Meet Sparkle

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sparkle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sparkle, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

Communication didn’t always come naturally to me. I was raised as an only child, and while I was well-loved and nurtured, I wasn’t often in situations where I had to talk to a lot of people every day. I was quiet. Shy. I stayed in my creative world and mostly kept to myself. But as I got older, I realized how necessary communication really is! Not just for socializing, but for advocating for myself, building relationships, and being taken seriously in the world. Whether it’s in love, business, or friendship, so much of what we want or need comes down to how well we can express it and how well we can listen.

Doing nails definitely helped pull me out of that shell though. Sitting with all the different clients taught me how to hold a conversation, how to read what someone isn’t saying, and how to make someone feel heard. I realized that good communication isn’t just about talking. It’s about truly listening, asking questions, offering suggestions, and creating a space where people feel safe to be themselves.

Now, I take pride in the way I connect with people. Not just through my art, but through the energy and intention behind every appointment. Whether someone wants to vent, laugh, be quiet, or just feel pretty, I’ve learned to tune in. That’s what makes the experience special, and it all comes back to communication. It’s a skill I’ve come to value far beyond the salon. Learning how to listen, connect, and express myself clearly has shaped how I show up everywhere… in my relationships, my business, and how I advocate for myself. It’s a life skill, not just a job skill. And I’m still growing in it every day.

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?

There’s something electric about being a nail artist. It’s creative, it’s intimate, and it constantly pushes me to grow in so many different ways. Every set is a chance to express myself, connect with someone, and help them feel seen. That’s what excites me most about this line of work. It’s the opportunity to turn a simple appointment into a shared experience that leaves people feeling better than when they walked in.

Coming from a background where I didn’t always feel fully seen in beauty spaces, I’ve made it part of my mission to create the kind of environment I used to wish for which is warm, intentional, and affirming for everyone, especially those who are often overlooked. A place where you don’t feel judged, rushed, or misunderstood. A place where you can relax, be heard, and leave feeling beautiful and recharged. That matters to me just as much as the nails themselves.

Currently, I’m working out of a private studio spca and only taking my regulars and referrals from my regulars. That shift was honestly something I had to do for my own safety, peace of mind and it was just the best choice for where I was in life at the time. I’m super grateful for the clients who’ve stuck with me, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the creative rush that comes with meeting new people.

When you’re seeing the same clients regularly, you kind of get into a rhythm. You already know what they like, what they don’t like and it becomes very familiar, but it doesn’t always push me creatively the way I crave which is why I’ve been looking forward to eventually opening my studio again or maybe even collaborating with an established glam salon here in LA. I’m excited to welcome new faces, fresh ideas, and open myself up to more creative challenges. In the meantime, I’ve been focused on refining my work, sharing more behind the scenes, and building a brand that really reflects both my artistry and the care I put into every single set.

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, the three things that have made the biggest impact on my journey are adaptability, boundaries, and communication.

Adaptability has been everything. In this industry, no two days are the same. Designs evolve mid-session, clients change their minds, trends come and go. You have to be able to adjust without losing your creative identity. Being flexible while still honoring my style has helped me grow both technically and artistically.

Boundaries came a little later. In the beginning, I wanted to say yes to everyone. I was eager to build, and I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. But I quickly learned that without clear boundaries, whether it’s time, energy, pricing, or expectations, the burnout becomes real. Once I started setting those limits, I was able to show up more fully and give my best to the clients who truly respected my craft.

And of course, communication is everything. Nails are such a personal experience. It’s not just about making something look good, it’s about understanding what someone wants, even when they can’t always articulate it. Being able to listen, ask the right questions, and hold space for people has helped me build deeper connections with my clients. It’s also helped me navigate challenging conversations with confidence and care.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is this: hone your craft, yes, but also work on your adaptability, how you protect your peace, and how you connect with others. Those three things will carry you further than you think. Stay open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to evolve.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that really shifted my mindset, both in business and in life, is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s simple, but powerful. The lesson that’s stuck with me the most is: don’t take anything personally. That one agreement alone has changed how I show up in my craft.

In the beauty industry, you’re working with so many different people with different personalities and different preferences. Ultimately, not every client will love every design you do. Sometimes someone doesn’t vibe with the art, or they’re going through something totally unrelated to you, and it shows in how they communicate during their appointment. In the past, I would’ve internalized that. I would’ve doubted myself or taken it to heart thinking maybe I had done something wrong. But learning not to take things personally has helped me set emotional boundaries and continue showing up confidently, without attaching my worth to every reaction.

The book reminded me that what people say or do is a reflection of them, not me. And when you’re in a service-based, creative field where your work feels personal, that kind of clarity is everything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @SparkleOnTheTip