We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kirsten Roberson- Henderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kirsten below.
Kirsten , so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
Burnout can be overwhelming, especially with everything I’m juggling—my business, school, work, and ministry. It’s easy to get caught up in constantly pouring into others while neglecting myself. The first step to overcoming burnout is recognizing where I am and giving myself grace. I need to take a moment to reflect on what’s been weighing me down the most. Acknowledging this is the first step toward making the necessary changes.
Prioritizing rest and recovery is essential for me to keep showing up fully in my business and personal life. I need to schedule intentional breaks, even if they’re just a few minutes between clients or study sessions. Making sure I get enough sleep is also crucial—exhaustion will only make burnout worse. Since my faith is important to me, I have to lean into resting in God’s presence, not just serving at church. Setting aside a Sabbath, whether for a full day or even just a few intentional hours, can help me feel refreshed and realigned.
Reconnecting with my “why” can also reignite my motivation. I started K Martinae & Co to create a space where people feel refreshed, restored, and rejuvenated—and that includes me too. When burnout hits, it’s easy to lose sight of that initial spark. By taking a step back, remembering my purpose, and making room for rest, I’ll not only regain my energy but also ensure I’m operating from a place of passion rather than exhaustion.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a Medical and Traditional Nail Technician, specializing in both beauty and podiatry-like services. I became a Traditional Nail Technician in 2022 and furthered my expertise by becoming a Medical Nail Technician in 2023.
As a Traditional Nail Technician, I provide standard nail care services, including manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and artistic nail designs, focusing on both the health and appearance of nails. My role as a Medical Nail Technician allows me to offer specialized care for individuals with chronic illnesses, other medical conditions, and those without specific medical needs.
My passion is to partner with insurance companies and local podiatrists to offer consistent foot and hand care—both in-home, in care facilities, and in a salon setting—for those who need it most.
Examples of the individuals I serve:
• Diabetic or individuals with chronic illnesses
• Those who lack the ability or caretakers to assist with hand/foot maintenance
• Individuals suffering from fungal infections or other related conditions
My mission is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where no one is denied quality care due to physical, mental, emotional, or medical conditions. I want every client to feel safe, cared for, and beautified, leaving my space happy and confident. As I always say, this is the place you go to be refreshed, repaired, and rejuvenated, so you can return to the world and leave your mark.
Currently, I am working on a nail and skin care brand called IIX. The products will focus on promoting healthy nail and skin care while also combating harmful bacteria, helping to prevent fungal infections.
Being a Medical and Traditional Nail Technician is exciting and special to me because it combines my passion for beauty with the science of health. I’m not just focused on making nails look beautiful; I also have the opportunity to help people with medical needs, which gives my work a deeper sense of purpose. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my services can make a real difference in people’s lives—whether I’m helping someone manage their chronic illness through proper foot care or offering a safe space for clients to enjoy nail care without judgment. The work goes beyond aesthetics, and that makes it so rewarding for me.
What excites me even more is the versatility of this role. As both a Traditional and Medical Nail Technician, I get to master a wide range of skills—from creative nail designs to specialized medical care techniques. This diversity keeps my work fresh and engaging because I’m able to blend artistry with clinical precision. Every day brings new challenges, and I’m able to tailor my services to meet the unique needs of each client, whether they’re dealing with diabetes, fungal infections, or simply need regular hand/foot maintenance. It’s truly rewarding to build trust and form meaningful relationships with clients who need it most.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are Resilience, Adaptability, and Continual Learning & Growth. Navigating both traditional and medical nail care required constant learning and the ability to push through challenges. From imposter syndrome to balancing creativity and business, resilience has kept me moving forward. Expanding into medical nail care pushed me into new territory, and staying updated with trends, techniques, and certifications has helped me grow personally and professionally.
For those early in their journey: Believe in yourself, even when you don’t feel ready. Growth happens through experience, consistency, and perseverance. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities. Break big goals into smaller steps, and lean on mentors or peers for support. Listen intentionally. Never stop learning—take courses, seek hands-on experiences, and stay open to growth. Confidence comes with time and practice.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
I am currently struggling with overcoming imposter syndrome. It can be difficult, especially when I’m investing so much into my work, business, and education. However, the truth is that I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and my skills, passion, and dedication are real. The people I serve recognize my value, even in moments when I struggle to see it myself.
When I feel overwhelmed or creatively blocked, I remind myself that it’s okay to pause. Inspiration doesn’t have to be forced—it often comes when I give myself the space to breathe. I choose to lean into what originally inspired me and remember that growth doesn’t require perfection. I am capable, I am worthy, and I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kmcnailbeautification.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmartinae.co?igsh=MWdmY3YxOG5xcW02MA==
- Other: Email: k.martinae.co@gmail.com
TikTok: k.martinae.co
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