Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Valente.
Hi Brenda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went to school for graphic design, but after graduating in 2016, I struggled to find a job in my field. While I was job hunting, an unexpected opportunity came up—to do nails. It wasn’t something I had ever considered, but I decided to give it a shot. I started as an apprentice at a salon in Illinois before eventually moving to Atlanta, where I enrolled in nail school.
At first, I wasn’t in love with it. Working in traditional salons (aka chop shops) meant long hours, unrealistic expectations, and little to no focus on sanitation—which did not sit right with me. I always thought nails would be temporary, but the more I did it, the more I realized I was actually really good at it. And with my background in graphic design, it made even more sense. The creativity, precision, and eye for detail I developed in design translated perfectly into nails.
Even with that realization, I still felt torn between graphic design and nails. I eventually landed a job in my field, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that the 9-to-5 life wasn’t for me. So, I went back to nails, this time working under my business partner. Eventually, she presented the opportunity for us to get a suite together, and I took the leap.
Now, I run my own nail business on my own terms—prioritizing quality, artistry, and proper sanitation. Looking back, I never imagined this would be my path, but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
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 hasn’t been a smooth road—there were plenty of challenges along the way. In the beginning, I struggled with confidence because nails weren’t something I originally planned to do. On top of that, working in traditional salons was exhausting. I was overworked, expected to move at an unrealistic pace, and constantly dealing with environments where sanitation wasn’t a priority. It made me question if this was really the right path for me.
Then, when I stepped away from nails to pursue graphic design, I faced a different kind of challenge. The first company I worked for was small, and as the only designer, I quickly realized there wasn’t much room for growth. I later moved to another company, thinking it would be a better fit, but that experience showed me how unpredictable corporate life could be. One day, I was sitting in interviews helping choose a new hire, only to find out that same day that they were actually replacing me. It was a tough lesson, but it ultimately pushed me to go all in on myself and my own business.
Looking back, every challenge led me to where I am today. Now, I get to create, connect with amazing clients, and build a business that aligns with my values—prioritizing quality, creativity, and proper sanitation. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a nail artist and entrepreneur specializing in Russian manicures, structured gel, Gel-X, and intricate nail art. With my background in graphic design, I bring a creative edge to my work, focusing on precision, color theory, and custom designs.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to quality, sanitation, and creating a safe space for women. Traditional salons often prioritize speed over care, leaving clients feeling rushed or unheard. I wanted to change that by building an environment where clients feel comfortable speaking up and confident in their nails.
I’m proud to run a business that values artistry, cleanliness, and a luxury experience. My goal is to keep growing, collaborating with brands, and making an impact in the beauty industry—one set at a time.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is creating—whether it’s designing a beautiful set of nails or bringing an artistic vision to life. Seeing my clients leave confident and excited about their nails is so rewarding. I also love trying new foods and discovering amazing restaurants.
This year, I want to travel more and experience new places. Exploring different cultures and stepping outside my routine is something I know will bring me so much joy!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polishedbybrenda?igsh=ZzA2c2VoZW12dXZv&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://polishedbybrenda.as.me/schedule/913c639e?fbclid=PAY2xjawJZJFlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpi4t_qCWdaTrSvYecJtFFDDpvNhYd680qxo2doMjaMWqZgj5s_NFHHn_ew_aem_bbPP5tWed5ZfmdsMrL52Sw
