We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gaby Olalde a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gaby, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I actually didn’t realize I was even experiencing imposter syndrome until a couple of months ago, I didn’t even know there was a term for what I was feeling internally! I think what made me get imposter sydrome was even starting out my career in beauty school I didn’t appreciate all of the little wins I had along the way. From starting beauty school and putting myself through it financially, to graduating beauty school, getting my first job in a salon. Now why I never took the time to appreciate the present, I’m not sure. I think I just wanted to keep going and going until eventually I was just burning myself out at work. I actually at one point was ready to give up and I think a lot of other nail techs can relate. Because of what I was feeling internally of not being good enough with my work it caused a lot of anxiety. Which in turn affected my performance while doing nails. My product was not having good retention, I wasn’t happy where I was working, it all just started piling up.
Comparing myself to the other ladies who graduated in my sam class as me who were performing a lot better also wasn’t helping. I never understood what I was doing wrong. Why I wasn’t at the same level as they were, why I wasn’t getting any bookings. This brings up a lot of old feelings, but what made me overcome my imposter syndrome was another nail tech. When watching her youtube videos, the way that she was happy and essentially living my dream life I wondered what she did. The secret? Believe in yourself.
One thing I’ve definetely learned is that I am and will always be my own biggest critic. I started connecting with myself spiritually, and being more grateful for the things I already have. You know whats done is done, there’s no point in thinking about the past. A quote I live by now is “… yesterday is history, tommorow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.” If you know where this if from, you’re super cool just fyi.
But overall, when I started to appreciate my space, my current loyal clients, living in the present and honestly just showing up everyday for MYSELF is how I overcame imposter syndrome. No one’s story is the same, no one’s dream life is the same no one’s version of success is the same. Reflect on what you want in your life and what you already have, where you can improve and what your dreams are. Creating a vision board and manifesting the life of MY dreams has helped me so much. I love my life now, the blessing continue to come, like this one! Trusting I am in the right place at the right time, everything comes with time and when one door closes another opens.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a CA licensed nail tech for 2 years now. I specialize in dry manicures and pedicures and my favorite service to do it overlays. I love to work on natural nails and I only work with gels, so if you get acrylics I am not the nail tech for you. The most exciting part for me is meeting new clients who want to start their natural nail journey. Although its a slow process I love to see the growth after 3 weeks eaach time and the client telling me their nails feel super healthy and strong. It’s definetly a trust the process type. Meeting new clients is for sure always exciting, but I will always have a special place in my heart for my regulars. The ladies who’ve reffered their friends and family to me is honestly such a rewarding feeling because I know they trust me and my work. My regulars who have been with me while moving locations, or I’ve seen them start families etc. is so heartwarming and fullfiling. I don’t think I’d ever get tired of doing nails, the process of application, the art and ability to express myself and talk to very cool women everyday is a feeling I get no where else. I’d love to meet you and get to know you! To book and see the behind the scenes of me, follow me on instagram @gabysnailbar
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?
One quality I have that was most impactful in my journey was determination. I think there was a part of me that was determined to own my own business. My father played a roll in this as he is self-employed too. The one thing that always stuck with me was that you have so much freedom! You have no one to answer to except yourself. I did see that and from my first job at 16 that’s when I knew for sure, I could never work for anyone but myself. I’m gonna become my own boss. One skill I have is my time-management. I don’t remember the last time I was late to an event, unless it was intentional lol. But ever since I was in highschool as well I’ve always been a good time manager. With my homework, sports, and eventually actual work. I am always early to things and I absolutely hate when I am running behind on my appointments. I want to respect people’s time as much as I can and I love my clients because most of them do as well! (nobody’s perfect though I know)
A last quality I have is my creativity. I love art and I always have. I actually have a picture of myself when I was a kid of where I said “I’m going to college to be an artist.” and that’s exactly what I am. An artist, my creativity has allowed me to have this business, where I meet amazing women and can paint at my heart’s content.
For people who aren’t sure if what their doing is right, I’d definetly say put your heart into it. I do believe that if you really want something you’ll go out and do it. These skills and qualities have only gotten better and have brought me so much and I’ve only improved on these skills. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself! In the life you dream for yourself and your version of success, do it from the heart!
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth in the last 12 months is my social media presence. I’ve been committed to posting and pushing out content and because of this I’ve gotten to meet so much more people. I am able to share my knowledge and my work to anyone and I love it. It’s such a supporting community and I love it. I’ve been able to monetize through social media and just post whatever I want. It’s been very exciting so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gabysnailbar.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabysnailbar/
Image Credits
Gaby Olalde Natalie Gil
