We’re back for another Bloom Interview Series, this time with Shakira. Shakira’s artistic sanctuary, where every nail design is a canvas for self-expression and empowerment is someone you want to get to know and follow on Instagram.
As the founder of her own company, Shakira breathes life into her passion for nail artistry, infusing each brushstroke with creativity and resilience. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of individuality and embark on a journey of artistic discovery with Shakira, the freestyle queen
Shakira is a talented nail artist + entrepreneur, renowned for her creative expertise and commitment to her craft. With six years of experience in the industry, Shakira’s passion for nail artistry shines through in her unique designs and meticulous attention to detail.
What inspired you to become a nail artist?
I was inspired by the passion to do good by allowing everyone to be unique and their best self. Also, I love being that person to vent to receive and give amazing advice on life problems.
How do you navigate the online space as a nail artist, especially as a BIPOC woman?
I make content that best fits my character and personality. I allow my followers and clients to watch my leadership journey raw and uncut to see the value of entrepreneurship and life challenges.
Can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a 25-year-old mother and have been a nail tech for 6 years. I bring joy to my clients by achieving unique designs on their nails and working miracles on feet that may have been through the troubles of injury, nail disorders, or fungus. I am known as the freestyle queen; my job is to create nails unique to the client’s character /personality.
Can you share your “backstory” with us?
I grew up in a wholesome home, ventured off on my own, and became homeless. During the time living in the shelter, I was working at UPS as well as a black-owned nail salon; before opening my own salon suite in July 2020, I worked in 3 black owned nail salons to gain knowledge of running my own business and experience in dealing with clients and doing fabulous nails.
During Covid 19, I made at-home travel appointments all over (Connecticut, ATL, Pennsylvania ) when the government was shut down. I have been almost robbed by clients during a travel appointment.
In November 2020, my client assaulted me, leaving me with a sprained ankle, but that didn’t stop me; I kept going. I got pregnant with my daughter in 2021 and married the following year.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
When the government shut down and the nail supply ships weren’t allowing people in to shop, we had to know what we wanted to make a purchase from the door.
I decided to pick up and fly to Atlanta to go to their supply shops because they weren’t in such a wide shutdown like New York. In that moment, I learned never to let the small things keep you down; just get up and keep moving. BE DETERMINED TO FINISH YOUR RACE AND YOUR JOURNEY.
Can you share a story about the biggest mistake you made when you first started as a nail artist? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I was working out of my house with my family, and a lot of clients felt uncomfortable coming to me, being that I wasn’t in an established workspace.
I learned that not all clients are for you and not all money is good money; because I started off young, I wasn’t able to afford a booth rent or a salon suite, so I did what I could with what I had. But I never gave up, and those who supported me had my best interest at heart.
What advice would you give someone starting in the nail art industry?
Don’t do anything you don’t feel happy or encouraged to do. And never stop learning in this line of work. You can never know too much as the world is changing, and new trends are being shared daily.
What is your favorite nail design to create and why?
I love stiletto, detailed French designs because I can show off my artwork that I’ve worked months to try to perfect.
What is your favorite nail polish brand to use and why?
My favorite nail polish brand differs depending on the color. The white and black are created because one coat of each color is enough to achieve the perfect French for colors. I like DND for the consistency with doing nail drawings.
What is your favorite nail tool to use and why?
I love them all because, without the other, I wouldn’t be able to achieve the cleanest shape, neatest cuticle, perfect shape, and top coat to seal the job well done.
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about nail artistry?
A lot of people believe that African American males and females can’t do nails and feet because we were brought up to see that only Chinese workers can do nails.
Where are you based?
Brooklyn/Queens
What is the best way to reach you?
you can send me an email kirastylingseat@gmail.com or follow me at @kirasstyling
Thank you for taking the time to complete this interview! Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
LOVE WHAT YOU DO, even if others don’t believe in you.
