Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Lancaster
Chelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to becoming a nail tech wasn’t exactly what I expected, but looking back, I realize it was the path I was always meant to take. It all started with my deep love for art. Ever since I was young, I found comfort in expressing myself through creativity. Whether it was sketching, painting, or experimenting with colors and shapes, art became my way of escaping into a world of pure expression. But I never quite imagined that my passion for art would lead me to nails.
After high school, like many others, I felt pressure to follow a conventional path, so I enrolled in nursing school. At first, I thought it was the right choice—practical, stable, and respected. But as time went on, something didn’t feel right. I was studying hard, yet my mind was always wandering to something else I felt disconnected. I found myself captivated by nail art, admiring the creativity that went into each design. I started experimenting on myself, practicing different styles staying up late at night to work on a set, and quickly realized how much joy it brought me.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that nursing wasn’t my true passion. So, I made a life-changing decision. I dropped out of nursing school. It wasn’t an easy choice—I knew it would be risky, and I worried about what others might think. But deep down, I knew that following my heart and pursuing my dream of being a nail tech was the only way I would truly be happy.
I started small, working from home. I began by watching tutorials, reading books, and practicing my craft on friends and family. Slowly, I learned the ins and outs of nail art—different techniques, tools, and trends. The more I practiced, the more I realized that this was where I truly belonged. There was something incredibly satisfying about transforming a person’s nails into a piece of art. It wasn’t just about beauty; it was about creating something personal, something that made people feel good about themselves.
Slowly but surely, I built up a small client base. Word of mouth spread, and I started getting more and more people interested in my work. But even as I built my business, I knew I wasn’t done learning. I continued taking online courses and practicing new designs. I wanted to always be improving, to keep challenging myself and pushing the boundaries of what I could do.
Even though I’m now doing something I love, I’m still very much in the process of learning and growing. Being a home-based nail tech means I can connect with my clients on a deeper level,I can make each appointment with them a wonderful experience but it also means I’m constantly pushing myself to try new things, keep up with trends, and improve my skills. Every set of nails I create is an opportunity for me to experiment, learn, and get better.
Looking back, I’m so grateful that I had the courage to step away from the path I thought I was supposed to take and follow my passion instead. Dropping out of nursing school was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was the best decision I could have made for myself. Today, I’m a nail tech, still learning, still growing, and most importantly, doing what I truly love every day. The journey isn’t over, and I’m excited for where it will take me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting out as a home-based nail tech has definitely had its challenges, and I’ve had to navigate some obstacles along the way. Here are a few of the struggles I faced:
1. Building Credibility and Trust
When you’re first starting out, it can be hard to convince people to trust you with their nails, especially when you’re working from home. Clients are used to going to established salons, so gaining their confidence and proving that I could deliver quality work was a big hurdle. Word of mouth and social media helped a lot, but it took time for clients to feel comfortable enough to book with me.
2. Finding the Right Space
One of the biggest challenges was creating a dedicated space for my nail tech setup. In the beginning, I didn’t have a separate room for my business, so I had to adapt and figure out a way to work in a way that was both functional and comfortable for clients. I also had to ensure that it was clean, organized, and well-lit to create a welcoming environment.
3. Managing Time and Scheduling
When I first started, scheduling was tricky. As a one-person operation, I had to juggle all of my responsibilities—booking clients, managing social media, buying supplies, and of course, doing the nails. It was hard to balance the time spent with each client while also finding time to market myself and learn new techniques. Being my own boss meant I had to stay organized and set realistic boundaries for working hours.
4. Financial Strain
In the early stages, it was difficult to make ends meet, especially since I wasn’t established yet. There were costs for training, tools, nail products, and setting up a proper space, which all added up. Without a steady stream of clients, it was challenging to cover those expenses and make a profit. It took time for my business to gain momentum, but I had to stay patient and invest in myself.
5. Constant Learning and Adapting to Trends
The nail art industry moves quickly, with new trends, techniques, and products emerging all the time. I often felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with it all. Learning new skills, experimenting with different styles, and staying ahead of the latest trends took a lot of effort. It’s a constant process of learning and adapting to stay relevant and deliver fresh, exciting designs to clients.
6. Dealing with Competition
The beauty and nail industry is incredibly competitive, especially with so many talented techs out there, both in salons and working from home. I had to find my unique style, build my brand, and carve out a niche for myself. It was hard not to compare myself to others, but I had to focus on developing my own identity and honing my craft instead of trying to imitate someone else’s success.
Despite these struggles, they are all part of the process. Each challenge taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow as both a business owner and a nail tech.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a nail technician, I specialize in gel x nails and nail art.
As a nail tech, I’m most proud of the personal connections I’ve built with my clients and the confidence I help them gain through my work. Watching them leave with a smile, feeling good about themselves, makes all the hard work worth it. I’m also proud of how much I’ve grown as an artist, constantly improving my skills and developing my own unique style, all while building a successful home-based business. The combination of creativity, client satisfaction, and personal growth is what makes this journey so rewarding.
As a nail tech, what sets me apart is my passion for combining creativity with a personalized approach. I make it a priority to really listen to my clients’ preferences and translate them into unique, custom designs that reflect their style. I take the time to focus on details, ensuring that each set is not just a manicure, but a mini work of art.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Dallas is its vibrant energy and diversity. There’s always something going on, from the arts scene to amazing food and cultural events. The city has a great balance of modern life and Southern charm, and I really enjoy the variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe.
On the flip side, what I like least is the traffic. Dallas can get pretty congested, especially during rush hours, which can make getting around a challenge. But overall, the city’s excitement and opportunities definitely outweigh the inconvenience of traffic.
Pricing:
- Full set ranges from $25.00 to $45.00
- Set of custom press on nails $25.00
- Pedicures $20.00
- Manicures $15.00
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vixen_xnails?igsh=MWcwNDA1OWNjaDI3bw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1648GkyTvq/
Image Credits
Vixen_xnails
