We were lucky to catch up with Breanna Michelle recently and have shared our conversation below.
Breanna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Ever since I was a little girl, my mom wore long red nails. For as long as I can remember I’ve always gone with Her to this place that had a peculiar smell in the air, But I could only smell this scent when I went with her. It was the nail shop, and I loved it! I’d often pick up the scraps on the floor to size them to my small fingers, imagining how I’d look with them on, and what color -other than cotton candy, would suit me best.
In February of 2003, The UCSF Medical Center implemented a policy that prohibits healthcare workers from wearing nail enhancements of any kind. My mother worked as a central service technician at Martin Luther King Hospital in Watts, CA. Needless to say, she was absolutely devastated by the ordinance. Her extra long Million Dollar Red nails were her signature. Even my father tried to reason with those in charge to see if there was anything that they could do.
Our trips to the nail shop were reduced to my mother only receiving pedicure services. My mom is a diabetic and she would always warn the pedicurists to be sure that they don’t break skin/cut her before being serviced, as it could be detrimental to her health. However, the nail techs would always cut her! I mean always… to the point where my mom decided to stop patronizing nail shops all together. I would soon pick up the “baton”, and become enamored with the art form.
I turned 14 in July of 2005, and begged my mom to allow me to get my first acrylic set. She agreed and took me to the nail shop! It was up from there, they’d hate to see me coming. As time went on, I would bus myself to various nail shops asking them to do me sets that would include 10 different designs, schemes and colors. I was not playing. I kept a nail on my finger ever since. To this day you won’t catch my nails undone. Feet too!
Lastly, I’d like to share how in 2015 I was in a bad car accident that left me without either of my two big toe nails. The healing for that took months, but to hide the deformity I’d wear acrylic enhancements on both of my two big toe nails. When Covid hit, the nail shops closed and I was already well overdue for a pedicure! I was a new mom, and just didn’t find the time beforehand to get in the chair. But I found a nail supply store that was open -illegally. I bought everything that I needed on credit, borrowed my homegirl’s drill, sat in the middle of my bed & spilled everything everywhere! My house reeked for weeks! But….I DID IT! My feet looked great! [To me, anyway]. So I enrolled myself into beauty college as soon as Covid related limitations were lifted. By August of 2022, your girl was a licensed nail tech!
Fast forward to present day, I’m an Advanced Nail Technician currently working to obtain my Wellness Nail Technician certification with the Nail-care Academy. I specialize in foot care for but not limited to those with various ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, or just plain old age. I create customized press-on nails, I do gel x, as well as different styles of Manicures and pedicures, (Russian and Inyanga). I also offer mobile services, conduct spa parties, do vendor style expos/events, and I also have a small apothecary where I create and distribute my own cuticle oils and raw shea butter from Ghana, Africa.
You can find me at Slayy Nails Beauty Bar, a black owned nail shop in Highland, CA… I know right! I’ve even gotten myself a couple of faithful celebrity clients; one who granted me the pleasure to service her 95 year old aunt. I’m so excited to see what else is in store for me on this exciting career path. I do aspire to be represented by a glam agency and witness my art in magazine columns one day. To think that on my first day of Beauty College, I was homeless and hopeless (long story, chile) . Nails gave me purpose! Check me out and connect with me @drippiningemsnjewels on Instagram!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
There are so many avenues I would like to explore in the near future. I’ve always loved to sing. Before becoming a mother, I was a radio host. I dabbled in news anchoring in high school, and I’ve always been comfortable with the microphone. It would be a joy to get back involved in the sphere of media. (My friends think that I should start a podcast!) Often times I was the one writing out my scripts for the outline of the show, I just enjoy writing in general! Although I love doing nails and serving the people in this avenue, I do not see myself doing this past 40. I’m currently 33, so I’m up to things! The years seem to go fast these days. Wouldn’t you agree?
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
This life calls for discernment, resilience, and perseverance. You need all three to have real success in anything. Discernment will cause you to be careful in your decision making, and not be too hasty. Resilience empowers you to push through irregardless of situations and circumstances; ultimately causing perseverance to take form. Whatever you do, keep it moving.
“You’re not stuck unless you stop.”
– Steven Furtick
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
In my previous interview, I did mention writing a book in honor of my late father, Robert Williams, who passed 12.22.22. Well, I completed the manuscript, and Im calling it: “Daddy’s Words. Ideas. Theory. & Theology”. It’s a collection of the various colloquialisms that my dad would say, bible scriptures that he’d often quote, games we would play, jokes, and his thoughts on the issues of life. I have no idea how to go about publishing that’ll be most beneficial for the legacy that I’m trying to leave behind for my daughters, & their children. I know what’s inside of this piece is needed, as I wrote it in efforts to literally share my dad with the world. He was a gem of a human & A better than good father. Contact me @drippiningemsnjewels if you have some pointers on how to go about publishing. Publishing where the author benefits greatly. T.I.A.:
also,
I think it’ll be dope to collaborate with Nicki Minaj on her new press-on venture! The way my eye is set up, and how I enjoy abstract urban art, I think I would fit in well with the design team, but I’m a dreamer!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/drippiningemsnjewels?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Instagram: @drippiningemsnjewels
Image Credits
Breanna Williams.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
