We’re looking forward to introducing you to Casey Segel. Check out our conversation below.
Casey, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the most misunderstood thing is that being a nail technician is an easy job. I’ve heard many folks say over the years that “it’s so easy they could do it”, or “They felt they were too smart to go to beauty school.”
It takes a lot of knowledge and understanding to work with the products and chemicals that we do on a daily basis, as well as it takes countless hours of practice to be able to execute a nail service well, and be able to consistently execute quality services.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Casey, nail technician with 13 years of experience! I provide both manicure and pedicure services with specializations in hand-painted nail art, detailed cuticle work, and problematic toenail care. I like to say i’m dually passionate about helping people with ‘not the cutest feet’ feel more confident in sandals, as well as creating works of art on very tiny canvases.
Our feet do so much for us each day, and many folks are living with painful foot conditions like ingrown nails or sensitive callouses. I’m someone’s resource to help mitigate a problem before they get to the point of needing a podiatrist, or someone that can follow up after podiatry care to maintain their feet.
and creating -an artistic set of nails is just plain FUN!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my middle school band director helped shape my opinion of myself as someone who is ‘capable’. Growing up, I was a boisterous, fun loving kid that got put down by school bullies, and sadly, some adults. It wasn’t until middle school, putting my mind to learning how to play the Euphonium and falling in love with music, that I really felt capable of being great at something, and that I was the perfect version of myself to achieve what I want. My middle school band director was so encouraging of my journey with music, and gave me opportunities to grow not only as a musician, but as a leader and a person. This was essential in developing my self confidence as I moved through high school, cosmetology school, and my career.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
A defining wound of my life has been being told I’m too much. I’m too emotional, I’m too loud, I’m too difficult, I’m too stubborn, I come on too strong— the list goes on. I’ve received countless rejections from others for these things, and the fear of “being too much” is still very real for me.
While healing these wounds is probably going to be a life-long process, I remind myself that these things I listed that are ‘too much’ have helped me get to where I am today. I’m too stubborn to quit. I’m ‘difficult’ because I won’t settle. My deep emotional range allows me to be very empathetic towards my friends, family, and clients. I’d rather let someone know I care about them from the get go than act elusive and distant.
While these traits might not be traits some value, I value them, and that is the driving force that is keeping me going on my healing journey.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I fell victim to “hustle culture” early in my career as a nail tech. I was led to believe the only way to be successful is to have completely stacked books, work like a dog, skip lunch and restroom breaks, and grind grind grind. Sure, a completely booked out schedule does provide a good paycheck, but if your good paycheck is costing you your mental and physical health, is it really worth it? I now believe in a ‘work smarter, not harder’ mentality, and there is so much more to success than just the number on your paycheck.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell others about how I supported them through the good and the bad times of their lives, and how I was a safe place to always be themselves.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @crystalsandclaws
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