We recently connected with Victoria Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Hi there, I’m Victoria, and I want to take you on a journey through my world of nail artistry—a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and a whole lot of creativity.
Ten years ago, I ventured into the world of nail technology, captivated by the opportunity to help others feel beautiful inside and out. Little did I know, this profession would evolve into much more than a job; it became my sanctuary, where my anxiety melted away as I immersed myself in the intricate details of crafting nail sets.
Initially, I didn’t fully embrace my nail license, spending years in event planning and managing a brewery. However, fate had other plans for me. Stepping into a bustling nail salon, surrounded by talented technicians, ignited a fire within me. It was there that I realized my true calling lay in the art of nail design.
But with every dream comes its own set of challenges. The demanding hours and relentless pressure of the salon industry took its toll, testing my mental and physical endurance. Yet, in the face of adversity, I found strength in prioritizing my well-being, setting boundaries, and embracing a mantra of respect and transparency.
Guided by the wisdom of my mentors, I honed my skills and embraced a mindset of continuous learning. Staying updated with the latest trends and techniques became second nature. Immersing myself in a world of inspiration—from beauty pages to clay crafts, and different types of artists from around the world—ensured there was always something new to discover.
Difficult situations and setbacks along the way served as lessons in resilience. With each challenge, I learned to lead with kindness and compassion, understanding that everyone carries their own burdens. Pushing through the hard times created a wiser and stronger person on the other side.
But perhaps my greatest source of resilience lies in my support system—my family, friends, husband, and kids—who serve as constant reminders to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.
As I look towards the future, my aspirations are as vibrant as the nail art I create. From continuing to educate fellow technicians to hopefully establishing my own nail supply shop or salon suite focused on bringing small business owners together, the possibilities are endless. With each step forward, I carry with me the essential qualities of resilience—patience, adaptability, perseverance, attention to detail, and creativity—refined through years of passion and dedication.
So here’s to the journey ahead, filled with growth, inspiration, and endless opportunities to shine. In the world of nail artistry, resilience isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a nail technician, I’m all about blending artistry with wellness to craft dazzling nail designs. What truly sets my work apart is the genuine passion and dedication I pour into providing exceptional service to each and every client.
What really excites me about my job is the chance to connect with people on a personal level and leave a positive impact on their lives. Whether I’m giving someone a simple manicure or creating a detailed nail art masterpiece, my goal is to bring joy and confidence to everyone who sits in my chair. Through this, I’ve formed amazing friendships with clients who have supported me every step of the way.
At the heart of my brand is a commitment to constant growth and learning. I’m always keeping up with the latest techniques in the nail industry to ensure my clients get top-notch service that exceeds their expectations. And I’m not just doing it for them – I’m also on a mission to help fellow nail technicians level up their skills and reach their full potential.
I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ll be teaming up with Aprés as an educator for their fantastic brand. These workshops will be hands-on and packed with valuable guidance, empowering individuals to chase their nail artistry dreams with confidence. We’ll be diving deep into Gel X application, with classes held monthly at Leo by Liv3, my absolute favorite nail salon in North Park, San Diego.
Overall, I feel incredibly grateful for the chance to pursue my passion for nail artistry and make a positive impact on others’ lives. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and all the amazing opportunities to spread beauty, creativity, and connection through my work. Remember, if you can dream it, you can definitely create it – and I hope to inspire others to do the same along the way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at my journey, three key aspects stand out:
Firstly, passion and commitment have been huge drivers for me. They’ve pushed me to constantly improve and aim for excellence. I always encourage newcomers to explore different areas within their field to find what truly excites them. Once you find that passion, giving it your all is essential for moving forward.
Secondly, continuous learning and growth are vital, especially in a field like the beauty industry. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques is crucial for providing top-notch service. I’m a big believer in always learning, whether through workshops, mentorship, or simply keeping an eye on what’s new. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for guidance. I’ve built close friendships with other techs who were willing to lend a helping hand.
Lastly, resilience and perseverance are absolute must-haves for dealing with the ups and downs of any journey. Embracing failures as learning opportunities and maintaining a positive mindset are key. My advice is to stay focused on your goals, lean on your support system when needed, and remember that setbacks are just temporary roadblocks. They don’t define who you are professionally or personally. When facing challenges, adapt and push through your obstacles, allowing your light to shine even brighter.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that has played a significant role in my development is “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. This book has profoundly influenced both my personal and professional life, providing invaluable insights that have helped me navigate challenges and build resilience.
One of the most impactful lessons from the book is the importance of embracing vulnerability. Brown emphasizes that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. She encourages embracing our imperfections and being open about our struggles, which fosters authenticity and deeper connections with others. This lesson has been crucial in my work as a nail technician, helping me connect more genuinely with my clients and colleagues.
Another valuable insight from the book is the importance of cultivating self-compassion. Brown teaches that treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we offer to others is essential. This practice has been vital in managing the pressures and demands of the salon industry, allowing me to be more forgiving of my mistakes and to learn from them rather than being overly critical.
Prioritizing well-being is another key theme in the book. Brown discusses the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing our mental and physical health. This wisdom has been instrumental in my journey, reminding me to balance my work and personal life, establish clear boundaries, and take care of my well-being to maintain long-term success and happiness.
The power of gratitude is a recurring theme in the book. Brown explains how focusing on what we are grateful for can shift our perspective and bring more joy into our lives. Implementing a gratitude practice has helped me stay positive and resilient, even during challenging times.
Finally, one of the core messages of the book is the value of being authentic rather than striving for perfection. This lesson has been liberating, allowing me to embrace my unique style and approach to nail artistry without being overly concerned about meeting unrealistic standards.
“The Gifts of Imperfection” has been a guiding light in my journey, offering practical advice and profound insights that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Its teachings continue to inspire me to lead a more authentic, compassionate, and resilient life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://apresnail.com/pages/apres-education
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevictoriaroseproject
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriaroseproject
Image Credits
The Victoria Rose Project
