Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Curtis.
Bonnie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For as long as I can remember, I loved to do my nails. I remember going to the store as a kid and buying the little press on nail kits, stickers and all the polishes my allowance would buy. After a few years of college and no real idea of what I wanted to study, I decided to go to beauty school. I initially did it because I thought it would be a good job to have until I decided what I wanted to do when I grew up. After getting licensed in Ohio, I shortly moved to California. It was here that I found an amazing salon called Hyde-Edwards Salon & Spa and is where I’ve worked for the last 11 yrs. It honestly feels like cheating in life. I would never have thought it would be a legitimate career. Thankfully it was the best decision I ever made.
Has it been a smooth road?
Having just moved to California I didn’t have any friends initially and building a clientele was really difficult. I was such a shy person it was difficult for me to really put myself out there and talk to strangers. I had a hard time trying to sell my services when I was completely lacking in any confidence. I did have the support of all my coworkers and other women that were successful in the industry. So, leaning on them for advice and listening to all their experiences was crucial in the beginning. Even after more than a decade in the industry, I feel like it is still just as important. My biggest advice to those starting out would be patient but persistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight. If I had been more aggressive and less timid it would have been faster but it’s never been my strong suit. I always tried to find the loud and confident person to do my selling for me! I made sure those people got services from me so they would then tell everyone where they needed to go for their nails.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have been a manicurist for 13 years and have specialized in natural nails in addition to shellac services. I’ve really enjoyed all the possibilities for nail art that come with doing shellac. It adds another level of creativity to the job that I really love. I believe that consistency in the work and truly listening to the client’s needs have been what set me apart. I do my best to make that hour or two appointments exactly what the client needs.
Sometimes that maybe to sit in silence and enjoy the short recess from the stresses of everyday life. Other times that means unloading some stress by talking to an unbiased person. Or, some want to be entertained and, thanks to my family, I’m pretty good at making people laugh. I do my best to recognize what it is they need and provide them with that experience.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Seek out those with experience and absorb as much knowledge as possible!
Pricing:
- Shellac Manicure $50
- Spa Manicure $35
- Express Manicure $25
- Shellac Pedicure $70
- Spa Pedicure $55
- Express Pedicure $35
Contact Info:
- Address: Hyde-Edwards Salon & Spa
2308A Kettner Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101 - Website: Hyde-edwards.com
- Phone: 619.232.0108
- Email: bonnieanderson08@gmail.com
- Instagram: bonniecurtis.nails
- Facebook: Bonnie Curtis.nails
- Twitter: BonnieC_nails
Image Credit:
Bonnie Curtis, Alex Hurtado Photography
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