Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Rivas.
Hi Kay, 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?
Where do I even begin? Five years ago, I made the best decision of my life. Did I know I would come this far? Absolutely not. Back then, during the height of COVID, I dropped out of college. I realized that I was going to school not for myself, but to prove to others that I was capable, that I was intelligent, and that I had talent. I wasn’t truly pursuing what I loved. After dropping out, I went straight to a technical school, driven by fear and the feeling that I was running out of time. Little did I know, I would fall in love with doing nails. Makeup was my first passion, but then nails came into my life, and it felt like a perfect fit.
Growing up, I was always curious, eager to learn new skills. Art was something I had always loved, and I knew I wanted to build a career around it. But I never imagined I could apply my artistic talents to nails. I graduated in October 2020, during the pandemic, when everything was shut down. I started by doing free sets in my garage, then slowly raised my prices from $10 to $15, and eventually $20. As I grew, I decided to apply to a nail salon. I worked there for a year before going solo for three years, then returned to that same salon for another year. After that, I went back to being solo. Over the last five years, I’ve faced failures and grown in ways I never could have imagined. If I hadn’t failed, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve learned so much, and I’m still learning.
I have so many role models I look up to, like @nailz_by_dev, @chaunlegend, and @vivxue. Right now, I’m working in a makeup store while doing nails on the side—before work, after work, and on my days off. It can lead to burnout, but I love it, and I can’t even begin to express how far I’ve come. It’s been a long journey, and I’m proud of how much I’ve accomplished.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To be honest.. it wasn’t.. it took a lot to be where I’m at right now. If if wasn’t my family pushing me I wouldn’t be here. I failed multiple times and I still get up and try even if it’s not how I want it.. I still learn from it!!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m specialized as a nail artist and makeup artist I do Acrylic, Gelx, builder gel , makeup and more!! I’m known for “you do everything” lol but I just enjoy doing my job.
What I’m most proud of is, I reached out to one my favorite makeup influencer to do her nails and she reached out!! And had the opportunity to do her nails!! @itsisabelbedoya
What sets me apart from others is that I really do enjoy making other woman be pretty and feel pretty like knowing that I can do nails and also do make up at the same time has always been a passion of mine. Does it make me different? No.. what I can say is that I am blessed and appreciate to have the talent that I have now. Because working from place to place and offering service from left to right has made me grown to the artist that I am now.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The good luck that has played into my life is meeting the right people to network
Pricing:
- Short sets : $45
- Medium: :$55
- Long: :$65
- xxl: $80
- Full face: :$60-$130
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsbykaayyy
Image Credits
@nailsbykaayyy
