Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyeisa Durant.
Hi Kyeisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in D.C. I’ve been doing nails now for 3 years. I was fired from my teaching job years ago and something in me didn’t feel drawn to working for others anymore, risking getting fired or let go when they felt like it. I started braiding hair and eventually ended up randomly taking a nail class. I took the class and became drawn to nails, but specifically nail art. I completed an accelerated Nail Technician program (3 months), took my test a couple months afterwards, and got my Nail License!
I started to focus on nails in D.C. and built my clientele, which in turn became a safe space/peace for me. My clients also built close relationships with me.
I obtained a mentor this past Spring (Porcha Reed/Queen of Bling) and met her where she shared her knowledge with me about the nail industry.
I always wanted to move and felt really drawn to Florida. After having no luck with searching for places in Miami, I spoke with Porcha & she invited me to work in her shop. So, I started looking for places in Orlando and once I secured a place the first week in July, I moved here at the end of July.
Once I got to Orlando, I set up in the shop in about 2 days and got started doing nails right away aiming to build clientele. Since I’ve moved, I have had a few old clients fly down from D.C. just to get their nails done by me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but I feel like that is the beauty within the journey. It makes you appreciate it that much more. I’ve had times where I didn’t have consistent clients, ongoing personal tragedies, mental health struggles, people who didn’t believe in me, etc. Becoming a businesswoman out of the blue and running your business by yourself is difficult, especially if you don’t have guidance.
There are times when everything is great, but it’s not linear. Prayer has guided my entire journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a nail artist who specializes in hand-painted drawings and portraits on nails. I’m known for my precise cartoon paintings on nails and creative freestyle sets.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My son and being able to express myself in creative ways. It literally feels good to express myself in the way that I choose. There’s also power in having a choice, too. My son makes me happy because he is such a blessing to my life.
Pricing:
- $100 Freestyle Special
Contact Info:
- Website: www.butterflyyworks.com
- Instagram: @kybutterflyyworks
Image Credits
Kyeisa Durant
