Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Rodriguez.
Veronica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a teenager whenever I’d get my nails done, I wasn’t extremely picky, but I also was very specific about how I liked my nails to be shaped. I’d be so disappointed when I would try out a new nail shop and couldn’t get exactly what I wanted, whether it was a certain design I saw or my nail shape never coming out exactly how I wanted it to. I began practicing acrylic nails during the pandemic, I always loved getting my nails done and since everything was shut down, I decided to do my own. I was surprised at how good they turned out (for me being a beginner at the time lol!) They weren’t near as good as what the techs at the nail salon normally did, but I was really excited and still pleased with how they came out and I just KNEW with practice I would get better. And I did. A few years later, more practice, going to school, and me still figuring out what I want to do as a nail tech… I created Small Nail Canvas. I realized while practicing, learning new techniques and trends that what I really loved to do the most was paint. I’m still biased about the nail shape being perfect because you obviously need a great foundation for good nails to last, but I learned that what I really love to do and what allows me to get the most creative is painting. My grandfather was a very artistic person; he could create anything; And while most of my family has some sort of artistic talent because of him, I’m just glad I’ve been able to use mine to create beautiful little pieces of art on my small nail canvases.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road when you’re trying out something new, there’s always going to be learning lessons, detours, etc… but I’m still enjoying the experience as I go. For the most part, things have been smooth, but it hasn’t been easy if that makes sense. One difficulty I have gone through was the timing of my sets. Some nail sets take me longer to do than I’d like for them to which can cause an issue with a client wanting to come back to you consistently. While some loved the way their nails turned out, sitting for an hour or so longer than they regularly would caused them to not want to visit frequently. On the other hand, I’ve had clients come see me and they loved how their nails came out each time and didn’t mind the time sitting because they got exactly what they came for, and while the nail shop might have been a quicker stop, it would not have given them the nail sets that I do. So again, it’s all a learning experience, but without them we don’t grow. Now my sets take less time, but with more and more practice I will be able to really get to where I want to be. In doing so, I also hope to be in my own suite by this time next year, as I’m still home-based for now and am working to build up more clientele that enjoys the artistic freestyles I create or have their own creative ideas that they’d like me to bring to life on their nails.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My business is creating really beautiful, artistic nails that are guaranteed to stand out & catch the attention of others. I specialize in acrylic nail application, and I am most proud of the designs and art I am able to create with gel polish on the sets that I do.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve never been like a standout, girly girl, I was always more of a quiet, t-shirt and jeans girl. My mom would always want me to pick out the “girly” clothes when school shopping and I never would, but I loved when she took me to get my nails done and I began getting them done more when I was a young adult but I was never like the dress up, always have my hair and makeup done, type. I enjoy the subtle things that can catch attention without changing you too much, like nail designs or certain jewelry pieces that stand out.
Pricing:
- Freestyle Set: $75+
- Plain Full Set: $40+
- Ombré / French Full Set: $50+
- Acrylic Toes: $50+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @SmallNailCanvas
- Twitter: @SmallNailCanvas
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SmallNailCanvas
