Today we’d like to introduce you to Walkidia.
Hi Walkidia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began long before KNAD Lounge was ever created. I’ve spent over thirteen years in the beauty industry, growing not just as a professional, but as a woman who learned that healing, purpose, and service are deeply intertwined. KNAD Lounge was born during a chapter of my life that required complete rebirth. Out of heartbreak and hardship came a divine vision — to build something far greater than a salon.
I founded Nail Bar KNAD Lounge PMA™ — Where Luxury Meets Legacy™ as a sanctuary where luxury meets healing. I wanted to create a space where women feel seen, valued, and renewed — not just polished on the outside, but uplifted from within. KNAD operates as a Private Membership Association, which allows us to cultivate community, privacy, and wellness through beauty experiences designed to restore confidence and balance.
KNAD is more than a beauty brand; it’s a legacy and empire in the making. From our signature services to our KNAD Cares™ initiatives, every detail carries intention. What started with one woman and a vision has now expanded into a movement supported by the KNAD Empress Network — an incredible team who believes in the mission and walks beside me in faith, purpose, and excellence.
Our growth has been organic yet powerful. The community has embraced KNAD with love, calling it “therapy disguised as luxury.” That validation keeps me grounded in my mission to continue creating, mentoring, and expanding.
KNAD continues to grow, and with that growth comes an open invitation to those who feel touched, empowered, and aligned with our purpose. We’re building a future that welcomes talented, driven professionals who see beauty as more than a service — but as a statement of self-worth, strength, and legacy.
Every step of this journey has been guided by grace. I didn’t just build a nail bar — I built a reflection of every woman’s divine worth.
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?
My journey hasn’t been without its storms. In fact, KNAD Lounge was born from one. I faced betrayal, financial setbacks, and moments where I felt like I had to start from zero — not just in business, but in life. Yet, it was through those seasons of loss and isolation that I found divine clarity. I realized that every closed door was redirecting me toward my higher purpose.
There were moments I questioned if rebuilding was even possible, but I held onto faith. I reminded myself that resilience is not about avoiding pain — it’s about transforming it into purpose. Those experiences didn’t break me; they built the foundation of who I’ve become today.
One of my biggest lessons was learning that luxury without integrity is empty. I wanted KNAD to stand for something deeper — a sanctuary where beauty, authenticity, and alignment coexist. I learned to protect my vision fiercely, even when others didn’t understand it. I learned that not everyone meant to join your journey is meant to stay — and that’s okay.
Through it all, I discovered the power of community. Every client, supporter, and team member who believed in KNAD became part of the healing that rebuilt me. That’s why I built KNAD as a Private Membership Association — to create an intentional community where people could experience care, creativity, and connection without compromise.
The biggest lesson? You can’t build legacy from comfort. Every trial, every tear, and every test prepared me to lead with grace, protect with wisdom, and pour into others from a place of truth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m Walkidia Maldonado, Founder and CEO of Nail Bar KNAD Lounge PMA™ — Where Luxury Meets Legacy™.
KNAD was born from a divine mission rather than a business plan. After thirteen years in the beauty industry and a personal rebirth through adversity, I envisioned a sanctuary where every client feels seen, renewed, and empowered.
Nail Bar KNAD Lounge PMA™ is more than a beauty business — it’s a private, membership-based sanctuary where self-care meets legacy. Our foundation is built on principles of exclusivity, empowerment, and spiritual alignment.
What do we do?
We specialize in luxury nail care experiences that blend beauty, wellness, and mindfulness. Our services are designed to elevate confidence, promote relaxation, and restore inner balance — from our KNAD Signature Luxe Services™ to our Deluxe Ritual Experience™— we specialize in Manicures, Pedicures and Nail Extension Services.
What sets us apart from others?
KNAD operates as a Private Membership Association under the protection of the KNAD Legacy Trust. This structure allows us to provide intentional, high-standard services that prioritize privacy, purpose, and authenticity. Every element — from our curated environment to our client rituals — is built to make guests feel seen, valued, and renewed.
We also protect our intellectual property and proprietary experiences, ensuring that our brand’s creativity and standards remain uncompromised. At KNAD, luxury isn’t just an offering — it’s a reflection of the integrity, alignment, and heart behind every detail.
What are we known for?
KNAD is known for turning ordinary beauty services into transformative experiences. Our guests often say that visiting KNAD feels like “therapy disguised as luxury.” We’re also recognized for our seasonal events, like The KNAD PRIME Experience™, and our outreach initiative, Polished with Purpose — A KNAD Cares™ Experience, which uplifts young women through self-care and mentorship.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
I’m most proud that KNAD has become a movement. It’s a growing legacy supported by an extraordinary team — the Empress Network — who each bring their unique expertise and leadership to our mission. Together, we’re creating a foundation that will outlive trends and continue empowering others through beauty, purpose, and education.
