools did you look up today?” But hey, it worked! I was accepted into cosmetology college, paid all my expenses myself, and even purchased a new car for the 1Hour drive there and back every day. I felt proud of my accomplishments for the first time in my life. Skip to 6 months into cosmetology school; I’m building clientele and sharpening my skills; Things are great! Until COVID came around and knocked me off my feet…Lovely! School gets shut down, along with everything else. Instead of graduating in five months, it will now take a year. It was a major step in the WRONG direction. At this point, I was ready to begin my official career and make the money I so desperately needed at the time. I began selling press on nail orders online to get me by and thankfully had the greatest support all over texas! January 2021, I complete cosmetology school and pass all state board exams! I’m officially licensed. The owner of a full-service hair salon, Haley, reached out to invite me to booth rent a small room from her to run my first business! I accepted this offer and am SO glad I did. God placed me in the right place with the right people at just the right time.
Come late 2021, not even a full year after opening my business, Haley asked me if I’d ever considered expanding my business, hiring employees and building a full salon one day. Absolutely! Who wouldn’t? What I didn’t know at the time was that less than a year later, I’d have exactly that, thanks to her. Early 2022, Haley began her own expansion, a new building was purchased and began the demolition/renovation process! With this, she allowed me to rent and renovate the building next door to her new salon. Thus Superior Nail Bar was born; My very own storefront salon in the downtown square of Wharton, TX. We’re located in a charming, historical building with SO much character. My team and I offer luxury Mani + Pedi services using only the highest quality of products. Our main goal is to provide a memorable, comfortable experience unlike a stereotypical nail salon. My business has been voted #1 Nail Salon in the entire county two years in a row; Every year, I have been in business. Once as an independent contractor and once as a full salon!
At the time of this interview, my new salon has been up and running for almost three months now. Every day there’s more that needs to be done. The stress of being a business owner can be overwhelming, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. There is no greater feeling than knowing I made ME. I created a name for myself when all odds were against me, even my own family. To this day, I don’t have friends, I don’t party, I don’t go out. I focus on my business and spend time with the small handful of people who support me. And have ALWAYS supported me. I’ve seen many people’s minds change from “she won’t succeed” to “I know Vicky could do it!” A client will become a friend before a friend becomes a client. That has been one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in doing all this. For once in my life, I am genuinely happy; I’m genuinely proud. I am 21 years only and completely independent. I have a small but fantastic support system and a GREAT faith in God. Every bit of my success is thanks to Him. I give all glory to God today, tomorrow and every day after that. I am beyond excited to see where this wild journey takes me! But regardless of where I’ll enjoy every second of it.
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
I’m my opinion, the toughest struggles I’ve faced along my journey have been emotional. It’s been a challenge understanding that as a business owner, you have to step out of your comfort zone each and every day. Nothing changes unless you do.
Another great struggle of mine has been trying to find the balance between working too much & not working enough. Being a small business owner means sacrificing a great piece of your personal time & personal life. It’s even more difficult to not work so much when you love your job as much as I do! It honestly never feels like work!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional nail technician. I specialize in manicures such as Gel-X nails and acrylic nails. I do all things extravagant. Many clients travel hours to receive the nail artwork I provide. I am most proud of the fact that I am 100% independent and I created my name for myself by myself. What sets me apart is my artistic ability from childhood and my relaxing spa atmosphere in the salon.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I enjoy watching and listening to young nails podcasts and livestreams discussing business situations
Pricing:
- Gel-X nails start at $65-90+ Depending on the tech
- Acrylic nails start at $55-80+ Depending on the tech
- Basic Pedicure starts at $45
- Classy pedicure starts at $65
- Superior pedicure starts at $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://superiornailbar.square.site/
- Instagram: Superiornailbar
- Facebook: Superior Nail Bar
