We were lucky to catch up with Dominique Pradier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dominique, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I’ve built my confidence and self-esteem by being patient with myself. I would often get frustrated or down looking at other nail technicians work comparing myself to them. I would also feel that if I wasn’t booked and busy something was wrong with my work. I’ve learned that everyone goes through a slow time which has nothing to do with your work; Now instead if I am going through a slow period I venture into other avenues to stay in the publics eye or just to better my craft. It wasn’t until I received clients that come across town and pass up so many nail salons just to sit in my chair or when people just find me on social media that I realized I am valuable in this industry.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started off as a kitchen beautician in high school. I would do hair in my mothers home after school or even at school in the gym. Once I graduated high school I decided to enroll into cosmetology school. We studied more of the sanitation and theory of hair, skin and nail care briefly. Fast forward to the Covid-19 pandemic I decided to quit my job at the post office and pursue being a Nail Technician full-time. Of course I wasn’t the best but I was determined! Today I have a steady clientele and If someone would’ve told me I could accomplish the things I have in such short time I wouldn’t believe them.
What makes what I do so special is I didn’t give up, even when I felt nobody was paying attention to me or believed in me. I am able to be available for my family when I need to be by the grace of God. I meet new people which have also turned into long life friends. I enjoy sitting and chatting with my clients; They are all unique and special to me! I love making everyone feel good about themselves, they say when you look good you feel good and its definitely true.
At this moment I am focused on expanding my business knowledge to others that are in the earlier stages of their career. It helps having a person that is down to earth and been through the same if not more obstacles.
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?
Looking back the skills I feel I had to learn over time to be successful were as follows: First, be consistent. Nobody will take your craft seriously if you don’t. Second, being a well-rounded person meaning able to get along with all type of people especially since you are a service provider you need to network. Lastly, marketing. we are in a time of age where social media dominates everything, you need to be UpToDate on all trends and promoting strategies to attract the type of clients you desire.
For the people that are early in their journey always keep learning and know your value. Do not just play yourself down to please others.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I am currently in a transitional period in my business to elevate. It is challenging because what I am trying to do next requires me to get out of my comfort zone. I am ready to create residual income. On top of that I am a full-time mother. In order for me to accomplish this I will have to make time that I don’t have and putting together goals with dates to meet them by.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @prettiestblackk_
- Facebook: Dominique Pradier
