Today we’d like to introduce you to Omairis Santiago.
Hi Omairis, 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?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story. It all starts back in 2013 when I went to a local nail salon to get a manicure. When the tech started on my nails, I tried to tell her how I wanted to get them done but I felt she didn’t even acknowledge, understand or care to listen to what I wanted for my nails. The final result wasn’t what I asked for or wanted. The next day I returned to the salon to get it fixed. They were nice about me returning to get it repaired but they charged me for a complete new set that was needed because of original mistake. At that point, I couldn’t believe that I paid twice for a manicure because they didn’t take the time to listen to me as their customer, and it still wasn’t the french manicure I was asking for, so I left unhappy for a second time.
This situation inspired me to become a nail technician. A week later I enrolled in beauty school, worked in a salon for experience, and did research online to learn as much as I could so I could be different, stand out and be the best out there. Because of my bad experience my husband, Luis, paid for me to go to nail school. Luis motivates me to be better. He saw my passion, he continues to inspire me and sees my art in a different way than I see it. I wouldn’t be able to be where I am today or even do what I do without him. While I grow as a person and with my business, he is by my side supporting me in every way. While I’m working, he takes care of our family including our dogs. He truly is my other half in life.
As my business grew in the beginning, I continued to strive towards my goals to become the best nail technician I could be. I did manicures and pedicures for my neighbors, friends, and family, which gave me so much joy. Then, one day I was on social media, and I noticed a pregnant woman asking for a recommendation for a mobile nail technician to come to her house for a manicure and pedicure before she had the baby. I didn’t hesitate and replied, “Yes, I could do it. I am a licensed nail technician.” The day after servicing her, the pregnant woman from my appointment the day prior raved about the service that she received, and to my surprise I had over 40 new messages from women asking if I could do a mobile appointment for them. And because of this my mobile salon PolishedbyOmairis was born!
I’m passionate about my career and love my clients as if they are family! I feel fortunate that I’m able to spoil my clients with my touch, educate and share my knowledge. I understand that every client’s needs and wants are very different. I truly pray for the clients I need in my life rather than want. My clients have become more than my clients, they are my tribe. Our bond is so unique, we have come together as one to help not only each other but others in our community.
My first visit with a new client is very unique. It’s usually lengthy because I educate the client during their service, I explain the process of each service and the protocol on how I don’t cause any cross-contamination by using a new file, buffer, and gloves on each person. I want to make sure that at the end of the appointment, the client is happy with the results that they receive. This is why I do what I do because I feel that it is so important to receive a personalized touch and a unique experience so my clients can walk out feeling happy with the way they look and feel!
As I was building my business four years ago, I was giving a pedicure to a client who was in hospice and was dying from cancer. On our last appointment, I will never forget she looked at me and said, “Omairis, I’m not ready to go.” Days later, I got the call from her daughter about her passing, and at the time of the phone call, I was driving by a homeless shelter on the way to my next appointment. Later that week, I saw a post about a nonprofit homeless shelter asking for volunteers to provide services such as barbers, stylists, etc. I heard her voice in my head saying those words, and after hearing of her passing I felt and knew in my heart I had to do something to allow her spirit to live on. I volunteer to allow my patient’s memory to still live after her death. I volunteer the last Tuesday of the month because that is the Tuesday I would have serviced her. These are small ways I embrace her memory. I use the tips from my clients to pay for the additional tools I need for my services at the shelter, and I continue to volunteer there once a month since I started four years ago. I can’t forget the joy on the faces of some of the people as they are grateful and happy to receive my services.
I feel very blessed to be able to give back to others. Every time I polish a nail at the shelter, I think of my client who passed away from cancer, and I feel that she gave me this gift of opportunity so I can help others. I also give back once a year in an event I created myself called “The gift of Giving”. Since the beginning of my business I wanted to give back to the same community that started my business so in the holidays, I rent out a space and give free manicures.
I feel blessed to be able to do this job and grateful for the opportunities and the trust of my clients. I have inspired and helped other women entrepreneurs through my story and have become friends with most of them. We have talked, laughed, cried, shared a cup of coffee while I’m fortunate enough to change a part of their day. I want to change the world and it’s concept of a “nail salon” with my touch one manicure at a time and every client to be happy with their nails after I am done spoiling them. I have always told them if they are not happy, I will redo them for free because their happiness is everything for me.
If their nail chips or breaks for any reason, I will come back and fix it for no charge because my goal is always to make sure my client is happy with their nails, and it helps to brighten their day and show them their true beauty I see. Each one of my clients has helped me become who I have become today.
I do this from my heart because of my love and passion for helping others. I’m forever grateful for this talent so I can continue to grow and build my tribe!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, I’ve had to rebuild my business twice, once due to a family emergency and the second time was due to COVID-19. I had to gain people’s trust again. Due to the pandemic, everyone was isolated because they were scared. Businesses like hair and nail salons were even shut down for a while because of the service that was being done. Gaining people’s trust again was key and allowing them to know they would be safe in my hands. My protocols have been the same as they were since before COVID because I’ve always practiced non-cross-contamination. My clients’ safety and happiness are my top priority.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have the honor of spoiling my clients with my touch, building relationships, and providing mobile services to clients in need. My clients range from pregnant moms on bed rest, stay a home moms who can’t leave her home because of her baby, cancer patient in remission, diabetics, working women, and by far my most touching appointments are the clients in hospice. Their families contact my services to help motivate them to keep fighting or a dying wish to get their nails polished with their favorite color one last time.
I am honored that through my touch I help them enhance their true beauty through our connection, our bond, and the services I provide. My business was born and has been built through my clients. My clients referrals and word of mouth have grown my business as I have never had to pay for advertising. I only offer natural nail services, which include gel manicures/pedicures, regular manicures/pedicures, and my nail enhancements are made with gel. I’m most proud of who I’ve become. I get to inspire others, including my children. Each one has done a project in school about me and what I’ve done for the community. My youngest daughter wants to open her own little nail salon, and my son wrote a biography about me. I’ve created an empire and a legacy that my kids are inspired to follow. Creating a family empire/small business is so meaningful to me.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It takes time and patience to understand who your clients are. When I first started, I would service everyone, because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do. In reality, it was so draining that I almost lost my passion. I learned that it’s not really about everyone; it’s about who really needs to be serviced by me. I’m not just any regular nail salon. I am Polished by Omairis.
Contact Info:
- Email: polishedbyomairis@gmail.com
- Website: www.styleseat.com/omairis
- Instagram: instagram.com/polishedbyomairis
- Facebook: Facebook.com/polishedbyomairis
Image Credits:
Rosebud Photography
