Meet Viririana Rodriguez

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

Hi Viririana, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in East Arlington, a low-income community predominantly made of immigrants, which has always been important to me. My mom, a hardworking single parent who raised five children on her own, taught us the importance of appreciating the small things in life, working hard, and being grateful for what we have.

Growing up, I didn’t fully understand the sacrifices she made for us. But as I got older, I realized how deeply her resilience and determination shaped me. Not only did it shape me, but it also allowed me to realize that living my dream is a HUGE inspiration to the little girls still living in those communities. 

My mom is my greatest motivation, and I strive to embody her dedication in everything I do. While in nail school, I was asked to create a nail set for my thesis. I proudly created Living the McDream—a tribute to her journey. The name reflects her courage when, at 19, she migrated alone to the U.S. from Mexico. She celebrated the end of her grueling journey on American soil with six cheeseburgers at McDonald’s. The nail set featured a combination of hand-painted nail art and 3D nail art of the six cheeseburgers, Mexico influences, and the Rio Grande. 

Her strength drives me to work hard and achieve success in everything I do. My ultimate goal is to provide her with not only a well-deserved retirement but also to be a physical representation of all her goals and dreams. Her lessons about gratitude remind me that not everyone, especially girls in Mexico or girls in that 76010 community, has the same opportunities I do. Living the McDream represents her resilience and my commitment to pursuing my dreams.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a reflection of my passion for creativity. I specialize in nail art because I’m drawn to complexity, detail, and freedom of expression. I started with graphic design during the pandemic, which sparked my love for creating something unique. My goal is to eventually incorporate an editorial style into my nail designs.

What sets my work apart is my focus on precision, my ability to blend bold colors with intricate patterns, making designs that are both artistic and wearable, and, most importantly, the recognition of my clients to be seen as who they are through their nails. I also take pride in my cuticle work, as I feel it’s always a neglected step. One of my proudest accomplishments is building my brand from scratch, with the support of my siblings, especially my sisters, who spent countless hours in my chair as I refined my skills.

The road to where I am now hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rewarding. Like many creatives, I’ve faced financial struggles, self-doubt, and the competitive beauty industry. The journey is a constant battle, and the challenge has taught me to continue fighting. I want my clients to feel seen and confident in my designs, which reflect my journey of growth, resilience, and passion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first thing we are doing is getting our nails done for the week. After that we will head out to a chill neighborhood, which always leads us to Bishop Arts. We can dance the night away at Lady Love or the Trove, catch a quick pick-me-up at La Reunion, and then end the night at Atlas because their Palomas are to die for. The next day we will grab some amazing pho at Pho Pasteur in Arlington because sopita is life. Afterwards we plan out our thrifting activities and make a stop at Deep Dive Vintage, Texas Thrift, and Dolly Python. Before ending the trip, we would make some scenic stops at the preserve in Cedar Hill and Joe Pool Lake, ending the night at the Trinity overlook in Dallas with a cup of original tart fro-yo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my mom, the foundation of our family. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that much of my drive comes from her. Su amor y apoyo son la base de mi éxito, and I wouldn’t be here today without her. Gracias, AMA —ESTO ES POR TI POR FIN ME PUSE LAS PILAS. 

A big thank you to my classmates and mentor, who supported my journey from the start and saw the artist in me even when I couldn’t see it myself. There were countless times that I wanted to give up, especially when my car was broken into and my nail supplies were stolen. These friends lent me their nail supplies while I worked to replenish them. Without their generosity, I don’t think I would have made it out of nail school. No estaría aquí hoy sin su ayuda y apoyo. I’m forever grateful for them. 

Lastly, a shout-out to my siblings, whose incredible work ethic and determination inspire me daily. A very special thanks to my sister, Ashley, who introduced me to the beauty industry. As a cosmetologist, she would come home with her school cart full of goodies, and I would steal her nail polish to experiment on her favorite porcelain dolls. Her struggles as an artist and her fuel to see her siblings succeed have always helped me shape my business motto. Her hard lessons and guidance have prevented me from falling on my face, and for that I am grateful. My older sister’s boyfriend, Alberto, motivated me to record content when I was unsure of where to start. I remember him saying that people were going to hate, but that wasn’t a reason to hide. In the midst of the hate, there would be a greater group of support, and those are the ones who make what I do worth it all. Thank you for helping me overcome my anxiety and embrace opportunities that I knew were right for me. Los amo tanto.

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