Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Miller.
Destiny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I didn’t have a lot but I had enough. Both my mother and father where in the military and ever since a little girl I can remember my parents instilling in me at a very young age the mindset of working hard for what I want.
My family and I come from a very humble upbringing which has had a great impact on the person I am today. Ever since a child, I have always had an interest in beauty and fashion, which has later led me down the path of becoming a nail technician! It was my dream as a child to make people feel good about themselves, to always feel beautiful, as well as confident. To me beauty starts from within!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, there has been struggles along the way and even obstacles I’ve had to conquer. There was long nights and even days when I thought about giving up, but I pushed through. In life the obstacles and challenges are meant to make us stronger. They are meant to push us into our purpose. I heard this quote before that I kept In the back of my mind for those days that felt overwhelming. The quote basically says that God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. He gives his toughest battles to his strongest angels! Life can be difficult at times especially when we stray away from God. I know when it gets hard we think he’s not here with us, but God is always present even in our darkest times. The troubles for me came quick.
In May of 2016, I had graduated from a high school in Ocala Florida with high honors. I thought after high school you have some sort of plan for your life, but I had none. I still had no time to really think about my “next move.” I applied to several colleges and was accepted into many but I decided to go to a college not too far from home. The college I was going to be attending for those next few months was Bethune Cookman University. This decision was the shift in my life. I loved learning but for some reason college didn’t seem to be it for me. I was in a new city with no immediate family in the same state as me or even any close friends. There was days when I wasn’t motivated enough to even get out of bed. I was going through something within myself at this time of my life that I had never spoken about with anyone. Here I was finally alone to deal with it all. I was depressed. I made the decision to seek help and started seeing the campus counselor weekly. After my first semester, I left college and decided I wanted to work instead. I found myself in a relationship that was toxic and far from ideal. I was also experiencing mental and physical abuse as well. I told myself I deserved better than what I was experiencing.
Despite what happened to me still I knew there was better for me in life, and I was determined to find it. I later enrolled into a beauty academy that had many programs to choose from. It was a new start for me. Here I found my passion for doing nails! Finally, I found myself again. I felt alive! For me doing nails was therapeutic because I could get to know about someone’s life in just a few hours. It made my problems not seem so large. I loved seeing a women’s confidence grow from the moment I first seen them to after their service with me! I can still see the smiles I put on some of the women’s faces who came in having a tough day and left with restored beauty. I graduated from beauty school as a licensed full specialist (esthetician and nail technician). I’ve shared my testimony with a few people and they couldn’t believe that I have come this far!
Along the way, I’ve also met my fiancé who has been my biggest supporter on this journey. He came in at the right time and has motivated and reminded me to be all that I can be and to be the best version of myself! I would tell any woman any age that you can be anything you want to be in life…Regardless of your background, baggage, pain or struggles. You are perfectly made for your purpose. What you need on your journey is already in you! I would tell women to pick their heads up and wipe their tears. We all go through troubles but we all should learn from them and teach other people the way to go. Lastly, I would say this… Cater to how you feel and always acknowledge yourself so that you never accidentally slip into a depression, and if you do seek help. If this has been a help to anyone reading I just want to let you know you are loved.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into DesAlexiss story. Tell us more about the business.
That’s a great question! I am a nail technician of course but most importantly I specialize in acrylic nails and encapsulated designs! I love uplifting women while doing so! My nail services are unlike any other. I build a bond with each of my clients and I also give any advice needed to those who may need a little pick me up! I form real relationships with my clients because I genuinely care about them and their well being. My biggest accomplishment while doing nails has been my client retention! I have always wished for my clientele to grow and for people to love not just the nails but the whole experience. I have definitely done what I set out to do! I believe my biggest attribute is my kind heart and my ability to make someone feel right at home! I’ve been told I have a good vibe or energy about me. I feel that it is important for someone to let their guard down and feel comfortable around you, so that way they get the full effect of whatever service you are offering. Some of my clients from out of state have referred to my services as “true southern hospitality.”
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is a big part of getting yourself out there and becoming more known! Personally, I can say most of my clients have come from word of mouth. Once you get a few people to come and try out your services they will tell their friends and family to come too! I have also spent a lot of time handing out business cards at local events, stores, malls and really any place I can think of. This has worked really well for me because I have a sell’s person attitude! When I was a child, I had a lemonade stand and sold lemonade for $5 a cup. People would stop by and tell me that my lemonade was expensive but they bought it anyway because they loved to see a kid with so much ambition! Moral of the story is if you can sell yourself and your business well enough people will spend the money and support whatever it is you’re doing.
At a young age, I learned what it was like to be an entrepreneur and how it wasn’t so much about what I was selling, but how I was selling it! Never be afraid to show people your personality because that may be the very reason they support you! We are all individually made and we all have different things we offer. Take advantage of that! Keep in mind you never know who you are speaking to or who you may come across that’s why it’s so important to treat everyone you meet equally. I have gotten so many referrals from complete strangers who enjoyed my company and customer service. My last point would simply be that you want to surround yourself around people who want the best for you and who want to see you win! It’s best to be around people who make you have to work harder. If you want the best results out of your life challenge yourself and don’t get comfortable or complacent.
Pricing:
- Base Price – $50
- Basic Sets – starting at $55 (Includes 1 color)
- Freestyle sets – $65 and up
Contact Info:
- Email: DesAlexissNails@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/desalexiss
- Twitter: Twitter.com/desalexisss
Image Credit:
@DesAlexiss, @CameronToron
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