Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Reyes
Hi Joanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I discovered my passion for nails when I was 19. As a teen mom, I couldn’t afford to get my nails done, but I’ve always been a DIY type of person. So, I bought a gel kit from Sally’s and started doing my own nails. What started as a hobby quickly grew into something more. I began doing my sister’s and cousin’s nails, just for fun.
After a couple of years, I decided to take it more seriously. I started accepting clients part-time while juggling a full-time job, college, and my responsibilities as a mom and wife. It was challenging, but I knew that if I wanted to turn my passion into a career, I had to dedicate the time and effort to improving my skills.
For two years, I built my clientele while working part-time, and eventually, I was consistently booked. That’s when I made the big decision to quit my full-time job and commit to nails full-time. It was a scary leap, especially with COVID still affecting the beauty industry, but I took the risk—and it was the best career decision I’ve ever made.
With the unwavering support of my husband, I transitioned into full-time work. It wasn’t easy, but patience, hard work, and dedication paid off. Now, seven years later, I continue to have a full book of clients, and in July 2024, I took another exciting step in my career by launching my own nail supply line.
This journey has been one of sacrifice, learning, and growth, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and excited for what’s next!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been anything but smooth. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing multiple responsibilities—being a teen mom, a wife, a college student, and working full-time while trying to build my nail career. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and exhausted, questioning whether I could truly make my passion into a full-time career.
Another major challenge was gaining confidence in my skills. In the beginning, I doubted myself a lot, comparing my work to others and feeling like I wasn’t good enough. But I pushed through by continuously practicing, learning, and reminding myself that growth takes time.
Taking the leap to go full-time with nails was another scary moment. Leaving the security of a steady paycheck was a huge risk, especially during COVID when the beauty industry was uncertain. I feared shutdowns, losing clients, and not being able to provide for my family. But with the support of my husband and my determination to succeed, I took the risk—and it paid off.
There were financial struggles, moments of burnout, and times when I had to sacrifice sleep and social life just to keep pushing forward. But through all the challenges, I never lost sight of my goals. I learned that success isn’t about having a perfect journey. It’s about persistence, adaptability, and believing in yourself even when the road gets tough.
Now, looking back, I’m grateful for every obstacle because they shaped me into the businesswoman and nail technician I am today.
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?
As a nail technician and artist, I specialize in creating unique, high-quality nail designs that allow my clients to express their personality and style. My work is more than just nails, it’s about creativity, precision, and making people feel confident.
I take pride in my ability to bring my clients’ visions to life, whether through intricate hand-painted designs, trendy styles, or custom nail art. What sets me apart is my attention to detail, my commitment to using high-quality products, and my ability to stay ahead of trends while still offering timeless looks.
One of my proudest achievements has been building a loyal clientele and turning my passion into a full-time career. After years of dedication, I also launched my own nail supply line in July 2024, allowing me to share my knowledge and provide high-quality products to other nail techs and enthusiasts.
What truly makes my work special is the relationships I build with my clients. I strive to create a welcoming, professional environment where they feel valued and leave feeling their best. My journey has been about more than just nails, it’s about inspiring others to follow their passion and showing that with hard work, anything is possible.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is about growth, fulfillment, and impact. As a nail technician and entrepreneur, success means building a loyal client base, continuously improving my skills, and creating an experience that makes clients feel confident and valued. It’s also about financial stability, managing my business efficiently, and having the freedom to express creativity through my work. Success isn’t just about reaching goals; it’s about maintaining passion, evolving with industry trends, and leaving a lasting impression on those I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Joluxnails.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joluxnails
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joluxnailstudio
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@joluxnails
Image Credits
Photographer Instagram handle @litzysphoto
