Meet Ashley Dixon of The Nail Lab 817 in Arlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Dixon.

Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started doing nails five months ago, not knowing anything about nails or the nail industry. I just knew that I had an obsession with nails; not only that, I have four little girls that love nails as well. So, I figured, why not give it a shot. Why not just go and learn to do something that you love; learn how to do nails.

Besides, I had gotten to a point where I was tired of working for someone else in their establishment. I have been a certified pharmacy technician for 8 years and I feel like I’ve outgrown it. After discussing my business plan with my fiance and receiving his blessings to pursue my dream, I enrolled in the manicurist program at Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology in Grand Prairie TX, and my journey to Nail Technician began there.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been an easy path. Remember earlier I mentioned that I had no experience in nails prior to starting school. So, starting and being in class with students that were experienced just not yet licensed was very challenging.

I had gotten a bit discouraged being that I wasn’t as good as the others were. I didn’t even know how to polish without getting it on the skin. But, I quickly reminded myself that there is absolutely nothing that I can’t do. I had to constantly tell myself it’s me vs. me, not me vs. them and quitting was not an option. I have seven kids collectively with my fiance so something had to give. That kept me more level headed than anything. I literally had no time for anything while attending school. I would work from 8-4:30 and have to drive straight to school for 5 pm in Texas traffic. Thankfully, the school allowed a 15 minute grace period. Every day, I made it just before they locked the door and turned the clock off. Stressful right? But it was all worth it in the end.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Nail Lab 817 story. Tell us more about it.
I’m a Licensed Nail Technician. I specialize in natural healthy nails, acrylics, gel manicures, and pedicures. I do it all. I want my clients to know that whatever it is that they desire, Ashley got them!

What makes me most proud about my business is for one, it’s a place where my girls can gain work experience in the business to evaluate if they wish to take over the business or to pursue other goals. Secondly, I never gave up. I had to lose everything to get me to where I am today and I have no-one but God and my fiance to thank for that. Coming from absolutely nothing to becoming my own boss is everything. I’ve worked so hard. I was never fortunate enough to have a family to help me. And honestly, that made me a strong, independent woman. With that being said, starting my own business and knowing that can’t no one take it from me is one of the best feelings in the world.

What sets me apart from others would have to be my passion for nails. I take pride in my work. I make sure that I am doing exactly what my client has asked of me; that includes paying close attention to details and talking with them throughout their service. So, believe me when I tell you, everyone leaves happy! A happy client equals a happy me.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
My ultimate goal is to have my shop open and running with at least four talented nail technicians and two estheticians by the end of next year. With my hustle and ambition and the great support system that I have, even the impossible is possible. So, be on the lookout for The Nail Lab 817!

Pricing:

• Acrylic sets start at $25
• Basic Manicure’s start at $15
• Pedicures start at $15

Contact Info:

• Address: 2521 Thomason Cir
  Arlington TX 76006
• Website: To Be Announced: Follow my Instagram for Updates
• Phone: 817-705-3880
• Email: polishedbyashleyg@gmail.com
• Instagram: @thenailplug817

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.