Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrishonna Tillman.
Hi Chrishonna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing nails in my garage in 2018 after feeling drained from working as a claims adjuster. My first clients were my sisters, Larrisha and Jasmine, who patiently sat through four-hour nail appointments while I learned and perfected my craft. They always told me it was my shaping and gentle touch that kept them coming back, and before long, their referrals helped me build a loyal clientele.
Within a year, the support of my clients encouraged me to enroll in manicure school. Although the program typically took six months, I graduated in five. It wasn’t an easy journey. The job I was trying to leave wouldn’t accommodate a schedule change that would allow me to attend classes, so I took a leap of faith, gave my two weeks’ notice, and enrolled in school with no backup plan other than trusting God’s plan for my life.
Today, eight years later, I still have clients who have been with me since those early garage days. What started with me doing nails on a dinner tray has grown into a thriving business where clients sit at my nail desk, and many have become like family as we’ve shared years of conversations, milestones, and memories together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely wasn’t a smooth journey. As I mentioned before, one of the biggest challenges was taking a leap of faith and leaving my job without having another one lined up. I had never done anything like that before, and with rent coming up, it was a scary decision.
During that time, my sister suggested that I reach out to my church for benevolence assistance. To be honest, I didn’t even know what benevolence was at the time. The church I was a member of and faithfully tithed to stepped in and paid my rent. That experience strengthened my faith tremendously because it reminded me that God provides, even in uncertain seasons.
Shortly afterward, I was hired by a company that assisted individuals with Medicaid enrollment. Although the pay was less than my previous job, they were willing to work with my schedule so I could leave early and attend nail school.
What happened next still amazes me. The same claims adjuster position I had resigned from later reached out and offered to rehire me at the same pay rate, but this time with the earlier schedule I had originally requested so I could attend school. Moments like that reaffirmed my faith and reminded me that sometimes the biggest blessings come after taking a risk and trusting the process.
Looking back, those challenges taught me perseverance, faith, and the importance of trusting God’s timing, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in acrylic nails, which have always been my first love. Over the past year, I’ve also expanded my services to include Gel-X, allowing me to offer clients another option that may better fit their lifestyle, preferences, or budget. While I enjoy being versatile, acrylic nails remain the foundation of my work and where my passion truly began.
I am known for creating long-lasting nails with strong retention. Many of my clients can go four to six weeks between appointments with little to no lifting, which is something I’ve spent years perfecting. However, what I’m most proud of isn’t just the retention of my nails—it’s the retention of my clients. Many of the people who sit in my chair today have been with me for five, six, and even seven years. Watching those relationships grow over time has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
I believe what sets me apart is the experience I create for my clients. Of course, I want them to leave loving their nails, but I also want them to feel seen, valued, and comfortable. Whether someone has been coming to me for years or is visiting for the first time, I strive to make them feel like they’re among friends. Over time, many clients become more like family, and that connection is something I never take for granted.
As I’ve grown in this industry, I’ve also developed a passion for teaching. After years of refining my techniques and helping clients achieve long-lasting results, I’m excited to share that knowledge with other nail technicians. I’ve previously offered one-on-one classes, and I’m now working toward creating online educational resources that will allow nail artists everywhere to learn the retention techniques and business lessons that have helped me build a successful and sustainable clientele.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system throughout my journey. From family and friends to clients and mentors, so many people have played a role in helping me become the nail technician and business owner I am today.
My sisters, Larrisha and Jasmine, deserve a great deal of credit. They were my very first clients and patiently sat through four- and five-hour appointments while I was learning. Even when a set didn’t last as long as I hoped in those early days, they continued to encourage me and believe in my abilities. Their support gave me the confidence to keep going.
My clients have also been a huge part of my success. My cousin Brandi has been coming to me since 2019 and has always been one of my biggest advocates. She’s constantly referring people and proudly tells others that I’m the only person she trusts with her nails. Clients like Chericka, Jermaya, and Amanda have supported me for years, and their loyalty, encouragement, and positive feedback have meant more than they probably realize.
Professionally, I am especially grateful to Shenice and the opportunity she gave me at SHescosmo, the first salon where I worked in Plano. Having a room in that salon allowed me to grow my clientele, build lasting relationships, and gain experience that helped shape my career. Many of the clients I met during that season still support my business today.
Most importantly, I give all glory to God. There have been moments throughout the years when I questioned whether I should continue, especially as the economy changed and business became more challenging. Through every season, God has opened doors, provided opportunities, and reminded me why I started. I truly believe this talent is a gift from Him, and my journey would not be what it is today without His guidance and grace.
Pricing:
- Gelx nails: 80
- Acrylic overlay 70
- Acrylic fullsets with extension 100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://csnails.as.me
- Instagram: Celestinesupremenails
- Facebook: Celestinesupremenails
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/HWlH3N10W10?si=amWEtJGSCOn6ycWw
- Other: tik tok: Celestinesupremenails
