Meet Annie R. | Artist & Manicurist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie R. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In almost all my previous jobs, I felt that if I went above and beyond that I would be rewarded proportionately to the impact I made on the general efficiency and creativity of my workplace. However, each time, I would instead be met with more responsibilities and no growth opportunities that were to my benefit. I decided I was more than capable of running a business on my own, since I seemed to be doing fine providing similar administrative services in my previous workplace. I knew that, unless I started my own business, I was not going to have the opportunity to make a living wage in my city, and it was a risk I had to take!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Every artist has their own style, but I’d say what generally sets me apart isn’t exactly style, but more so that my canvas of choice is [10] fingernails and a patient, ephemeral-art collector on the other end.

Nail art has exploded in popularity in recent years, and I’m happy I was fortunate enough to apply my prior art experience into a career where I connect directly with the client, and provide them with a service that also feeds my own creative needs.

Between me and other Nail Artists, I feel like my distinct style consists of nostalgic references to childhood cartoons & Anime, and is full of small details that give the client something to examine during pensive moments. You’d be surprised at how often we look at our hands, and how often others notice them too! I want to give people something to feel incredulous over, often being confused for simple “stickers” instead of fully hand-painted artwork.

To choose this line of work as a career came with a lot of hope, but also a lot of fear, physical, and mental exhaustion. You might think being a manicurist is as easy as just painting a nail, more so I felt that when I was asked by a stranger what I “do for a living”, it was looked down on as a vain, low level “side hustle”. But, even with a decade of drawing, painting, customer service & administrative work experience– I was in for a deep learning curve when practicing proper nail structure, speed, technique, and holding hands with an array of people who may not always be understanding or kind to service providers.

My first day working at a salon I realized I wasn’t going to be provided with introductory nor supplementary training– instead it was trial by fire, no lunch breaks, and a difficult experience with a client that left me in tears. The sole consolation came from the receptionist. She calmly reassured me “this happens to everyone, don’t worry, it’s OK”. I also didn’t make much in wages because in the world of nail salons, even one which had a reputation to specialize in nail art, the name of the game was still quantity over quality– and steep commission splits. When I calculated all my costs, I realized I was making under minimum wage at the pace I kept, and I was heartbroken and worried this signaled my failure. At this moment I knew I had to go back to square one.

I went back home and devised a plan to practice working from home, so after a busy day at my 9 to 5, I’d rush home, set up my space, and invite people over to practice on. The goal: get faster so I could earn more. The outcome: I realized that I needed to perfect my techniques before I rushed myself to finish a service. And so, It became an arduous scheduling nightmare trying to stay afloat financially, while practicing every night, trying many different and expensive products to crack the problem that was a long lasting manicure and, at the same time, improving my art style so that I could eventually earn the trust of the clientele and effectively work at it full time.

At some point, a few months in, my previous nail school teacher reached out to me because she saw my work on social media. She appreciated the progress I was making and the effort I was putting into finally becoming a proper nail tech and consequently offered me a place in her newly opened spa business. While I knew my practice and difficult trials would continue, I finally decided to go all in and become an independent, full-time Nail Artist at my new place of work.

Now I enjoy choosing my schedule, picking my clientele, creating the art that I want, seeing my friends at work, and chasing opportunities that will directly improve my life and help me reach general stability and financial independence. Along the way I’ve made so many friends, and wish to inspire those that want to become entrepreneurs in their own creative field of choice.

I want the world to know that there are so many people who struggle so much to earn what they have. Even so, it’s worth the trouble living your life authentically, because the last thing I want to go back to is waking up hating what I do for a living. Now I’m more than proud to say I’m a Nail Artist.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m honestly either such a homebody, or a workaholic, there’s rarely an in-between! However I really appreciate that South Florida has a couple different places that make me feel better when I’ve had enough of my stuffy environments.

If I’m headed towards South Florida, near the Redlands or Homestead, I’d try dressing nice and visiting Coral Castle Museum for a little fun photo shoot, or if the time of year allows it, I’d check out Knaus berry farm, and pick my own strawberries then have a yummy strawberry shake or some their world famous cinnamon buns! On my way back up north, I’d recommend checking out Arcade Odyssey, for a nostalgic arcade experience (including fun snacks and drinks) then maybe head up to my favorite Mexican food restaurant Don Burrito (they have the BEST chips and salsa) or one of my favorite Japanese food spots on the exact same road, Shibui (they have a cozy atmosphere and really fresh Sushi).

If I make a trip near Coral Gables, I love having brunch at Green Street cafe (they have a wide array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, available all day long) and then I’d visit the beautiful Venetian public pool for a swim, or head to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens–I never get tired of the beautiful architecture, interior design, and romantic style of the gardens and Oceanside views.

If I feel like shopping, I’d take a trip to Sunset Place mall and check in on the Colorful Cute Goods store for some gifts, have a light lunch at Tea & poets across the indoor plaza (they also have a wide range of goods from independent artists and sellers), grab some boba tea right outside, at Möge Tee Miami, then head back into the mall to either watch a movie at the Sunset Place AMC, or play some games at the Gametime Miami Arcade.

If I’m looking for some fun in the sun, Miami beach is what I’m used to, I recommend going in the morning and watching the sun rise, and then I’d take lunch on Lincoln Road, my current favorite restaurant being Taverna, I usually pick a Pasta dish, or if I want something lighter, I’d recommend heading to the PAUL French bakery & cafe, they have different flavors of giant French macarons, which are perfect for my greedy appetite.

Another beach worth checking out is Hollywood beach! They have a boardwalk you can skate or bike on, different restaurant/bar choices, and even an ice cream shop I like to visit, called Da-Vinchy. If you’re headed south from there, you can visit Gulfstream Park and Casino for luxury dining, shopping, and maybe some time on the slot machines, or my personal favorite– Roulette. Even further South is the the luxury Aventura Mall, which also has a movie theater to help end the day.

And then, If I want to push my boundaries, and visit my absolute favorite restaurant, I’d take us to Mid Broward, specifically Lauderhill, for Korean food at Gabose Korean BBQ! I love the kimchi jun, bibimbap, beef bulgogi, or their manduguk soup. Across the street I love to stock up on Korean Snacks at the Oriental Mart, and just a block south you’ll find TATE’S Comics, Toys, & More, which is exactly as the name states, a store full of stuff you can spend all day looking at.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give thank my late Grandfather, “Pipo” for believing in me and providing me with the money to help pay for school when money was tight, my nail school teacher, Ashley Gutierrez of @mercyformyskin, for seeing my vision and giving me a safe space to work in, and my first ever client, Victoria of @virgo.florals, for recognizing my style and helping me share that with others. I also have an endless list of friends, family, and clients that have shown me so much support, thanks to them I wake up everyday with the will to pursue my dreams.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tengoku_nails/