Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Lynn.
Tabitha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I was always a product junkie; whether that be hair, make-up or nail products. I think what fueled it was my Grandmother. She was always very put together her make up fresh, her hair on point, and her nails red. Anytime, we would visit she always did our hair to go swimming, let us polish our nails. I was addicted. Fast forward to high school, I didn’t wear a ton of make-up, but my nails were always fresh. I probably changed my color every day to match my outfit. In my early twenties, I experienced my first pedicure and I knew from then on, I wanted to and did pursue a career in the Nail Industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My first nail position was in a well-known spa in Cary, NC. I was there for almost 6 years, and it was easy to build clientele, and they were extremely loyal. Towards the end, making more money was needed, and making more there wasn’t going to happen. The housing market crashed, people were losing their jobs, the spa wasn’t doing very well. It was time to leave at that point, so I went out on my own and booth rented in a small town close to my home. For me, it was the best decision I ever made. I grew as a Nail Artist being on my own. I had control over my schedule, if I wanted to go to shows to learn more, I went. Working for someone else, it was like pulling teeth to get time off to go to a show that was out of state. It was, however, a big learning curve, you have to market yourself, you had to get on the internet and have a presence on social media.
My patience recently has been tested every day, Harvey impacted everyone in Houston. After losing my salon, starting over has come with many challenges. I’ve had to really think outside the box on how to rebuild. Every day is a blessing, moving to Texas four years ago… I had to find my people. We all work so closely together, and if you aren’t with the right “tribe” it can be a challenging work environment. This past year, I grew again, I have an amazing team at Venus Tan + Spa, the owner Pattie has the biggest heart. I feel as though these ladies were always meant to be in my life. My new location in Houston, with Aubrie Layne will be able to provide on-location services to many in the Houston area. Aubrie and I are the perfect work wives, with her skill set in Pro Make-up Artistry and my skills in Nails. It’s a power team, we will have our obstacles to overcome, but in the end great reward.
Any advice, I would give to anyone starting out in this industry is to find a mentor. You need someone that can help you when you aren’t sure what the problem is when you feel like giving up, or just to exchange ideas with. To have patience is a necessity, it takes time to build.
What should we know about The Nail Society by Nailed It? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
So, I do it all, Acrylic, Hard Gel, Gel Polish, and Pedicures. My specialty is Hard Gel Sculpted Nail extensions, they are so fun to do, they provide a natural look for the client and are shiny with or without color. I am known all across the board for my work, but my clients love that I’m full of random information. I love to read in my downtime and have a really good memory. So, our conversations are always so much fun, and during that time, I get to give them the best service possible.
I have a lot of passion and take pride that I don’t short change anyone. I use professional only products, I’m sanitary, my studio is extremely organized and I’m always there waiting for them with a smile. Having gone through extra training to be medically trained to do nails, and a licensed instructor really just made me feel great about what I do. Being able to safely work on Diabetics, Chemo Patients, or anyone taking a blood thinner means the world to clients. Safely receiving a service, is priceless.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The nail industry boomed because woman Vietnamese refugees in the 1970’s were trained in nails. It offered an easy way for them to get employed, given their skill set speaking English was still a learning curve for them. Our Artistry basics can be easily learned and continued on to many levels depending on your efforts. Because of a family to family lending, it brought the cost down for people who weren’t of a certain prestige; to be able to afford to get their nails done. We are a woman driven industry, its men who have the biggest barrier.
Pricing:
- Manicures start at $25
- Pedicures start at $35
- Full-Sets start at $40
- Acrylic Dip $40
- Travel Fee starts at $25
Contact Info:
- Address: Office
5120 Woodway Drive | Suite 9108
Houston, TX 77056
In-Studio
7932 FM 1960 E
Humble | TX 77346 - Website: www.thenailsociety.blog
- Phone: 713-471-1627
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nailsociety06
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nailsociety06
Image Credit:
Shannon McSpadden
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