Being a nail tech is like being a royal. Behind the glitz and glam, there are a lot of things that run behind it, such as responsibilities, ambitions, politics, and serving people. You don't need to be a history enthusiast to understand how Catherine the Great became one of the most well-known rulers of Russia. 

This series will inspire you to be strategic and determined in running your own empire and to be creative enough to win the hearts of the people. We're encouraging you to stream The Great on Hulu!

Now, let's discover some tips and tricks for starting your nail tech journey from the experience of Girlboss, Catherine the Great. Disclaimer: This blog has spoilers from Season 1 of the show, so read at your own risk! 

 

 

1. Manage your expectations

 

Why is it important to manage your expectations as a beginner nail tech? This might sound overrated, but it will help you set realistic goals and a healthy yet balanced perspective as you work as a newbie nail technician. It's not going to be easy to expect a fully booked month without any marketing strategy as a nail tech.

The first few weeks or months can be an overwhelming feeling of excitement and anxiety, but the sooner you know what it's like in the real world of nails, the better. When Catherine arrived at the Russian court and met Peter, the emperor, she had an idealistic perception of life as royalty and romance. This changed when she learned about the cold, hard truth of what it means to be royalty and "adulting".

This is why it's also crucial for you to be prepared before launching your nail business. You can read self-help books or listen to nail industry podcasts to help you gauge the competition and get best practices from nail pros around the world. It's better to manage your expectations and accept the reality that being a newbie doesn't mean you have to know everything instantly; learn throughout the process and enjoy the rollercoaster ride.

 

 

2. Network and collaborate with people 

 

Since Catherine was new to Russian culture and the throne, she didn't have any friends, which made her solitary at the beginning. Soon, she found some friends who were willing to be allies for her cause as empress.

In the industry, being new and a hustler can feel lonely because it can get hard to reach out to people who can mentor and collaborate with you. Our best piece of advice is not to hesitate!

Networking and collaborating with nail techs from all walks of life can help you grow as a nail business owner. Here at iGel Beauty, we have a nail community Facebook group where talented and supportive nail techs and entrepreneurs gather for the love of nails. 

Don't be shy to join our iGel Beauty Army! We're here to help you and support you in your nail journey. You'll definitely need allies and ammunition (nail products) for the long battle ahead.

 

 

3. Establish your name/brand as a nail tech 

 

Of course, once you launch your nail business and become a nail tech, you want to put out the good word that you're there for your clients. You want to build a good reputation in the long run, whether you're selling diy press-on nails or doing nail art designs for clients. When in doubt, go back to your business plan or study how other successful nail techs have done it.

Remember that you have a brand that must stay relevant in this digitally saturated world. Think about Cardi B's nail tech, Jenny Bui, and how she rose to fame for being dedicated to her craft.

Ultimately, it's okay to have ambitions and goals, but you can always do it one step at a time. Catherine had to prove herself to her subjects. You also have to do the same for your clients while you're building your nail business from scratch.

 

 

4. Be strategic as an entrepreneur

 

As you aim to be a successful nail tech in the industry, know that talent or creativity might not be enough; you also have to be strategic in all that you do. After all, you have a business to sustain and run. Catherine learned that she must be strategic in every move.

Always be well-equipped with resources and strive to achieve more. Being strategic will help you propel your business to your intended goals and vision.

 

 

5. Be true to who you are 

 

Catherine learned the hard way to be true to who you are. Sometimes people or society will tell you what you should do or who to be, but you should always trust your instincts and be authentically yourself. When you're running a nail business, it's easy to be swayed by the numerous online tips on how to be a successful nail tech or be envious of the Instagram-worthy nail designs of other nail professionals. 

You have to remember your brand is all about who you are as a nail tech. It's best to stick to your principles and personal boundaries once you're starting your nail tech journey, so you won't have a hard time losing yourself in the process of building your business.

 

 

6. Strive to be better 

 

If you're a newbie nail tech, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, from building your brand to dealing with nail clients. You need to allocate time for practicing your nail designs outside of work to enhance your skills and address your weaknesses. Being in the early stages of your nail tech career, it’s important to remain vigilant and avoid complacency, as the initial years in your business are vital for your brand. 

According to research conducted by CBS Insights, about 20 percent of startups fail due to getting outcompeted. Don't let the fear of competition or failure stop you from running your nail business effectively. In the series, Peter wanted to be a better husband to Catherine, so he did everything to win her affection back for their marriage.

 

 

7. Use your influence for good 

 

You don't have to be a royalty or a top influencer to spread your love for nails! As a nail tech, you can use any platform that feels natural to you to share your nail designs, create a community, and leave a positive impact on the world.

Having a community or a substantial follower base that already appreciates your work before officially becoming a nail tech is a bonus, as it will facilitate enhancing your business. 

Nevertheless, don't forget the essence of being a genuine influencer. Always keep your audience in mind and share your passion with them. Catherine shared her love for the arts with Peter and the Russian court, which led them to embrace arts and culture.

 

 

8. Work on building relationships with your clients 

 

It's not easy to build a community, let alone grow a business alongside, but being a nail tech requires you to wear multiple hats. Your nail clients are a huge factor in building a sustainable nail business, which is why creating a strong relationship with them is essential. Just remember, you and your client have one thing in common: love for your nails. You can use it as a starting point to connect with your clients and make them feel at ease. 

Getting clients can be slow in the beginning, but consistency is key to marketing or promoting your nail business. You will eventually attract your dream clients and have a fully booked calendar in the future as long as you keep moving forward. 

Once you already have a client, please do your best to show them who you are and build your nail tribe as you go. You and your clients are on this nail journey together, so don't forget to bring them along in the process. Peter and Catherine tend to have a love-hate relationship, but they know that they are a team; in this case, your clients are your biggest supporters!

 

 

9.  Doing what you love can be challenging

 

Doing nail art designs as a hobby is different from running a nail business. Being an entrepreneur can be challenging since you have a lot of things on your plate to consider, but it doesn't mean there's no fun in doing them. It's a matter of changing your perspective when you realize you're waking up every morning and doing what you love as a job. That should be enough motivation.

Yes, being new in the nail industry can have its fair share of ups and downs, but just like every journey, it will help you grow as a person and as a nail professional. Catherine has to face a series of challenges and obstacles to achieve her goal of becoming the sole ruler of Russia, and it hasn't been a smooth one. Sometimes, she wants to give up, but her determination still helps her continue, and you should too when things get rough as a nail tech.

 

 

10. You have to fight or stand up for your brand 

 

Do you 100 percent believe in your nail business? How about your capabilities as a nail tech? It's normal for us to doubt ourselves occasionally, but if you truly believe in your brand's vision and goals, you should persevere.

Catherine believed in making Russia a better country than it was, and her rise to being an empress wasn't all bed of roses; she had to fight the doubters and her fears.

The competition in the nail industry can be tricky, and sometimes you need to be thick-skinned and have a good head on your shoulders to carry on despite the hurdles you will encounter. Running a business is never an easy feat, but you can take your business to great heights and places with your bravery and determination. Your success also depends on your mindset and how you approach mental health care. 

 

 

All you need to be is the greatest nail tech you've ever known. Remember, there's no shame in humble beginnings; we're sure you'll achieve great things in time! Join our iGel Beauty Facebook community to connect with like-minded nail professionals! Time to be goal-getters and changemakers!