Today we’d like to introduce you to Kena Sunshine.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Better known as NAILBOSSKENA. I am a Houston based nail technician with over 15 years of experience and the salon owner of The Golden File Mani | Pedi located in the Rice Military Washington Corridor area. At the young age of eight, I fell in love with the art of nail enhancements, which grew into an obsession with nails. My introduction to the nail industry started at 16 when I got my first job at a local nail salon.
I had no clue what I was doing but I loved it and the opportunity to work directly with clients allowed me to perfect my craft. After graduating from North Shore Senior High School, I attended junior college for two years and quickly realized that my calling was in the beauty industry. I enrolled in the cosmetology (manicurists) program at San Jacinto College where I encountered an AMAZING nail artist, S. Villarreal, who was a well-known technician from Galveston, TX. She was my instructor, mentor and leading light into the nail industry.
Since completing the cosmetology program at San Jacinto College, I’ve gained additional experience at various salons in the Greater Houston area. In October 2019, I opened The Golden File Mani Pedi and I’ve been truly humbled with the support I’ve received! I’ve also acquired amazing, faithful clientele that continues to trust me with their nail needs and I’m truly grateful for that. I continue to perfect my craft by attending nail art classes, as well as studying different techniques via digital platforms so that I can keep abreast of new trends. My goal is that my clients will continue to have an unmatched and individualized pampering experience when they visit The Golden File Mani Pedi.
Great, 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?
Absolutely not! Being an African American woman and trying to find my place in an Asian dominated field has had its challenges. A lot of my early experiences were rough, but I believe that God guided my path through those obstacles. Anytime that it’s crossed my mind to throw in the towel, I quickly realized that wasn’t the end of my story. I’ve met some of the most amazing clients and they remind me daily of why I love nails.
The Golden File Mani | Pedi – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Golden File Mani Pedi is an upscale nail salon and we specialize in Hard Gel and Poly Gel nail enhancements. One of my most popular services is my abstract nail art and I love trying new techniques with bright and eye-catching colors! We are coming up on our one-year anniversary and I’m so excited to share all the new things that I’ve been working on. I pride myself on maintaining a personal relationship with each one of my clients and I believe that’s why I’ve been able to maintain in this business.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Opening The Golden File Mani Pedi is the proudest moment for me, hands down! The Golden File is my labor of love and it was hard to take that step. The fear of stepping out of my own was and still is overwhelming but every day, I’m glad that I took that step.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5555 Washington Ave. Suite R Houston, TX 77007
Inside of Mercer Salon - Website: www.thegoldenfile.net
- Phone: 281-771-8676
- Email: [email protected]
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