Today we’d like to introduce you to Marell Thomas
Hi Marell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I served 9 years in the military right out of High School, and after separating from the Air Force in Washington State, moved to Austin,TX. I went to work for a federal agency for 2 years. But I had always had a passion for doing nails since I was in High School, I used to do nail art and acrylic sets on lunch hour, polish nails and did pedicures on my family members. More and more as time went on I felt the urge to come back to it. So I put my entrepreneurial hat on and went to Cosmetology – Manicurist School, after graduation and obtaining my license I decided to open up shop with a ‘She Shed’, and after a lot of hard work, effort and lots of support from my family and friends I was able to open up my small business, my very own nail salon Nailed by Marell.
Alright, 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?
It’s been an interesting road, I’ve had to learn a lot on how to run a business, be a professional in that business and most importantly building clientele. Just getting the structure of the salon put together, gathering materials for the interior, and putting it altogether had me questioning this route of work. But once it was complete I felt better about the plan to work for myself and be a nail tech in the community. There’s always more to learn when running your own business so I make sure to constantly read and to stay up on any new information that may come out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an independent nail technician and I specialize in Structured Manicures using Builder Gel. I also provide Full Set Acrylic nails as well. I am most proud of learning and honing in on my understanding of the builder gel technique. There are many mediums in the nail world that can be used to create nail enhancements, and though I’ve want to be a jack of all trades I most definitely want to be a master of one. It’s so important to me to stay up on nail trends, applications, and learn all that I can. I want my clients to be satisfied when they leave my chair at the end of the day.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
The way I see it life is all about taking risks, I never want to sit and wonder to myself ‘what if?’ You really do miss all the opportunities you don’t take, or the times you were too scared to try. The outcome could be very beneficial and even if it’s not there was still something to learn from what you did. Leaving the federal government and going out on a limb to open my own independent nail business was a huge risk, but through it I’m learning so much and am meeting some of the best people. I try my best to see the positive in things and with me being a dreamer risks are always going to be involved so I say even if you are afraid do the thing while being afraid. Plus we don’t have too many places to go and things to do where I’m located so it’s nice to be able to be the local nail tech in my area, everyone needs some pampering.
Pricing:
- Full Set Acrylic $40 +
- Structured Gel Manicure $45
- Basic Gel Manicure $35
- Spa Pedicure $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nailedbymarell.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailedbymarell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nailedbymarell
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nailedbymarell
Image Credits
Headshot Photos: @laiheartcreationsllc
