Today we’d like to introduce you to Kianna Williams.
Hi Kianna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Back at the start of 2020, I knew I was missing something in my life. At the time I had no clue that it would be nails and how it would change my life. I was always that girl in school that has her nails freshly done every 2weeks never missing a beat. I would always tell my friends, “Man I bet if I tried to do nails, I really really could.” But at the time I didn’t know it was possible; It was just a dream.
2 years ago I was working at Chuck E. Cheese’s when I finally told myself that it wasn’t where I wanted to be and I knew that in my heart. I began to see these amazing nails on Instagram and Pinterest everywhere, yet when I would ask for the styles at any salons I was unable to receive it. That is when I began to wonder where are these beautiful sets coming from then?
I started doing my research and found out that these are independent nail technicians who are doing these amazing jobs. Independent nail technicians doing what I’ve been telling my peers I COULD do for years. Learning that I can do everything myself and finally finding a way to express my creativity was something I longed for.
I texted my sister on my break one day saying, “I really wish you could wear nails at work because I would practice on you.” Fortunately for me, she responded by telling me that she didn’t care and was definitely up for it!
That is when I immediately began my journey. That is when I became ‘KlawedbyKi’.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road the whole way. I’ve had to deal with people who I thought would support me not being there as I thought. Adding to that, the biggest thing in the way has been my own self multiple times. Mentally it could be draining trying to satisfy people so they can have a smile on their faces when you don’t feel up to par yourself. It’s hard, but when you love something and have a passion for it you learn to push through and help yourself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to call myself a Nail Artist more than anything! I specialize in acrylic full sets and press-ons, even though I am able to do way more. I’m known for my shaping and creativity on freestyle. I could definitely be a perfectionist at times; The reason for that is when I’d use to go to salon(s) I would ask for one shape and I would receive something completely different. So when my clients tell me something I make sure with everything in me to get that shape crisp.
I’m most proud of how I built this for myself. I would say one thing that sets me apart from a lot of other artists around me is my creativity. I might do a basic white set one hour and a hand-drawn Bikini Bottom set with Spongebob charms on it the next. I will do as extra of a job as my client would like!
How do you think about luck?
Wow, this was a good question. I would say good luck if any. While other businesses (small or large) were, unfortunately, crashing during the pandemic, I was able to build and thrive. But if I’m being honest, calling it luck may downplay my hard work. I may have manifested this for my life if anything because I’d been talking about it for years before even thinking about starting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/klawedbyki_
