Ask Me Anything: Tanisha DesRochers (Networking Expert and Manicurist)

Happy Monday, StyleSeat Community :sparkles: It’s time for another AMA!

This week we’ll be hearing from Tanisha (@Nailvana), licensed manicurist, the owner of Nailvana Salon, and networking event host!

Tanisha’s latest venture has been creating online spaces and events through Facebook for small business owners and entrepreneurs to network (aptly called The Entrepreneurs Circle), as well as in-person events and panels.

“The purpose is to bring people together to support and assist one another in the journey of business ownership! It’s fantastic to have an app like StyleSeat to ease the burdens on keeping all my numbers organized and in one place.”

Tanisha has had an inspiring journey to success. She was laid off from her job when the pandemic hit and decided to buy a polygel kit to do her own nails. Since then, she’s become licensed and worked her way from her kitchen table to owning her own salon and becoming a valued part of her community within the Michigan area and throughout the nail industry.

“I am a gel only technician and I specialize in natural nail care, although I have experience with a wide berth of nail enhancements and nail arts! My unique range of clientele affords me the luxury of getting to do a large variety of styles with my favorite tiny canvas.”

She first joined us on StyleSeat back in 2021, needing a way to keep track of her payments. She says once she landed on StyleSeat, she never looked back.

Tanisha will be answering questions today through Wednesday, June 19th, so go ahead and ask away! :arrow_down:

5 Likes

Hi Tanisha! I’d love to know what inspired you to create events for small business owners?

Is the Facebook event something anyone can join?

1 Like

Hey thanks so much for your questions!
Truly the reason I was inspired to create networking events is because it’s something I wish I’d taken part in when I first started my entrepreneurial journey. I have several friends at this point who are just starting their own businesses and I want to be able to provide people with a comfortable and genuine space to ask questions and meet others with kindred mindsets. Yes absolutely anyone can join our community, just search The Entrepreneurs’ Circle on Facebook. We are in our early phase so it’s a great time to get involved !

2 Likes

Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to check it out :slightly_smiling_face:

1 Like

how do you go about marketing your business? do you use social media ads at all?

4 Likes

Hey Tanisha! I used to do acrylics but my nails were so mad at me! I gave them about a year off and I’ve switched to gel. My nails feel more brittle every time I get them done. Do you have any tips for having cute nails but keeping them strong and healthy?

2 Likes

Hi Tanisha, I’d love to know how you got your clients to return and grew your business so quickly. It’s very inspiring to see your success!

2 Likes

how do you handle pricing add-ons and nail art? designs can get so specific and I struggle with knowing how much to charge.

2 Likes

Hi Tanisha, thank you for sharing, your story is so inspiring! How did you get other business owners like yourself interested in your idea and participate in events and panels?

2 Likes

For marketing, my nails (and my client’s nails) themselves are a moving billboard! Striking up a conversation with anybody you can about their nails or yours is a great way to promote your business. Word of mouth has been essential for me as well, my clients are always representing.

In my earliest stages I would also advertise my business on community groups on Facebook.

I have used IG ads once or twice, I’ve personally found they are best for gaining followers but not necessarily clients directly.

1 Like

Hey! Thanks for the question! Firstly you should consider what is it that’s causing your nails to continue to brittle. If your tech is overfilling your nails that is a major issue. You also should avoid missing fills or constant application and removal. If you’re experiencing rough removals that could cause thin nails as well. I highly recommend a quality cuticle oil to apply to both your cuticle area as well as under the tips of your nails. This will keep your nails hydrated and more flexible!

1 Like

Hey hey! What a great inquiry… honestly I am a very extroverted person so I think that lends to my client retention. Let’s be honest, there is always someone else out there who does what we do. However your clients come back not only because of great consistent work but because they LOVE their experience with you! I aim to truly learn about my clients and to be a force of positivity in their lives. Always a listening ear and a friend as well as their nail tech. Being kind and personable and understanding goes a long way.

1 Like

Oooo my friend I feel you there! This may be a bit unorthodox but I truly charge for my art based off the level of effort required. If I finish the art and it took me 45 minutes of blood sweat and tears I’m taxing! If it was something that was easy for me I’ll charge much less. For me personally, I’m not comfortable with charging by the minute, and I find it difficult to categorize nail art as simple or difficult sometimes. Some things that look very difficult are actually very simple to execute. Other things look simple, but really they take a lot of time! So I go off the effort it requires for me personally. I do however have standard prices for things like a French, or an ombre.

I hope this helps, if you need something more specific or want examples please reach out to me directly I’d be happy to discuss further!

2 Likes

Hey - thanks for asking! When I first started my venture into event planning I actually posted to some community groups asking if any local business owners would be interested in being panel members and the response was overwhelming! As far as attendees go I just constantly posted about my event and told EVERYONE I know it would mean a lot if they shared and attended !

3 Likes

Hi Tanisha (@Nailvana)! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. What has been your biggest challenge in your nail endeavors so far? Do you have other projects in the works?

2 Likes

Of course, thanks for reading!! I think perhaps the biggest obstacle for nails in my beginning phases would have been staying motivated and feeling capable. Oftentimes I was discouraged or wanted to give up. You see perfect IG nails all day, you fail to retain clients while you’re still working on your skill set… it was hard!

Today however the biggest obstacle is always finances, wanting to have the money to create new locations and buy the BEST equipment… that’s the struggle now!

1 Like