What do you want readers to know about KNAD?
KNAD continues to grow, and we welcome those who feel inspired, touched, and aligned with our vision. With our mission to expand, we’re also open to connecting with driven, purpose-led nail professionals who wish to grow with us and contribute to this evolving legacy.
Ultimately, KNAD Lounge PMA™ is not just a destination — it’s an experience, a movement, and a reflection of what happens when faith, artistry, and purpose unite.
As we continue to grow, KNAD remains open to individuals who feel aligned with our mission — especially talented, goal-driven nail professionals who see their craft as a calling. Together, we are building a new standard in the beauty industry — one rooted in purpose, protection, and power.
I’m proud that KNAD has become a movement — one that represents healing, faith, and empowerment wrapped in elegance. Being able to merge entrepreneurship with purpose, and to now be recognized by Orlando Voyager, confirms that this vision was worth fighting for.
I’m also proud of the Empress Network, KNAD’s founding leadership circle — the first to stand beside me as this vision came to life. I count with an empowering team of great support and loyalty. The KNAD Team consist of:
• Samantha Torres —
CEO of Montesi Natural Beauty Products, Samantha embodies collaboration, integrity, long-term vision and loyal support that has helped KNAD move forward in alignment to which has earned her our Legacy Partner Title. As KNAD’s Legacy Partner, she represents the brand across professional and creative networks, advancing KNAD’s mission through brand collaborations, photoshoots, and community partnerships.
• Lourdes Leon Power —
CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Central FL, Lourdes is our Advisory Leader and brings visionary leadership and strategic foresight to KNAD. Her guidance helps shape KNAD’s growth with clarity, empowerment, and a culture of purpose-driven excellence.
• JayVion McVadian —
Founder of Mcvadian Entertainment, JayVion is our Brand Ambassador & Influencer serving as a credible voice for KNAD across entertainment and business spheres. His authenticity and dedication elevate KNAD’s visibility, bridging beauty, culture, and influence with passion and loyalty.
As KNAD continues to grow— together, this alliance stands as a prestige network of visionary men and women — united in empowering the brand, uplifting the community, and cultivating KNAD’s long-term legacy.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t measured by numbers, titles, or applause — it’s measured by alignment. True success is waking up each day and knowing that what I do serves a greater purpose. It’s when my work, my faith, and my heart move in the same direction.
Success is peace of mind, knowing that I’m walking in my divine assignment. It’s the quiet moments when I see a client smile because they feel renewed, or when a team member steps into their purpose through KNAD’s vision. That’s when I know I’m fulfilling what I was called to do.
For me, success is legacy — creating something that will continue to impact lives long after I’m gone. It’s watching KNAD evolve into an empire built on integrity, creativity, and empowerment. It’s seeing my team thrive, my clients grow, and my story inspire others to believe that rebuilding is possible.
Ultimately, success is not about reaching a destination — it’s about remaining faithful and purposeful throughout the journey.
Pricing:
- KNAD Subscription – $16.99/month Grants members access to exclusive perks including after-hours booking privileges, early event access, member-only updates, and private news releases through the KNAD Lounge Subscription App.
- VIP Membership – $100/month Includes one monthly spa gel manicure or pedicure combo, priority booking, access to exclusive events, and member-only pricing on upgrades.
- ELITE Membership – $200/year Annual access to locked-in rates, early event invitations, loyalty rewards, and participation in KNAD’s Royalty Referral Club™.
- KNAD Cares™ Signature Events – Pricing Varies Seasonal luxury experiences with a purpose, blending beauty, philanthropy, and empowerment. Designed to uplift and give back to the community.
- ✨ All memberships and subscriptions are offered exclusively through KNAD Lounge PMA™. Every experience is intentional — designed to cultivate self-care, connection, and legacy through beauty and purpose. ✨ While KNAD Lounge PMA™ operates as a Private Membership Association, we also warmly welcome non-members who wish to experience our services. Every guest receives the same level of excellence, care, and intentionality that defines our brand. Membership simply unlocks deeper privileges, priority access, and exclusive opportunities within our growing KNAD ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nails_knad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19DDC52yao/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nailsknadllc
- Twitter: https://x.com/nailsknad
- Yelp: Nail Bar KNAD Lounge
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nailsknad
Image Credits
•Photography by KNAD Lounge PMA™
•Creative Direction by Walkidia Maldonado
•Branding & Design by KNAD Legacy Trust™
