Today we’d like to introduce you to Apryl Moore.
Apryl, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a little girl and throughout High School, all I ever wanted to be was a Nurse. At the age of sixteen, I had the opportunity to work a summer job as the assistant to the Anesthesiologist at a Chicago hospital, where I was able to experience up close in the operating room many different surgeries, from that experience I was sold on being a surgical nurse, that was my dream career.
After returning home from my first year of college due to financial issues, I decided to become a CNA (Certified Nurse’s Assistant). I enjoyed everything about the program, passed with flying colors, but I couldn’t stomach doing clinicals in a nursing home. I completed the program but quickly decided that being in a nursing home was not the job for me and at that time, it seems as if that was the only place hiring for CNA.
During the time I was in the CNA program, I ran into a lady that I had met back in High School who saw my work when I was playing in my Mom’s nail stuff. My Mom had taken a class to learn to do acrylic nails and I would always play in her stuff and do my own nails. The lady opened a nail salon in her home and said if I ever wanted to make some extra money, she had a place for me. When I ran into her again, I took her up on her offer. This lady taught me and mentored me, and I quickly became a successful nail technician with a growing business. I grew out of her home into other salons and then my own home-based business. I loved doing nails, doing artwork, my specialty became pedicures, everyone loved my pedicures.
As much as I loved doing nails my dream for becoming a surgical nurse was deep in my soul. I went back to school again to major in nursing, this time I went out of state and realized that nursing clinical for this school was also in a nursing home. Not to waste anyone’s time or money I quickly changed my major and went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Human Resources Management, where I specialized in Employee health benefits (keeping my connection to health care). I worked in the corporate world for over 15 years and from time to time I would always do nails; it was a great side hustle for extra money.
In 2010 I got married and gave birth to a premature baby boy weighing in at 2lbs 4ozs. He was my number 1 priority and I left the corporate work world to raise my nine yr old daughter and newborn son. In 2015 I moved to Frisco, TX. Finding a job wasn’t so easy being out of the workforce for so long, so I went back to the one thing I could rely on and do really well and that was doing nails. Keep in mind It had been a while since doing nails full time and I was in a completely different place.
I went back to Chicago in 2016 to renew my Nail License, sent a text out to some old clients that I would be there for a couple of days doing nails and my days were packed with old and new clients. I came back to Texas to get my Texas Manicurist License and shortly after learning about the Medical Nail Technician Certification, I completed that course with and internship under a Podiatrist and I was back in my element… the medical field. I opened FreshSteps Medical Foot and Nail Spa in May 2019.
Great, 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, the road has not been smooth, it’s wasn’t the business as much as my personal life that has been a struggle. In 2018 I had to relocate my Dad to Texas to live with me because he suffers from Dementia and Prostate Cancer, well as you know Dementia only gets worse and I am his primary caretaker and we have no other family or support in Texas, so starting the business and working through his illness and doctor’s appointments has brought on many challenges for me in being able to be present for my business. Thankfully my Dad is a Veteran and I have been able to get help from the VA to get home care workers to assist me, allowing me time to get back to my business.
Please tell us about FreshSteps Medical Foot and Nail Spa.
FreshSteps Medical Foot and Nail Spa was opened to give clients with health and foot issues a safe, clean, sterile, and private space to enjoy a relaxing pedicure with great results. The products I used are Diabetic and Oncology Safe. The implements are medical grade and our implements go through a three step cleaning process. A health assessment is completed on the first visit and I ask questions to ensure I am providing and service that meets the needs of the client.
All our services are waterless, instead I use warm steamed towels, this help prevents cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria and fungus, as well as drying out the skin. This process is perfect for diabetic and oncology clients. I service clients with no foot issues who prefer not to go to the traditional nail salons to clients who suffer with compromised immune systems (diabetics, Cancer, heart, stroke), as well as clients with thick nails who suspect they may have toenail fungus or athlete’s feet. I also have specialty services like toenail restoration for clients who suffer from damage, discolored or missing toenails and a toenail correction system for clients who suffer with ingrown toenails and opt-out of having surgery.
FreshSteps Medical Foot and Nail Spa is here to educate you on good foot health and be your accountability partner in sticking with a good foot care regimen. I also retail the same products I use on my clients, so they are able to maintain the foot care regimen at home.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I’m from Chicago and every year there is the Bud Billliken Back to School Parade. For years we would go to the parade with my grandfather as he set up his stand and sell fresh roasted peanuts and snow cones. This was my first experience with entrepreneurship before I even knew what it was.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6881 Elm Street #2 | Frisco, TX 75034
- Website: www.freshstepsmedispa.com
- Phone: 469-850-1520
- Email: freshstepsmedispa@gmail.com
- Instagram: @freshstepsmedispa
- Facebook: FreshSteps Medical Foot and Nail Spa
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