Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomasha Williams.
Hi Tomasha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Well, I actually got into doing nails when I was about 14 or 15, I was a nail biter and needed something to cover my nails that I couldn’t bite through. I would say I was uhm okay lol then life came about and doing nails went out the window. By the time I turned 16 I was faithfully getting my nails done at Glamour Nails & Spa on Curry Ford. I am the type of person that analyzes what people do because I always want to try something new, so I watched how my nail tech Andy did my nails over the years. I am very very picky about my nails and he did everything I would ask with no complaints and it would be to perfection, I appreciated that he loved what he did so much that he took his time to give the customer exactly what they wanted while making jokes the entire time lol which you have to love. It felt like a second home and I admired that genuine all-natural customer service, especially this day and age. By the time I turned 27 and quarantine was upon us I decided that I needed to again learn to do my own nails since we were stuck at home what else was there to do. I bought literally everything you can think of in the beginning lol you can say I’m a bit impulsive when I want to learn something, but I looked at it as a future investment. I would say I was doing pretty good if I might say so myself to be self-taught from just watching my nail tech in person and YouTube videos lol. My true motivation to make the big step to go all-in was due to being tired of working for places that just care about money, that’s not me I like to help people and make them feel comfortable and good about themselves. I was a property manager for the community I live in and just knew I was in the wrong industry yes; I could help people which I loved but it’s not fulfilling when you can only do but so much as there are others above you who don’t share the same passion for people or even morals in general. While I was working, I went to school for a nail specialist, everyone said do cosmetology but I just knew specifically what I wanted to do. I officially got my license in February of 2021 as a birthday gift to myself, quit my job same year, and never looked back. I must say it’s been up from there by the grace of GOD! I’ve been able to work for some great places such as Art Beauty Spa in Metrowest and currently at Legacy Nails in Altamonte, a black-owned woman-owned nail salon! By the way, I prayed to work in a black-owned nail salon and by GOD the ad for Legacy Nails popped up I took a chance to see if they were hiring and it was definitely one of the best decisions, I ever made for myself in this industry. These women I work with are all amazing at what they do, everyone has their own way of doing nails, and no matter what each set that leaves that salon is amazing even the simple sets. I’m surrounded by women who are not in competition with one another but share the same passion as me and to teach and provide knowledge to one another know to help us all grow, that’s RARE! I prayed for this and got so much more than I expected out of this journey into this new career. The amount of people supporting me like my boyfriend, his sister (my live nail hand thanks you lol), my mom, amongst many others is more than I could ask for I love it and appreciate the love and support. I’m really happy at this point in my life, I’m able to do what I love all in one which is a freedom to create, great conversations, and to create positive vibes and space for people to feel comfortable. I absolutely love what I do stay tuned this is only the beginning for Nails By AquarianLocs…
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It was not a smooth ride at all smh, it was very frustrating in the beginning especially only being able to practice on a fake hand or myself, when for me someone that is not myself would be so much easier lol, they can actually help critique me, but due to quarantine, everyone I knew was not leaving their home to go anywhere. As months went by, I talked my younger sister into being my first live test hand, let’s just say she’ll never be back lol. Luckily one day my boyfriend’s older sister offered to let me practice on her and she would provide constructive criticism since she always had her nails done and her nail tech was bomb, so I appreciated her leaving those amazing sets for my practice but clearly, she saw something I didn’t. I was a little defensive the first few sets as I felt like at times, she and my boyfriend would hang up on me about things but in all honesty, it wasn’t that I just knew I was already trying hard and they were just pushing me past my comfort zone which is exactly what I needed. There are still some daily struggles but I have such a great support system around me at work and at home and GOD always on my side that I can get through anything!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a licensed nail specialist. I specialize in acrylic sculpting, pedicures, and natural nail extensions.
I’m most proud of my natural nail extension alternatives to acrylic such as what is known as GelX. It’s a full cover gel tip that adheres to the nail with a gel that is cured under a UV/LED light. I absolutely love this system. It’s a quick application, last up to 2-3 weeks depending on client care, provides all different shapes, and can be used with gel polish, dip powder, even acrylic. It’s been my go-to for myself, it’s actually the first method I learned when I decided I wanted to do my own nails back in 2020. I just loved the method for myself that honestly everyone I meet I tell them about it lol I’m truly an advocate for everything I love. It’s been a truly great alternative for a lot of my clients who have great natural nail beds who want to protect their nails from as many chemicals as possible.
What sets me apart from others is truly ME lol! Yeah, people come for the service being provided but to me, it’s an experience with a client not just a transaction to me. Don’t forget the dope energy✨
I make people feel comfortable even when I’m not trying to and people just pour themselves out to me. At times it’s overwhelming because if you know me you just know lol but I love it at the same time because you never know how much you have in common with clients, what you can learn from them, teach them, even help them through. It’s probably the best part of the job! It’s definitely like being a nail technician and therapist in one lol
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Have faith and all that I want will come at the RIGHT time!
A lot sooner than later in this case by the grace of GOD. My faith has really gotten me this far, I know I’m being led in the right direction in all aspects of life, that’s why I truly have no worries in anything that I do. I ask for what I want and continue to work towards perfecting my craft that’s it. Simple as that no stress no worries no nothing it’s been an amazing journey when I remember that each day. My faith will only get stronger from here!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@nailsbyaquarianlocs.com
- Website: www.nailsbyaquarianlocs.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/nailsbyaquarianlocs
- Facebook: Facebook.com/nailsbyaquarianlocs
- Other: https://legacy1.fullslate.com/employees/1108
