Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Rivera.
Hi Desiree, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a young Afro-Latina from Chicago and found myself in Atlanta for work 6 years ago. I always feel like Atlanta is a great place to grow as an individual and really set yourself up in a position that makes you happy with what you’re doing every day. I moved away for a while, but something about this place brought me back, and I’m glad to be here. The growth I’ve achieved here has been amazing and shocking compared to other places I’ve been. Besides running Dez Knails, I am an Event Space Manager for The Bakery: an extension of The Icing Agency. This is a great thing that I get to do that aligns with myself and makes me happy to go to “work” every day. Additionally, through my freelance work as a virtual assistant, I have been able to take the load off of people’s shoulders and be that piece that comes in to keep everything organized, structured, and up to date. I have been able to provide that security so that all of their necessary tasks for the day are taken care of and they can handle their other duties without worrying about if they missed appointments, emails, or calls. I hope that when people see me or my name, they’ll know I’m a woman of many hats and I love every one of them.
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?
I had my own adversities. I moved here very young and only knew people from work. I was trying to find my place here and how I fit in. That was difficult for me because I’ve always felt that I didn’t fit into that traditional crowd; which is okay because I’ve learned that standing out on your own is better than hiding in a place where you don’t belong. Through my businesses, I had to figure out how to stand my ground and implement all of my beliefs with everyone I encountered. I was just starting my business, even a couple of years in, I just wanted to be that woman that stood out and provided great service; sometimes people would try and take advantage of me. That was a hard shift; I didn’t want to lose clients, but I also didn’t want to allow myself to be mistreated. I had to remind myself that it is my business in the end and I shouldn’t tolerate anything that didn’t make me feel happy doing something I love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dez Knails?
It will be the 5-year anniversary of my business, Dez Knails, this June, and it’s only gotten better over time. I am so glad I could turn my passion/hobby into a business. I created a safe space for people to come and receive services that are personable and build great relationships in the process. The whole reason I started my business is because the typical nail salons were not fulfilling my needs or my friends or family. Things are so different now in 2023 people need to be more open-minded. My business started from a desire to just create beautiful nails that last long and aren’t expensive. I am completely self-taught. I put the hours and the love into this business because I wanted others to get the same love and experience I was giving to my friends and family, so I decided to start serving more people. I’ve lived in different places and that’s when I started the custom press on kits to still give my clients who couldn’t see me in person the same great nails and experience from afar. I’m really glad that when people have met me they have felt comfortable, welcomed, and their beauty needs are met. This business will always be my first baby and I’m so excited to see where I take it in the years to come.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Thank you VoyageATL Magazine for the opportunity to put my name and work out there. I’m excited for everyone to see where I take my business and the great things to come, we’ll be moving to a suite soon and the service will be even better. You can follow my social media to stay up to date on everything.
Pricing:
- Custom Press on Nails: Start at $55
- Travel Needs: Fee of $25
- Virtual Assistant: $30/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dezknails.square.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dezknails?igshid=NTE5MzUyOTU=
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-rivera-mba-a15062135
Image Credits
Jaylah’ Alise’ Darlington
