Meet Cristina Castro

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cristina Castro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cristina below.

Cristina , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is a reflection of my parents, who sacrificed everything to come to the U.S. and provide for my siblings and me with opportunities they never had. Their relentless dedication has profoundly shaped the ethic I carry today. They taught me the importance of hard work and the need to overcome doubts, fears, and the criticisms of others. Most importantly, they instilled in me the value of having backup plans—A, B, C, D, and beyond—because life is full of challenges and surprises. When we fall, we must rise, dust ourselves off, and continue our journey toward our dreams.

My grandparents also played a pivotal role in shaping my work ethic. They embodied humility, diligence, and a commitment to giving back to the community. Their example inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I witnessed their hard work and generosity, and I learned invaluable lessons from their failures—lessons I strive to apply each day.

A strong work ethic truly distinguishes you from the crowd. Embrace the journey of starting from the bottom and working your way up. The pride of reaching the top while staying true to yourself is a reward like no other.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hello everyone! I’m excited to introduce myself. My name is Cristina Castro, and I am a bilingual nail technician at Polished Looks Nail Salon in Springville, Utah, where I proudly run my own business, NailChef.

Since joining this amazing salon in 2023, I’ve been committed to perfecting my craft, with a focus on natural nails and dry pedicures. My passion for detail is inspired by my previous career as a pastry chef—hence the playful name, NailChef.cristina—shines through every service I provide.

There’s nothing more fulfilling than making my clients feel beautiful and confident as they leave my chair. I use only the highest-quality products and keep up with the latest trends to bring fresh ideas to my work.
By staying informed about state regulations and pursuing continuing education, I ensure that I continually grow and evolve to better serve my clients.

One of the most important aspects of my job is transforming clients’ hands and feet. I take pride in dedicating the time needed, sometimes 3-4 hours, to make sure everyone feels truly radiant.

I also have some exciting news. I will soon begin an instructor’s course, and I’m overjoyed! This step will help me get closer to my goal of launching my own apprenticeship program in the near future, learning from Melissa Henderickson at Polished Looks Nail Salon is beyond exciting. —She was the very mentor who guided me during my own apprenticeship. It’s a full-circle moment that fills me with gratitude!

I’m eager to share more about this journey with all of you. Teaching has been a lifelong dream of mine, and after some reflection, I realized that waiting for the perfect moment is not the answer. Taking risks is the best decision I can make to avoid wondering “what if.” So, I’m ready to embrace this new adventure with enthusiasm. Thank you for being part of my path. Here’s to new beginnings!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Key elements that have supported me through my journey include my attention to detail, personal drive, and unwavering determination. These qualities were forged through my experiences in research and development, where perseverance is vital. We can only truly evolve through the failures and attempts we encounter on our way to achieving our goals.

The knowledge and skills I’ve acquired have fueled my ability to thrive in an ever-changing industry.

My advice is to embrace your failures, value your time, and enjoy the journey. Each experience shapes you and reveals the essence of hard work when you finally reach your dreams. It’s essential to refine your craft and continually strive for growth. Change is constant, and adaptability is key. Although the path may not always be clear, recognizing your progress reminds you of how far you’ve come and where you’re headed.

Each path is unique, and we cannot truly understand the challenges of others. Refrain from comparing your journey. And be kind to yourself.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I firmly believe in the power of investing in one’s craft and addressing areas for improvement. My passion for acquiring new skills and techniques drives me to explore diverse interests through rigorous research and formal education. Education is a fundamental pillar of my personal and professional development.

I recognize the necessity for continuous adaptation in an ever-evolving landscape. Throughout my journey, I have cultivated a diverse skill set that empowers me to respond effectively to challenges as they arise. Being a well-rounded individual distinguishes me from my peers and equips me with the tools for efficient problem-solving.

In any professional environment, possessing a breadth of supplementary skills can be transformative, facilitating immediate and innovative solutions to complex issues. Embracing lifelong learning ensures I remain adaptable and ready to seize emerging opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailchef.cristina
• Facebook: @nailchef.cristina
• Other: Text 801-669-1328 for appointment availability.

Image Credits

Cristina Castro