We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vee Salinas. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Vee, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I would say creating art, I have found a peace in making my artistic visions come to life rather it be on nails or creating something with my hands. I tend to lose track of time when I am focusing of a project and really enjoying myself! When I am painting or making something i find my self feeling a child like joy once I realize the project in my hands is in my control and I can make it to be whatever I would like it to become!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Veronica Salinas but you can call me Vee! I am a Proud Hispanic austin native who enjoys being called a unicorn (austin local) every opportunity I get! I have always had a love for this city and have always wanted an opportunity to give back to it.
Growing up in austin always felt special to me. From exploring the city with friends to getting lost on the metro bus but something that always stuck out to me was the artwork. From castle hill to the random murals around town there was always something exciting and really gave me a sense of culture and community. I’ve always loved art and crafting things. I became a mom at 18 and experienced adulthood long before I was ready or even knew who I was or what I liked. As the years went on and I found myself in some rough positions. I used art as a way of healing from trauma and self expression and eventually turned it into a career!
My goal one day is to give back to my community especially to the women in my community who may be feeling stuck or scared to chase their dreams . I want to be living breathing proof that even from rock bottom there is always a way up. I want to inspire young girls and my children to never give up on themselves or their dreams.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person I would say saw me clearly before I saw myself would be my husband. He has supported me from when my dreams of becoming a nail artist were just dreams. I remember him buying me my first nail kit when we were dating and told me he had faith in me and my skills and to pursue them. He supported me when I was learning and in school getting my license. He kept me Motivated and supported me not only mentally but physically. He has always been my biggest fan and never stopped cheering me on even on the days I wanted to quit.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes ! Many. Going through cosmetology school made me realize a few things about the beauty industry. One of them being cosmetology school covers the BARE BASICS and sanitation. Which is great but as someone trying to learn a new skill it made me realize it was exactly that. A SKILL. If it came naturally, great . If not then you would have to practice practice practice. Luckily before going to cosmetology school I had been practicing doing nails already for a few years but I did learn a lot so it wasn’t all bad. It how ever did NOT prepare me for my first real salon job which I started just 3 months after graduation! Safe to say the first week I cried at least 2 or 3 times questing myself and my skills . My husband and other nail artist on my salon encouraged me to just keep going and the more practice I get the better I will become. Looking back to the first few sets I had done versus my current workI am Glad I listened and didn’t give up!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I feel like my closest friends would say my family and quality time with my kids matters the most to me. I have 3 beautiful children and 1 who will make their appearance in 2026! When people ask why I started doing nails I tell them not only have I always loved nails I also have a daughter and getting beauty services for both of
Us!? Yeah I’ll learn how to do it myself! So I did! It’s honestly been an amazing bonding experience between mother and daughter being able to do her nails and hair. And knowing about skincare for my sons or hair cuts . I also wanted to give my kids something out of the ordinary 9-5 life to look up to like I was used to for so long. I want them to not be scared to follow their dreams even if that doesn’t look like what everyone else around them is doing!
The think I love most about this industry is you really do get to work on your own schedule and don’t have to feel guilty about it or begging someone to let you off for a day. I love the flexibility it gives me to be able to get up with my children and get them ready for the day and still be able
To be there after school to make dinner or go to their events. Just having that peace of mind knowing I can still be the present parent I’ve always wanted to be for them
And still have the career of my dreams.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am in the beginning stages of doing what I was born to do. I say beginning stages because I am still perfecting my craft and there is still much to learn about the beauty industry and how it impacts the world. I fully believe there are bigger things coming from this and in have big dreams and plans for giving back and uplifting my community and other women in my community who have felt like life defeated them!
Growing up I was always told to pick the “safe” routes . Jobs with “stability” and benefits but really they were just draining me mentally and physically and I felt so lost in who I was as a person. Now with my career o have built off my own talents I can proudly say who I am and the things I stand for. I no longer feel the need to take the safe route I have chosen to leave it in gods hands and just see where it takes me!
Also the bonds I’ve made with my clients is so beautiful. Hearing all types of different life story’s and perspectives , from break ups to engagements and sometimes nail appointments unintentionally turn in to much needed and therapeutic girl time so if that means I’m a open hear and a hand to hold for a few hours then count me in!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anythinggforsalinass_?igsh=OGF4Z3NsN2RvbHI1&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/veenailedit_?igsh=MWRiYzhhZ2ZlN3cxMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
