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

Hi Valerie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Many nail technicians give up within their first few months because they struggle with rising in the industry. I gave up three months into doing nails, I felt very defeated that I wasn’t getting the hang of things. I knew that giving up wasn’t an option for me anymore, my mother motivated me to keep going. I believe in any career you need to have tunnel vision. My main problem was comparing my work to others. Once I stopped caring about everyone else around me, I elevated before my own eyes.

What should our readers know about your business?
My name is Valerie Rodriguez and I am 20 years old. I’m a nail technician/artist in Dallas, TX. I offer acrylic nails, acrylic toes, pedicures, and manicures. Most independent nail technicians do not offer acrylic toes or pedicures so I’m happy to say that it is a high demand service that sets me apart from others. I am most proud of how big my clientele grew in only 4 years of my business. I remember when I had a client a day, and now I have 6-8 clients and am fully booked 5 months ahead.

It was not easy to get to where I am now. I went through many challenges in my career.
In the beginning of 2022 I went through the most traumatic hit in my business. I temporarily quit doing nails for a month and I felt that my business was slipping through my fingers. My heart was broken, I was going through the worst depression. I was having trouble getting licensed and my nail school was not helping at all. They were stealing my hours and giving me a hard time to become licensed. However, I managed to pass my state board and move on to the next chapter. My next goal is to open my own store front in the next few years. The lesson I learned from this, was to trust in God’s timing. Don’t rush yourself, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight, I want the world to know that I put my blood, sweat, and tears into my business, It is a part of me forever. I make it look easy. but trust that everything was a battle for me, every step of the way. Giving up is not going to help your situation in any way. If I could do it, you can too. Go hard in what you’re passionate about, when you do something you love, the money will follow. If it is meant to be, you will know it in your heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy going downtown and viewing the area. Dallas is a beautiful city, You will find the beauty in things every where you go! My favorite activity to do with friends is find a spot downtown and grab something to eat and paint. We just vent to each other and paint our hearts out. It’s a relaxing and fun way to unwind after a stressful week. I don’t drink so my activities may seem boring to others, but it makes my soul happy and that’s all I need.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband has always been my number one supporter. I would have multiple different jobs while doing nails and he always motivated me to focus on my business only. He saw something in me that I didn’t. He continuously invests in my business and he always makes sure that my business has everything it needs. His support, love, and encouragement continuously makes me strive. He sold his car for my business, and gave up everything he had to his name for my business, and for that I thank him.

Instagram: @214nailzbyval

Other: tiktok: @214nailzbyval

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