Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattison Mattson.
Hi Mattison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been interested in nails and nail art. I grew up very artsy, always drawing. painting or coloring. I remember spending hours as a teen sitting at my kitchen table, trying to recreate water marble and newspaper print nails that I would see on Pinterest. When I was able to start getting my nails done at salons, it was always a struggle to actually get what I wanted. Most salons I would go to were great at solid colors or french tips, but when it came to more intricate designs, I was out of luck. In 2022, after seeing multiple Tiktok videos of people doing their nails at home using Gel-X, I thought I would try my hand at it. I’d always loved watching the process while getting my nails done, and I figured who better to give me crazy, funky nails than myself? The first set took me nine hours and was absolutely hideous, but I was hooked. It became my favorite hobby. I would change my nails weekly, and the more I practiced, the better my nails looked. Eventually I started having friends ask me to do their nails for special events, and even strangers complimenting me and asking me who my nail tech was. In August of 2023, I was deeply unhappy working as a receptionist, so I decided to take the leap and go to nail school. I threw myself into school, and was so excited to finally be working towards something that I was really passionate about. I graduated from the nail technician program in January of 2024, and in February of 2024, with the help of my friend Andreya Castaneda-a wonderful artist I met in the nail program-we opened Moon Rabbit Nail Studio, our shared studio space. We were both scared to be jumping straight from nail school into owning our own businesses, but we knew that ultimately, we wanted to be in charge of ourselves. I had considered working in a salon to get my foot in the door, but I wanted to be able to form bonds with my clients, and have them leave my chair with nails that I am proud to send out the door. I didn’t know if the hustle and bustle of a typical salon would be right for me. It ended up being the right decision though-I am now almost two years into running my business, and I have a wonderful group of clients who have supported me and hyped me up so much. I genuinely love what I do. I love getting to form friendships with my clients, making them feel beautiful for special occasions and just for daily life. I don’t think the novelty of getting to spend all day painting, yapping, and laughing has quite worn off yet, but I hope it never does.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing is ever easy, so of course there has been some bumps along the way. Making it through nail school was one. We were the first ever nail technician program at the cosmetology school I attended, so I don’t think they were fully prepared for us. They didn’t have adequate supplies for us, we were passed around to multiple teachers, and there were even a few weeks where we didn’t have an instructor, and were left with online courses to teach us. Another obstacle, and probably the main obstacle I still face today is Imposter Syndrome. It has been really difficult for me to believe in myself, to believe that my art is something that people could want on their bodies. I’m just some random art gremlin, not anyone special. It’s something that I am working on though, and something I’m sure lots of other creatives struggle with. The longer I have been a nail artist, the easier it gets to believe people when they compliment my work, or tell me they admire me. It also gets easier to admit that I am proud of myself. I am proud of the business I have built, the relationships I have with my clients, and of the art that I create.
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?
I am a nail technician and artist that specializes in Gel-X extensions, structured gel manicures, and funky, hand painted nail art. Most people come to me for really fun, creative, maximalist nails. I love to do sets that include lots of different colors, textures, materials and techniques. Something I’m really proud of with my work, is my ability to combine many different inspiration photos into one set of nails. My clients can bring in ten completely random inspiration photos and I will find a way to make them all work together. Those types of sets are probably some of my favorite to do. I think something that sets me apart from others is that there is very little that I will say no to when it comes to nail art. I am always down to try some new technique or product, and my ultimate goal is for my client to leave absolutely thrilled with their nails, so if you want it, I will do my best to provide it!
How do you define success?
Success to me is really defined by the quality of the relationships I build with my clients. When I do nails, I don’t want it to feel like a purely transactional meeting. I want them to feel like they can talk to me as a friend, share stories about their lives, and relax while in my chair. If I can build a relationship with a client that keeps them coming back, not only for my art, but because they genuinely enjoy the time they spend in my space, then I would consider myself successful. I don’t have huge aspirations to open my own salon and have a bunch of people working under me. I see nothing wrong with keeping my business small and fostering the friendships I build with my clients.
Pricing:
- The Basics- $85
- Simple Art- $100
- Moderate Art- $115
- Intricate Art-$130
- Extreme Art-$140
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nailgremlin.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: nail.gremlin
