Today we’d like to introduce you to Alivia Mckinney.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story on becoming Glaz’d. Becoming who I am was not easy nor wasn’t it in my plan, but having a good support system from my family and boyfriend I was pushed to chase a dream that I never dreamed of as a young child. My goal was to work in Healthcare doing coding, after questioning was this the right idea my boyfriend said why won’t you just go to hair school you’re good at it. I gave myself the run around nah that not what I want to do and it was just something I did on the side in high school. Finally, after seeing my own potential I attended Albany Technical College in 2019 during my time in the cosmetology program I found a new love. Nail tech this was even further away from the dream I planned for myself, however I graduated from there in 2020 as a cosmetology student with a new passion.
After graduating my process of becoming in the beauty industry was put on pause by covid. So that meant a year and a half not being able to go to board for my license, but that did not deter me from accomplishing my goal. While in the house during covid I spent my time practicing my new love. I would practice on my mannequin, mom, and myself almost every week. Once COVID was over, I branched out and practiced on family and friends. I was finally able to take my cosmology state board exam, failing it 3, every time by very little point. After the 3rd time, I decided to go back to tech. This time I would go to the Nail technicians program in 2022 not only attending school but also giving my first shot at SKILLUSA. Placing 2nd for the state of Georgia in the category of nail care in 2022 and also graduating from the nail technician program.
After graduating I went to board passing both practicum and writing exams the very first time.
This was the biggest accomplishment for me to start my career as a nail technician here in Albany, GA. Today I now have 48 clients who are every two weeks clientele for Glaz’d Nail Bar.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My road to success was not a very hard one, I would say trying to figure out what my career would be was the hardest part . Then I realized walking in my own plans was harder than walking in Gods .I allowed him to show me his purpose and what he saw fit for me.
Now I would not say that the process didn’t come with hard moments, but it was things that could be achieved over time with patience, determination, and perseverance.
As an entrepreneur you will learn that time is everything. And to me thats the hardest part to understand because we want things to go right the first time. Now being in the nail industry for 4 years and just starting to feel that my gift is finally forming into its full potential. I can truly say God has blessed me to be on a path that has overflowed with clients and I am forever grateful for the process.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Glaz’d Nail Bar is a black-owned business. Owned by Alivia McKinney. Here at Glaz’d, we offer licensed luxury nail care and enhancements. Specializing in a soft girl experience with our number one service structure gel manicures and unique nail art. We also offer other nail services such as mani-pedi, acrylic full set, and gelx extension. We pride ourselves on staying updated on the latest trends and nail art. Our goal is to create unique art allowing each client to express themselves and make each appointment an experience that goes beyond the expectations of our clients from a warm greeting to a happy exit.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
A kind heart when being a business owner sets the tone for a good experience and great customer service. Handling business with kindness, effective guidelines, and good work ethics will create excellent customer service that will allow you to substantially increase loyal clientele for a successful, thriving business. This not only reassures the client of a good experience but also leads to referrals for new clients too.
Pricing:
- Structure gel mani $40 and up
- Pedicure $45
- Outside the box full set $80 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://glazdnailbar.as.me/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_glazdnailbar?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glazednail?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Alivia McKinney
