An Inspired Chat with Cleo Morales of Oak Lawn

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cleo Morales. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Cleo, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up at around 7am, I start my morning routine by showering, brushing my teeth, washing my face and then I lay back down for about 15 minutes before I take my clients for the day. I normally have 8am clients but sometimes I’ll have a gap between clients, that’s when I get a lunch break and I usually catch up on news and check socials. Once I’m done with my clients, at around 6-7pm I normally clean up, and head on over downstairs where I’m usually hanging with my cat or my boyfriend for the remainder of the day, we usually run errands or binge watch some good shows or movies.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Laura Morales but I go by Cleo, I’m a nail technician. I specialize in gel x nails but I provide many services for my clients, including pedicures, acrylic nails, henna tattoos, gel overlays and manicures. I’m a first generation Latina business owner. What makes my business special is the amount of love I put into my work, in the beauty industry a lot of people are very transactional and forget that this industry started off because people want to feel beautiful. I love all my clients and welcome everyone into my chair, including children. I work with brand ambassadors who promote my work and are proud to be on my team. I was born on the northside of Chicago to immigrant parents, my mother was a single mother of 5 and did everything she could for us, she was hesitant about my career path because as an immigrant her belief system was that in order to be a success you must become a doctor or lawyer, but she never doubted my artistic ability. Overtime she became even more supportive especially when I began to see my success. My brand is all about inclusivity, my chair is open to all, every woman, man and child, no matter race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. I have always stood firm on my beliefs and that aligns with my business mottos as well. My next step in business would be to branch out and begin offering new services for my clientele, so for my lovely clients, keep a lookout!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mother did, my father did as well, but mostly my mother. My mother and father immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. However my mother became a single mother at the age of 30. She raised 5 children alone and still managed to get an early childhood development education diploma and managed to keep a job all while dealing with grief. Through trauma she was able to continue working her tail off in order to provide for my siblings and I.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
About two and a half years into doing nails I began losing hope. I wasn’t getting enough clientele, I had no money, no savings, nothing. I also felt myself pulling away because I physically couldn’t work, I got into an accident and couldn’t even sit long enough to breathe let alone work. I was having such a hard time, I cried and prayed daily. It was definitely a dark time.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think in order they know it’s definitely my peace, my mental health, my partner, my family, them of course and my business. I also stand firm on my commitment to being as real, and loving and honest to everyone who enters my life or space. Whether that be personally or business related. I also deeply care about the social and political climate we live in and I take that very seriously.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think they would miss the nails for sure! I would hope they also miss our conversations. Throughout the years I’ve established a lot of friendships with the people I service, I’ve gotten to experience a lot of beautiful things with them including birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, engagements, pregnancies. They’re so sweet and special personally that’s what I’d miss the most!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Laura Morales

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