Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Archuleta.
Hi Nia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Becoming a nail technician wasn’t always on my agenda growing up, but when has anything ever gone according to plan? The neck pain, the long hours and the strain on our eyes are only some of the few side effects from being a nail technician. If you asked me two years ago when I first started, you would see me crying at my desk struggling to cut a cuticle the correct way or polish white on someone’s big toe! Most of you guys know me as Nia or (Nailedby.yas) but would you look at me now? Who would have thought little ole me gets to tell you about my journey!
My first time working as a technician was at a little shop called LA Nails on the Southside in Riverdale Georgia. This was the best experience I’ve endured in the beauty industry. This place has taught and showed me everything as to who I am today. I got to experience the good and the ugly while sitting on both sides of the table. I now own a in home studio where I do manicures, acrylic & gel-X tips. I also own an online website Thenailbs.com that sales nail supplies for beginner techs, handmade jewelry, and more!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Growing up in a family of five and being the third born with four autistic siblings hasn’t always been easy. However, God blessed me with this wonderful family and I couldn’t ask for anything more. Arts and crafts was a way for me to escape my reality whenever I felt alone and didn’t have anyone to talk to or look up to. Although I have older siblings, my mom always put the responsibility on me to take care of everyone. I got my first job at 16 and from there, I paid for all my clothes and food I wanted because I didn’t want to burden my parents. They gave me what I needed, but I was always told work for what you want! I learned from my mother and stepdad very early on that life isn’t easy. Nobody talks about the hardships of being a mixed child either! Being African-American and Filipino, I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. Whether it being in school or at home, I was always told that I’m not black or Asian enough to do certain things such as wearing certain clothes or talking a certain way. Nobody knew I felt that way but my closest family member Amanda, and I want to thank her for accepting me and allowing me to talk to her about those everyday struggles.
The introduction of nails by two of my closest friends has shown me a whole different side of art that has not only been therapeutic but also rewarding in many ways. Having the ability to create art on tiny canvases as a means of expression while simultaneously empowering men and woman to feel relaxed, beautiful and welcomed is unimaginable. From gender reveals to weddings to funerals, I’ve done it all. Even with all the positivity that nail techs provide to both genders, it isn’t always reciprocated in pay or respect. However, the relationships that I’m able to create and the skills I’ve gained have enabled me to take this anywhere around the world since someone will always need their nails done!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m proud of being a 24-year-old nail technician and entrepreneur. Since the beginning of my career, I have always stood by what I call “the butterfly effect” and it starts off like this.. A caterpillar has to go through many stages throughout its life to reach its final and most beautiful form, the butterfly. Success doesn’t come overnight. Consistency, patience and drive through the highs and lows will eventually lead to fruition. It is very important to give yourself grace and block the negativity that is around you. Work through all the doubts from within and others while building the foundation you’ve sought out for yourself.
What sets me apart from others would be I want everyone to succeed. I have no problem sharing with people the knowledge I know in the industry or in life. I don’t have a bone in my body that makes me feel like I’m better than anyone. Everyone deserves happiness. I definitely have boundaries, but being envious of anyone doing better than me is not one of them. I’m driven to accomplish the goal I want for the industry which is everyone deserves a fair share in life no matter the color of your skin. I will always try to better myself no matter how great someone thinks I already am. Creating my website and studio was very important to me due to the experiences I’ve dealt with myself.
As a women of color, I was not allowed in certain nail supply/jewelry stores, which were predominantly owned by Asians. I thought to myself, “How could anyone want to start their journey and purchase supplies like this?”. So, I created a website and safe space in my studio to let people know to NEVER apologize for being who they are. Their hearts are full of gold and if their intentions are pure, they are unique and welcomed here.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Characteristics I feel is most important for success is integrity, loyalty, self-love, and perseverance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenailbs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailedby.yas/
Image Credits
Nia Archuleta
