Today we’d like to introduce you to Chula.
Hi Evelin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts when I was in High School, 15 years old. I began being fascinated by playing around with makeup. I used to watch beauty influencers online for hours, learning how to get the perfect contour and highlight. It brought me to really be creative and use makeup as a tool to be able to achieve all kinds of looks. After high school, I finally perfected my makeup skills and decided to become a makeup artist. I continued doing makeup for years, from 2014-2020. After being a makeup artist for years, I feel as though my journey really began in 2021. I was constantly doing the same makeup looks and felt as though I had a creative block. I had done all the makeup looks you can think of, and most of my makeup clientele wanted natural looks when deep inside, I wanted to be creative and create colorful makeup looks. One random night, I couldn’t sleep. Stayed up till 3 am and was binge-watching YouTube videos of nail artists and thinking ‘doing nails seems artistic, I think I can do this’. That same night, I researched everything I needed, spent a good chunk of my savings, and bought all the supplies I needed. And that is how everything started for me!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Entrepreneurship has been a rollercoaster. LITERALLY! It hasn’t been a smooth journey like one would think, but that’s what makes one really appreciate the outcome — enjoying every high and low of being an entrepreneur. Pushing through all the obstacles and looking at every hard time as a learning business lesson. That’s what makes someone a real hustler. As a nail tech and a single member of my small business, I play all the roles: the cleaner, the customer service provider, the accountant, the marketer, the social media manager. I mean, the list goes on! I definitely feel like social media glamorizes entrepreneurship, especially in the beauty industry. I always like to remind people that it isn’t just about what you see online and how it is portrayed for a business to be. There is 100% always business behind the business and I try to remain as true as possible to always show others around me that it isn’t as easy as people think it is. One of the struggles I’ve had to deal with is knowing my worth! Not a lot of people know this, but nail techs, unfortunately, are the least respected in the beauty industry. There’s a lot of people out here who don’t value the prices of our work without considering the time we give the expenses that go into all the supplies and the skills. Because being a nail tech isn’t just painting nails, it is a skill that you learn.
Another struggle I’ve had to face is setting boundaries. Friends and family will always want “freebies”; it’s inevitable, it’s going to happen. And it’s up to you to set those boundaries to allow people to pay the full price to really support you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a nail tech and a content creator for nails on social media. I create all kinds of nails and offer various nail services. Back when I used to be a makeup artist, I used to dream of being able to work with makeup brands. I went through the makeup artist phase to only find out I was meant to be a nail artist. And I get to work with my favorite nail brands, receive PR, and be able to review products with my audience. It’s something I always dreamed of but instead of it happening with makeup, it happened for me with nails! I’m most proud of my growth and for sticking to it and never giving up on my passion. Dedication, consistency, and discipline will take you very far!
I think what sets me apart from other nail techs is that I’m honest and I’m real about this industry. I don’t fake anything and always remain humble no matter what achievements I reach!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
My goal with my nail business has always been to build strong relationships with either my clients or my followers on social media. Investing in myself and my business has been the most challenging and rewarding altogether. The continued love and support is what drives me to show my appreciation through my work. The ideas for my business are influenced by those around me, my everyday life, current trends, or creative thoughts. And anything I create; I create with love and passion. This is me, turning my dreams into a reality and sharing them all with you. I am grateful for everyone who has supported this nail hustle of mine since the beginning. I give ALL the Glory to God; His Grace has kept me focused. I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without His guidance – Jesus is the best tour guide of my life, and His timing is always perfect.
My favorite quote:
“To the muieres who are in their heads right now doubting their plans and dreams… stop it. You got this girl.” – Viva La Bonita
I’m just a 2nd Gen Latina out here chasing my dreams, and little me would be so proud.
So just a reminder: drink your water, go make some money, and surround yourself with people who love you for you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chulasnailshopllc.as.me/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chulasnailshop
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/chulasnailshop
- Other: www.TikTok.com/chulasnailshop
