Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariyon Johnson.
Hi Ariyon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
So how I started doing nails was such an impulsive decision that I honestly didn’t dream of me being here now. At the time I was just 20, working at a pharmacy answering phones all day (which I hated) and I was kind of stuck where I was trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do, I was going through a tough time in my personal life and just needed boost of something that would make me feel like myself again. i knew I loved everything beauty since I was in highschool I literally can do it all (makeup/hair,) so one day I just got tired of spending all my checks on mani/pedis I said let’s see if I can do my own nails and I started with a $50 Amazon nail kit with the worst products ever. I practiced day in and day out which I drove my mom crazy being up at 2am doing my nails. The products were so cheap the smell was so bad no one could sleep because of me. And I kept at it for about 4 months before I even took my first client (which was my sister) haha. I worked so hard being consistent on social media almost posting content everyday just to get 2-4 clients in a month. Now I’m at a point where my average is 20-30 clients a month sometimes more or less and I still love every part of it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road for me which I feel like not a lot of service providers in the beauty industry talk about, and it’s actually pretty normal. I didnt start off with thousands of followers or even friends because when I started doing nails I was only living in Florida at this time for about 5 years. Most of the time people have grown up with their friends since they were kids and here I am moving to Florida at 14 when I already had my friends of my own back home in Indiana. So I didn’t have much of a support system that wasn’t my family here with me to help with getting my name out there. Nor did I even know anything about running a business or how to market myself but I didn’t let that stop me. Not many times did I have problems with clients but if I did I always tired my best to handle it to the best of my ability, which has gotten better with trial and error
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I do is make my clients visions come to life. I always call myself an artist because that’s what I am outside of nails, I can draw make anything out of nothing, and can all around just create. I specialize in acrylic nails & acrylic toes but I do want to venture off into other nail related things like press ons and classes which I’m slowly building up to that but I for sure want to take it to the next level this year. I think what sets me apart from others is I’m versatile in my work and I offer toe services and not a lot of nail techs in my area do that unless they’re working at a shop but I think it’s a little different when it’s your own private nail tech I offer just a little more TLC in my services.. To add that, what I’m most proud of is how much nails has helped me mentally, I suffer from anxiety and every moth/day I challenge myself to step out of my shell a little more and more, from making small talk or reaching out on my on & I’ve even mad a few good friends from it & I think that’s been a huge step in my life.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would love for them to know that I’m a hard worker, I truly care about the health and comfort of my clients. I go above & beyond for each of them & can’t wait for everyone to see with this year brings. One more thing I’ve gotten asked a lot is do i sponsor events/fashion shows and or weddings and yes I do! I appreciate the support and you guys taking the time out to speak with me thank you so much!
Pricing:
- $65-$200
- $500-$700
Contact Info:
- Email: Arijnailz@gmail.com
- Website: Nailedbyarij.as.me
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nailedbyarij?utm_medium=copy_link
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdPj3NaK/
Image Credits
Splittrunkinc
