We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Lewis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jasmine, 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?
My journey to discovering my purpose has been deeply rooted in my faith. I wholeheartedly believe in the guiding principles of the Word of God, particularly finding solace in the verse from Romans 8:28, which says, ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’
This verse serves as a testament to the idea that my life’s path and actions are intricately connected to a higher purpose ordained by God. It’s not about me finding my purpose, but rather, my purpose finding me through a divine plan.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I wear a few hats – licensed nail tech, educator, and all-around nail enthusiast.
My nail journey started about 14 years back while I was in high school. I stumbled into the world of nails by doing my own! I got started out with the nail kits from the local beauty supply store.
Fast forward, and I became a regular at the salon, always asking my nail tech(s) with questions fueled by my curiosity.
Fast forward to 2018 – life hit rock bottom, and I found my refuge in nails. As everything else crumbled, nails became my escape. What started as a distraction became a passion that I couldn’t let go. I started doing nails in the living room of my apartment, then moved to a salon, and in 2021, landed in my own suite.
As a nail tech, I’ve been able to grow a steady clientele, gain celebrity clients and be featured in magazines, including Voyage over the last 6 years.
Then came 2022, the year I birthed “The Eight28 Collection” – my online nail store. I started with 6 acrylic cover powders, expanded to glitter powders and my most recent addition has been tri-color chrome powders. That was a huge milestone in my nail career and I am working on expanding my line. I’m looking to bring on some more brand ambassadors and to grow overall as a business owner.
Right now is a really difficult part of my nail career, because I want to transition from doing nails day to day but to redirect my focus into establishing the next generation of nail techs. I want to pour my knowledge that I’ve gained over the last 6 years into the younger girls. I find joy in teaching others and to see my previous students work brought joy to my heart. I recently released my very first Ebook, “Unleash The Nail Drip” which is a full guide to complete a full set and build a thriving nail business. So I’ll now be able to reach more nail techs worldwide.
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 on my journey, three key elements stand out as the game-changers: resilience, continuous learning, and networking.
Resilience: Life is occasionally throws some curveballs. Having the resilience to bounce back from setbacks was crucial. My advice? Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Celebrate wins, big or small, and learn from the tough times. Resilience is a muscle that gets stronger with every setback you overcome.
Continuous Learning/Business Acumen: The world of nails evolves, trends come and go, and staying relevant is a must. My advice for those starting out? Never stop learning. Whether it’s new techniques, industry trends, or business strategies, absorb it all. Also learn basic business knowledge as you’ll need it to understand your backend. Transitioning from a living room nail artist to running my own suite and launching an online store demanded business savvy. Knowing how to navigate the business side of things is crucial. Attend workshops, read, and treat your craft as both an art and a business. It’s the sauce to staying at the top of your game.
Networking: Building connections opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Networking isn’t just about who you know; it’s about who knows you. Early on, my advice is to attend events, engage on social media, and connect with people in your industry. Be genuine, offer help, and you’ll find that your network becomes a source of support, advice, and opportunities.
To those just starting, remember that the journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories, learn from every experience, and stay connected with others in your field. Resilience, a hunger for learning, and a solid network will be your guiding lights on this exciting path.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I find myself overwhelmed, my go-to strategy is to unplug. I believe in the power of self-care, prioritizing my well-being, and the power of PRAYER. Since recognizing that I can’t operate at my best when overwhelmed, I make a conscious effort to put myself first.
Whether it’s treating myself to a meal, enjoying an at-home facial, or taking a relaxing soak in the tub, these moments are important for me. It’s my way of saying, “Hold up, I need a minute.” Taking these moments for myself is key. It’s like hitting the reset button, allowing me to regroup and tackle whatever comes next with a clearer head and a lighter spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thenaildrip.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaildripper/
