Dive into the vibrant world of Rashida Rubin, a trailblazing BIPOC nail artist based in North Port, FL.
From breaking stereotypes to sharing invaluable insights, Rashida’s journey unfolds with a captivating rhythm that goes beyond the nail bed. Join us in exploring the tales of empowerment, diversity, and genuine artistry in our interview with this dynamic entrepreneur.
Rashida Rubin, the founder and co-owner of Empressive Image LLC, is a seasoned nail artist with a passion for breaking stereotypes in the world of nail artistry. Specializing in gel nails and with nine years of experience, Rashida’s unique approach embraces diverse styles, emphasizing honesty, confidence, and the transformative power of kindness. Follow her journey on Instagram @empressiveimagellc.
What inspired you to become a nail artist?
Tony, my nail tech, loved the art he did on my nails in high school, but when I moved away, I had a new appreciation for him.
How do you navigate the online space as a nail artist, especially as a BIPOC woman?
Well, I pay attention to trends from artists around the world, not just in my area. But I won’t force too much on it. I like to make sure clients and followers can see what all the salon offers, which is a lot of talent!
Can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a wife, mother of 1, and a salon worker and co-owner of a tattoo shop. My husband is a tattoo artist, and we opened that business almost 5 years ago. 3 years ago, we started working on opening the salon for me, and it’s been open for over a year. I do nails. I specialize in gel nails, but I also do acrylic, pedicure, and full-set toes. I also love doing art on my nails.
I have some original things I enjoy on myself, but most of my clients have a set they would like to replicate, and I’m great at that, too. I’ve been doing nails for about 9 years and have had my license for almost 6 years. I love what I do.
I came from a tribe full of women, and one of the small things we could do for ourselves was get our nails done. I didn’t realize what a confidence booster is. It was for so many people. It makes you feel better about yourself, more put together and polished. Literally.
If you could go back in time, would you have chosen a different profession or specialty?
No, I wouldn’t change my path. I love what I do.
Have you ever had to pivot in your career as a nail artist? Can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Yes. Diversifying yourself as an artist. I think it is essential, especially for me. I get tired of doing the same thing over and over again. I press on to try new things and am a licensed permanent makeup artist. It’s a pivot that I also enjoy the challenge and try my best to help those who need it, but it was a pivot I added on.
Can you share your “”backstory”” with us?
I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved to Sarasota, Florida, when I was nine. I am bi-racial, black and white, and I was raised by both sides of my family. I met my husband in high school. We went to community college in Venice and moved to North Port. I was studying nursing, then switched majors to hospitality. While in school, I couldn’t find a nail salon I liked in North Port, so I started doing nails on myself.
After finishing school, I worked in health care as a recruiter and HR specialist for a home care agency. I was engaged and worked 48-55 hours a week and didn’t see how I could start a family with my current job. I then signed up for school. That winter, I found out I was pregnant and continued the path.
I worked and went to school full-time. I had also done nails on friends and family for 2-3 years before that. And was ready to get better. I had more experience than other people in school. I had my daughter, took off for 3 months, and started my nail career in a salon downtown. I worked there for almost 2 years, and Covid hit. I then worked off on MLK and from my garage at home. I did that until I opened my own salon.
Can you share the most exciting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
I always used to try to put a dollar or image on what success was. And as I was working downtown with clientele that were millionaires and living a very lavish lifestyle, some of them were extremely depressed and unhappy. Their stories really surprised me.
I was a new mom, engaged to be married? And working my dream job. I had more joy and happiness in my lifetime than people with more money I could ever think of. And that was the lesson for me. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and live your truth. Live your own joy, and find what makes you happy. That’s worth more than gold. Truly.
Can you share a story about your biggest mistake when you first started as a nail artist? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I felt like I needed to be more confident doing a design. I told a client I could do something because I was eager to get the business. I looked up YouTube videos to learn the design ahead of time because it wasn’t something I didn’t have experience doing. It took way longer, and I never saw her again.
Lol, she probably, but I’ve learned that people appreciate your honesty, and just saying now that that’s not something you’re capable of nine times out of 10. They have another design they are okay with going with.
What advice would you give someone starting in the nail art industry?
If you can play around or get samples of products to try out, definitely do that so you can see what type of product you want to specialize in. There are gel tips, poly gel, acrylic, forms, tips, fiberglass, and more than most people even know.
What is your favorite nail design to create and why?
Probably marbling and abstract art pieces because there’s no wrong way of doing it. It’s really at the artist’s discretion.
What is your favorite nail polish brand to use and why?
I am currently obsessed with DND gel polish. I love many of their color options; they have significant coverage and don’t chip off acrylic. I have been a long-time user of Makartt poly gel.
What is your favorite nail tool to use and why?
Nippers! I love cuticle cutting, and they are great for getting hangnails and grows if you know what you’re doing with them.
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about nail artistry?
We all do $200 sets, or that acrylic and nails are easy. My list of things to do for nails in step order is like a 50-step process. And we do it with style and grace. And some of us with a whole therapy session.
Where are you based?
North Port, FL.
What is your email address, and where can people follow along with your business?
rashidarubin@gmail.com, or follow me at @empressiveimagellc
Thank you for taking the time to complete this interview! Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Kindness can take you further than you think.
