Rising Stars: Meet Rachel Mcelroy of Douglasville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Mcelroy.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s by God’s grace and mercy that I’m a Licensed Nail Technician today. I started my journey during Covid, and that time was very hard, but I was determined. There were days we couldn’t have class because someone at the school had Covid, and we had to follow protocol, which meant shutting down for cleaning before we could return. A course that was supposed to take only six months ended up taking almost two years. I felt discouraged and disappointed during that time. I was still working a full-time job, being a wife, and being a mom, so my plate was full. But something inside me just wouldn’t let me give up — and that’s how I made it through.

I became a Licensed Nail Technician through hard work, consistency, and a real passion for my craft. I took every opportunity to learn, grow, and perfect my skills, even when the process felt challenging. By staying focused, showing up for myself, and refusing to give up, I elevated my work and proved my dedication. Every step, every setback, and every breakthrough shaped me into the woman I am today.

I faced so many obstacles, but I can say today I overcame them. Instead of letting obstacles stop me or get in the way I use them as motivation. I prayed and I keep God first in all that I did and keep reminding myself of the goals I’ve set out to accomplish.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wish I could say this road has been smooth, but it hasn’t. Nothing about this process has been mentally, physically, or emotionally easy for me. Stepping out of the known into the unknown brought challenges I wasn’t prepared for. The uncertainty alone was overwhelming. I had so much doubt and fear, always questioning whether I was making the right decisions. Was this the right place? Was this the right time? My heart felt heavy because every step felt like a huge risk.

What made it even heavier was knowing my son was watching. I didn’t want to appear as a failure in his eyes, even though he has been taught that failure is a part of success. As a mother, you naturally want to set an example of strength, confidence, and perseverance. So even when I second-guessed myself, I pushed forward because I knew I had a purpose to fulfill and I knew God didn’t bring me this far to leave me.

There were days I questioned everything I did. Days when the weight of it all began to be overwhelming, but I kept reminding myself why I started. I had a goal, and I had too much riding on this to give up. This journey has stretched me, challenged me, humbled me, and strengthened me in ways I can’t express.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a proud Licensed Nail Technician who prides herself on perfection. I specialize in Nail Care. To be more specific I do all things Acrylic. Acrylic full sets, Acrylic Fills ins, Acrylic overlays, Manicures and intricate designs. Im also known for my sets that can last up to 8 weeks plus although I don’t recommend that.

Im most proud of the fact I’ve build something from nothing. Im proud I’ve created a safe space for all kinds of ppl to come relax and take a load off. My clients become my family and not just another number. There loyalty and support and belief in me is what keeps me going on the toughest days.

What sets me apart is I’m not your average Nail Technician I genuinely care about the person sitting infront of me. I truly care about what that person is going through in that moment. We laugh and we cry through some of life’s hardest moments. Everytime someone chooses to sit it my chair im reminded that they not only believed in me but could have been anywhere eles but they chose to be here with me. My clients are a blessing to my life and are a huge part of why I continue to elevate.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I feel like I’m a risk taker I left my job of 15 year to pursue my dreams if that’s not taking a risk I don’t know what is. Spending thousands of dollars on products and equipment to not have any clients is a risk. Leaving the known for the unknown is a risk. Stepping out of your comfort zone into what God has called you to do is a risk but its always worth the reward. Anything worth having you will always in some way shape or form have to fight for at some point in life. Even at my lowest point I knew this is what I was called to do so whether I was on a mountain or in a valley I stayed the course because I knew there was light at the end of the tunnel. Risks are apart of life just like failure is a apart of success. Every setback shows us what doesn’t work and how to adjust moving forward to come back even stronger.

Pricing:

• Full sets starting at 50.00
• Fill ins starting at 40.00
• Overlay starting at 35.00
• Designs vary

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Nailedby_rachel
• Facebook: Rachel Mcelroy