Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Mcilwain.
Hi Kathryn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a little girl I had a love for the beauty industry, especially nails and nail art. As I grew up my parents always taught me that I should do what I love. My high school offered Cosmetology at the technology center, so of course, I jumped at the chance to get in. I knew what my passion was, but I never would’ve imagined that I could make a career let alone build a successful life off of this industry. Thankfully I had an amazing teacher, Mrs. Brown, who opened up my eyes to the possibilities in this industry. She taught me you can go as far as you choose to go; whether you choose to work as an employee for a salon, become an independent booth renter, own a salon with employees, become an educator, and so much more. Throughout high school I worked as a “runner” at a local nail salon; serving clients, cleaning pedicure tubs, washing towels, running errands for my boss, assisting other nail techs, and more. I graduated high school with my cosmetology license and quickly started working at the local salon I was working at.
I learned so much of the basics of the nail industry at this walk-in salon. Since I was fresh out of school my boss would only let me do so much on the floor as a nail tech. Because of that, I was eager to learn so I could get out there and do more— I remember spending summer days practicing French on fake tips over and over and over, I would sit by each nail tech and watch them work while asking questions, I would practice before & after work on myself and whoever would let me. After a year and a half as a nail tech at the first salon I worked at, I felt it was my time to move on for multiple reasons.
I applied to this “boutique” natural nail salon. This was my first job as a nail tech that I had to interview for and show my skill— I remember being so nervous, wondering if I would be good enough. I ended up getting the job and I was ecstatic to start fresh and be exposed to this different way of the nail industry. Right away I loved how this salon was on the higher end from booking appointments, allowing nail techs to take time with their clients, giving the nail techs time to do nail art, serving their clients on a higher level, building a clientele that is recurring. After showing my skills in my interview then getting the job; my confidence in my work boosted so much and it gave me the courage to truly expand my talent. I was able to grow my love for nail art and be creative. Clients were recurring with me; new clients would book because they saw my nail art— I was blossoming into a nail artist. It became more than “just nails”, I was able to create masterpieces on clients’ nails all from my talent. Never did I imagine. The first few years of my career I was working 6 days a week, putting in the time to practice, promoting myself, building my skills, and more because I know if you work hard, it will be rewarding in the end. My hard work was paying off and I could see that I was becoming an asset nail artist to the salon— from my books being full, working every day the doors were open, my nail art being posted, me being able to teach others my skills. I was learning my worth and realizing that I should be valued. Also, after just being a recent newlywed to my husband I knew that I needed to split my time and energy between building this new life with my husband and continue my growth in my career. After multiple situations of realizing that I wasn’t valued and that I would not be able to grow as a nail artist in any capacity. I made the decision to resign at the salon, however, that came with great risks that opened a can of worms for my future. Putting in my resignation without knowledge of what was next for me, but just knowing I had to get out for my mental, sanity, and physical.
At the start of new position as a nail tech at this “boutique” salon, I had to sign a 2-year non-compete document. Unfortunately, I ended up signing this form before I began my position, and little did, I know the seriousness of this. I was a fresh out of high school, 19-year-old who was naive and had very little knowledge on the consequences of signing this; all because I was eager to start what I thought was going to be a job that I would be able to grow, a place that truly cared for their employees, somewhere that understood the industry and wanted to be different. At the time of resignation, I had requested to be released of my non-compete so I could go out and work without any actions being taken against me. Unfortunately, that led to me having to seek legal assistance. Just to come to that I was refused to be released of my non-compete no matter what and for the next two years, I would have to abide by it.
After the end of that chapter, one thing led to another sometime after and there was an opportunity for me to be a booth renter at this new salon. Never did I want to become my own boss or handle the business aspect of things however after unfortunate situations, I thought why not give it a go. I remember having all the odds against me from having zero clients due to non-compete, not even being prepared to start up a booth let alone the knowledge of what to do, using most of my money to invest, not even sure that I would be able to build a new clientele since it’s such small town, and let alone the pandemic began right after I agreed to this new journey. But for some reason, there was this part of me that said just do it and have faith because it will all work out. There were highs and lows throughout the entire process. From being shut down right before we were supposed to open which led opening to push back, behind the scene situations, to finally being able to open, and starting to rebuild my clientele. With much promotion, having open availability, putting all of my time & energy into my new business— I started to get busier. It wasn’t an overnight thing, but gradually. My name was getting out there and this time I could say it was all me that was building this clientele with my business. Not to mention I enjoyed the place I was working; I worked alongside two other booth renters who are nail artists theirselves. Things were working out and I was settling into this new season of my career. After a year of being a booth renter, the other ladies and I last minute found out we were no longer going to be able to booth rent at this studio; a month before we were supposed to renew our lease.
To say I am beyond grateful I went through this with these two ladies is an understatement. We each had just took a leap of faith and began our journey as businesswomen and here we were having to move studios a year later; worried how it would affect our business, not sure how things were going to work out. The shock of being pushed out of where we were finally settling at. Unsure of what was to come and how we were going to turn this low into a high. However, like everything else in my career, things worked out. I was able to invest in the opening of a new studio alongside these two boss babes and our landlord. May 2021, the studio opened; we transformed this little gray house into a nail studio within a couple of months. With the support of our clients, one another, spouses, and everyone around us we were able to believe in ourselves and keep pushing even against the odds.
My business has skyrocketed off the ground two years later; with my books full, being my own boss, a beautiful space to work in, great women to work alongside. Recently I closed my books from accepting new clients and at the end of February 2022, I will be released of my non-compete after abiding by it the past two years. The beginning of this journey I would have never imagined all of this, but through the ups and downs, I can truly say I love what I do. The relationships with clients, my passion for nails, the creativity of nail art— that is what keeps me pushing every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but just like life there are ups and downs to it. From not having great experiences with my bosses, to being entangled in a non-compete document, starting a business at the start of a pandemic, being pushed out a year later from the salon I just opened my business, having no plans to open a brand-new studio, and more.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an independent, natural nail artist that also creates nail art on nails. I’m most proud of my growth in this industry and finding what aspect of nails I truly enjoy doing. What sets me apart is the nail journeys I have been able to take my clients on— from their nails being short & brittle to long, healthy, & durable. As well as helping my clients express theirselves by creating masterpieces on their nails.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I personally love to follow nail artists on Instagram. There’s always something you can learn from them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nails-by-kathryn.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynsnails_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynmcilwain03/
Image Credits
Stephanie Williams Portraits
