Meet Trailblazer Sylvia Fountain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Fountain.

Sylvia, before we jump into specific questions about your art, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone at VoyageAtl for this amazing opportunity, it means the world to me and my dream!

I have always been a lover of the beauty industry. Hair, nails and makeup! I absolutely love it all!!!

In 2011 I used to be scheduled faithfully every two weeks for my nail appointments and as my passion for art grew the desire for wanting more art on my nails grew as well. I began researching different art techniques and started to share the knowledge I learned with my nail technician at the time. As time went by a very bright lightbulb, hit me when I realized I’m teaching a skill that I could have very well been doing on my own. I removed my salon acrylic nails and decided I would do my own. I started with gel manicures and nail art on my natural nails as well as friends and family. I then ventured into the world of nail enhancements. I absolutely fell in love with encapsulated art and Swarovski crystal placement.

In 2015 as newlyweds my husband Marsielle and I relocated from New York to Atlanta. I started working at a popular mall in Atlanta and received tons of compliments on my nails daily and my confidence grew. In my mind, it was only a hobby and personal upkeep.

In 2016 I started working in corporate America and started doing one coworkers nails. Over the next year, it went from 1 coworker‘s hands to 70+ sets of hands along with a full-time job. It was only then I realized my true passion developed. In October 2019, after serious prayer, conversations with my super amazing support system and with the guidance from my amazing husband, I decided to take my leap of faith and leave corporate America to attend school and obtain my nail technician license.

I am so happy with my decision and if I could tell every person in the world one thing it would be to “ Live in your truth and passion, once you take your leap of faith everything else will fall in line. It won’t be easy but it will all be worth it.”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all. I faced a lot of self-doubt and criticism. I battled between a successful corporate career path and walking in my passion as a nail stylist. Stepping out on faith and leaving corporate America what is considered to be a security blanket for most hasn’t been easy at all. Fear ruins everything and once I faced my fears and doubts, the headaches and tears diminished.

My advice to any woman just starting this journey would be to always believe in your daydream!!! Be a sponge and soak up all knowledge and develop as many skills as you can. Always be receptive to constructive criticism and know in any industry every single day is an opportunity to learn something new. Be confident and believe in yourself and you will forever be unstoppable. Comparison is an absolute thief of joy, accept yourself for the exact creative you are and embrace every moment along your journey.

Please tell us more about your art. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I specialize in natural nail overlays and artificial artistic nail enhancements. I am known for my custom glitter encapsulated looks: hand-painted nail art, vivid color combinations and Swarovski crystal placement.

I am most proud of the way my work brings a smile and confidence to my client’s faces. I face all challenges head-on and I don’t give up. I get so excited to learn new and trending designs so I always have fresh and new ideas to offer my clients. What sets me apart from others I would have to say is my ability to bond with my clients through art. My clients call their appointments sessions and experience and that truly makes me smile. My passion is about more than money for me.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have to be honest I can only count on one hand the other nail stylist I’ve reached out to that have actually interacted with me. I never let that stop me from being a positive light and encouraging to others. I make a conscious effort to interact with other nails stylist I admire and compliment their work every chance I get.

My advice when it comes to networking, would be to always remain true to yourself and your gift. Reach out and attempt to network from a pure place and eventually you will develop organic professional relationships. Attend networking events and classes to perfect your craft. Be open to starting your own networking events as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Sylviebaby

Image Credit:
Sylvia fountain

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