We were lucky to catch up with Keianna Springer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Keianna, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome showed up for me when I realized I didn’t have a big platform or thousands of followers, but I still had something real to say and something valuable to teach. I’m a licensed nail tech and educator, but when I started investing in advanced education, I questioned if I even belonged in some of those rooms. I wondered, “Who’s going to listen to me?” or “Am I doing too much?”
But I kept showing up.
I didn’t want to let the number of followers or the level of notoriety I had at the moment stop me from flying to other cities, introducing myself to new educators, and learning techniques that weren’t being taught in my city. I said yes to the uncomfortable moments. Yes to learning. Yes to being the least experienced in the room. Yes to being seen. That’s what helped me grow.
Even now, with under 1,000 followers on Instagram, I’ve taught sold-out classes, built a loyal clientele, and earned real respect in this industry. Because I chose to invest in myself and put myself in rooms where growth could happen. It’s not about how many people follow you. It’s about how many people you’re willing to learn from and grow with.
And to be honest, imposter syndrome still lingers from time to time. But the difference now is, I know how to manage it. I know when that voice shows up, it’s usually fear or doubt trying to keep me small. So I remind myself of how far I’ve come, the work I’ve put in, and the lives I’ve impacted. It’s not that the voice disappears completely. It just doesn’t lead the way anymore. I do.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a licensed nail technician, advanced gel specialist, and educator focused on helping other beauty professionals elevate their skills and confidence through high-level education. I specialize in e-file manicures and advanced gel techniques that prioritize nail health and clean execution.
What makes my work special is that I don’t just focus on trends, I focus on technique. I’ve taken advanced classes across the country to bring the best techniques back to my city and help raise the local standard. My mission is to create a calm, structured, and respectful space where clients and students alike feel safe, valued, and seen.
I also create online and in-person classes to help other nail techs who might not have access to in-person training. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, burnt out, or unsure of how to level up. Through my classes and educational content, I share everything I’ve learned, from technique to mindset, to help others build sustainable, skill-based success.
Right now, I’m continuing to expand my online and in-person education platform while refining my in-person services. I’ve recently launched two online masterclasses and have more in development. Long-term, I plan to offer a full range of education programs that focus on building strong foundational skills, mastering advanced techniques, and helping beauty pros feel more confident and capable behind the chair.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Self-discipline was one of the biggest reasons I was able to grow as quickly as I did. Once I knew what I wanted, I locked in. I got tunnel vision about my business and didn’t let anything distract me. I was willing to sacrifice things like going out or slowing down just to stay committed to what I was building. That kind of growth took structure, routine, and a mindset that said, “If I want this, I have to work for it.” I didn’t wait for motivation. I built momentum by showing up daily, even when it wasn’t easy. That’s what kept me going and helped me stay focused on my goals.
Curiosity is what pushed me to take advanced classes in other cities and explore new techniques. I never let fear of not knowing something stop me from asking questions or putting myself in rooms where I could grow. If you stay curious, you’ll always stay evolving.
Lastly, learning how to set boundaries within my business was a game-changer. From protecting my time to honoring my pricing and creating policies that support my well-being, I had to learn how to run my business in a way that worked for me. I encourage others to trust themselves enough to create structure early on. Boundaries aren’t about keeping people out. They’re about keeping your energy aligned with your goals.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth over the past year has been learning how to trust myself more. My vision, my decisions, and the direction I want to take my business. There were times when I questioned if I was doing enough or if I was on the right path, but now I lead with more clarity and confidence. I’ve become more rooted in what I bring to the table, and I’ve learned to move with intention instead of overthinking or hesitating.
I’ve always been serious about continuing education, but my mindset around it has evolved. I no longer see it as just a way to learn more skills to improve my technique, even though that’s still important. Now I see how much these classes push me to grow by putting me in rooms that challenge me and stretch me. They also create space for me to network, meet other professionals, and build relationships that could lead to unexpected opportunities down the line.
This past year, I’ve also gotten more solid in how I run my business. Setting clear policies, protecting my time, and leaning into what I’m really good at. I’m not trying to be everywhere or everything. I know the direction I want to go, and I show up fully in it. I’m very clear about what I want for my business and what I can offer to both clients and students. That growth in self-trust has shifted the way I serve, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stan.store/KNaturals
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knaturals_beauty?igsh=MnRoZDh0Y3JmNG1l&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
None
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