We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sadie McMahan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sadie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Becoming a nail tech in the midst of a pandemic came with lots of obstacles, physically and mentally. I started practicing nail art on myself and my husband at the beginning of my journey, before it was safe to be around others. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do nails as a career or if I even had the skill to do it on someone else. Once I started school and had the opportunity to practice on others, I experienced tremendous self doubt, in both socializing with a client and the execution of a basic manicure. I believed in my art, and my ability to create something on such a small canvas, but learning the best way to apply technique came through trial and error. The highs of a good manicure were impossible without the lows of a not so great manicure. Going back to my roots, and practicing on myself gave me the most confidence, and served as inspiration for clients.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Sadie and I am a Nail Tech in Nashville, Tennessee. My Instagram handle is _Stage_Hands_ which is a play off of Music City and my past job as a roadie! I get the most joy out of doing nail art and love the challenge of creating something on the small canvas that is a fingernail. I feel the most pride when my clients tell me how many compliments they get or questioned whether or not if it’s a sticker on their nails (always hand painted). I also specialize in structured gel, and growing natural nails. It’s important to me to educate my clients in nail health and how to properly care for their natural nails. That being said, invest in a cuticle oil and use it twice a day!! Your nails will thank you!
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?
I believe in the power of communication, customer service, and listening in this field. Most people want to feel heard, and to feel comfortable with their service provider! A little kindness in customer service can go a long way. You never know what a client is about to bring in with them, but treating them with transparency (and patience) might be just what they need.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Knowing my worth and value of my time!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _Stage_Hands_
Image Credits
Katty Danger Photo
