Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Beamon.
Hi Gabrielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure! My name is Gabrielle Beamon, and I’m the founder and owner of *The Nail Apothecary*, based in North County San Diego. I started as a licensed nail technician in 2018, but my journey in the beauty industry began long before that, fueled by my love for creativity and a desire to build something sustainable.
As a disabled nail technician, I initially faced challenges working in traditional salon environments. This led me to create *The Nail Apothecary*, an in-home studio where I could express my artistry without compromising my health. I focus on unique press-on nails and alternative enhancements like Gel-X and structured manicures, helping clients transition to healthier natural nails with minimal damage.
My brand stands for more than just nails. It’s a reflection of timeless beauty, self-expression, and sustainability. I draw inspiration from century-old techniques, mixing modern artistry with eco-conscious practices. Clients appreciate the personalized touch they get from my custom creations, whether through salon services or bespoke press-on nails.
As *The Nail Apothecary* grows, I’ve also been working on expanding my presence online, offering products through platforms like Etsy and showcasing my work through TikTok and Instagram (@saufxwest). My goal is to continue building my business into a full-time venture, eventually opening a luxury brick-and-mortar lounge where I can offer my services while continuing to inspire and create for clients who value quality and individuality.
It’s been an incredible journey so far, balancing artistry with business, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for *The Nail Apothecary*.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely had its challenges. As a Black American female owner, it’s been difficult navigating the beauty industry, which can often be saturated with brands that don’t always reflect diversity or prioritize inclusivity. I’ve had to work harder to make my voice heard and my brand stand out, especially in spaces where representation matters but isn’t always given.
Being neurodivergent, with ADHD, has also presented its own set of struggles. Balancing the creative demands of running *The Nail Apothecary* while managing the business side can be overwhelming. ADHD affects how I organize, focus, and prioritize tasks, which means I’ve had to create systems that work for me. I’ve learned to work in bursts of energy, embracing my creativity when it flows, but I’ve also had to build in routines and accountability to keep things on track.
On top of that, I’m a student again, studying to become an ASL interpreter. Juggling business, school, and personal life has been a delicate balance. Sometimes, it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But these challenges have also made me more resourceful and resilient. They’ve pushed me to find creative solutions, stay flexible, and continue growing, even when things get tough.
Through it all, I’ve stayed true to my vision of building a brand that reflects who I am and the values I care about—authenticity, sustainability, and self-expression.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner and artist behind *The Nail Apothecary*, where I specialize in creating unique nail experiences through Gel-X, structured manicures, and custom press-on nails. My work blends traditional techniques with modern trends, focusing on natural nail health while offering my clients a way to express themselves creatively.
What sets *The Nail Apothecary* apart is our commitment to sustainability and individuality. I craft high-quality, eco-conscious nail enhancements while prioritizing the health of my clients’ natural nails. I’m known for my attention to detail, personalized designs, and ability to bring my clients’ visions to life, whether that’s through salon services or custom press-on nails that feel like extensions of their personal style.
I’m most proud of the way I’ve built *The Nail Apothecary* to be more than just a business—it’s a space for self-expression, where clients can feel seen, valued, and celebrated. I’ve also carved out a niche in a highly competitive industry, all while staying true to my values of inclusivity, quality, and creativity.
What really sets me apart is the personalized experience I offer. I take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and preferences, whether they’re looking for a long-lasting Gel-X manicure or a set of custom press-ons that reflect their individuality. My ability to connect with clients and bring their ideas to life is something I take great pride in. And as a neurodivergent business owner, I approach my work with a level of empathy and creativity that allows me to see and solve problems in ways that feel fresh and unique.
In short, *The Nail Apothecary* isn’t just about nails—it’s about providing an elevated, personalized, and sustainable experience that helps my clients feel confident and inspired.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When it comes to risk, I believe in the idea that “you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.” For me, taking risks has been a key part of my journey. Starting *The Nail Apothecary* itself was a major risk. Leaving the traditional salon environment to create an in-home studio and later diving into press-on nails and custom designs wasn’t a guaranteed success. But I knew that if I didn’t take the chance to build something aligned with my vision, I wouldn’t find the fulfillment I was seeking.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to leave a steady income behind in order to focus on my own brand. I had to trust my skills, creativity, and the relationships I had built with clients to sustain me. Another big leap was transitioning to a business model that prioritized sustainability and alternative nail enhancements like Gel-X, even though many in the industry stuck to more traditional, chemical-heavy techniques. It was risky to go against the grain, but I knew that it aligned with my values and my clients would appreciate it.
As a neurodivergent business owner, there’s also the personal risk of how I manage everything. Balancing the creative with the business side while dealing with ADHD means I have to constantly step outside of my comfort zone, trust in my abilities, and be okay with the possibility of failure.
To me, risk is necessary for growth. It’s about stepping into the unknown, even if the outcome isn’t clear, because that’s where innovation happens. I view risk as an opportunity to learn, evolve, and build something authentic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thenailapothecary.etsy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.nailapothecary/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555682544908&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thenailapothecary?si=nT3tgoVmWuoE-rcv
Screenshot
Image Credits
Sydney Claire for the black pearl dress photos
