Life and Work with Max Sandra “MadMaxs” Lurius

Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Sandra “MadMaxs” Lurius.

Max Sandra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a two-parent household with Haitian immigrants who are still married to each other. They tried convincing me to be a nurse or a medical professional, which is a typical desire for Haitian parents. It’s been a challenge to get their support once I told them my dream is to be a nail artist. My mother is a retired nurse. Unfortunately, she’s suffering from a disease-causing her kidney to fail. My father is my biggest inspiration. He immigrated to this country by a boat, is a documented citizen, and makes a living as a successful landscaper. Both of my parents have always motivated me to strive for success and wealth in a country that has so many opportunities. Watching my father over the years helped me develop an entrepreneurial mindset—from the way he professionally speaks to his clients to him creating invoices while he enjoys a beer at our dining table. I remember frequently moving and transferring schools when I was younger. I also remember teachers who wore long nails that fascinated me so much I’d ask them if I could touch it. My mom went to an Asian nail salon in the ’90s for French nails, which were trendy at the time. I asked her for those same fascinating nails as my teachers. Her answer was no, so I threw myself on the floor and cried. At about 16 years old, my mom allowed me to get my nails done (short, of course). In school, I wasn’t a straight ‘A’ student, but I always managed to pass my classes. After graduation, I didn’t know what to major in. I’d always offer to do braids for my family and classmates in middle and high school for extra money, but to be honest, I didn’t enjoy it. I did my hair, too. My mother couldn’t afford it, and I had to stay poppin’! I was bullied in middle school so my appearance became a priority for my self-esteem. I enrolled at Miami Dade College as a hospitality major. I didn’t have a good experience. Simultaneously, I had a bad experience at a local nail salon, and that (re)sparked my passion for nail artistry. I watched several YouTube videos and ultimately, bought my first nail kit from Walgreens. I dropped out of college for a year to work in retail and be a security guard. Then, I enrolled in a cosmetology school discontinuing because of car repossession. I’m thankful for the good and the bad. I’m especially thankful that I finished the course for nails and facials although I was going through trials. I enrolled in Broward College later. I wasn’t giving up on nail artistry that easy. I created an Instagram and YouTube account to publish my beauty content. I’m very outgoing, so I didn’t hesitate to reach out to local nail artists and Instagram influencers like California-based Kandie, @itsyaboikandie. I’m honored to have been mentored by Dana Cody who reached out to me on Instagram. Being with her was a familiar feeling. She has a successful business and observing her expand her business motivated me to re-enroll in cosmetology school. I want to be licensed. My followers and YouTube subscribers watch my journey. I quit my security job, and I work full-time doing what I love. I’m a businesswoman, too. I sell WhySoPressed Nails, custom press-on nails for my business Sauvage Artistry. I’m focused on perfecting my craft and the relaunch of Sauvage Artistry. I haven’t stopped creating since establishing my businesses at Broward College. I love what I do!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Balance is a key factor for me. I face challenges and remain positive. You may fail multiple times just to win, and that’s OK. My parents expected me to graduate as a hospitality student. I knew I wasn’t interested, and my parents realized I wasn’t graduating with that degree. They still don’t support my decision but are happy that I am focused on manifesting my dreams. I’m happy I did it. I meet wonderful people on my journey. They motivate me, and it’s an inspiration to see how many people love my unique styles of long nails. My mission is to be one of the best in Miami and Haiti. Challenges won’t stop me from achieving goals. Like I said before, you may fail multiple times before you win. Challenges in life are inevitable. Plus no one is perfect. Just don’t let it break you. Come up with a game plan, practice time management, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and talk to someone you can trust. Become one with your goal and don’t give up. Life is a marathon.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sauvage Artistry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m studying to be a Cosmetologist but specialize in Nails. My specialties are nail enhancements and nail care, which is why I consider myself a nail artist. My core work is in acrylic enhancements and designs. I work with all nail lengths, but my favorite is long nails. You can tell from the way I do my own nails. I sell custom acrylic press-on nails at Sauvage Artistry. They’re long-lasting and thick, which prevents splitting and a natural appearance of a new full set. I accept clients who require traveling to a residence or private location.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My mentor Dana Cody. She has inspired me to always strive for greatness. Working alongside her and applying her knowledge like being cognizant of speed when working on a client’s nails. She proves her value daily and the importance of a mentor. I remember watching ‘Boss Nails’, the Oxygen reality TV show based on her life as the business owner of Miami’s Tippie Toes Beauty Lounge. I wanted to always visit her beauty lounge. Women like her are the reason why I will maintain the integrity of the industry and empower other beauty professionals who need help crossing the start line, mastering their craft, or growing their business. My mother is another woman who inspires me. She is still the strongest woman that I know through her illness and has taught me to remain faithful to my dreams. Believing in yourself is first, then the obstacles won’t matter.

Pricing:

• Acrylic Full Set $45/Up
• Gel Full Set $80/up
• Natural Manicure $30
• Spa Manicure $60
• Traveling Fee (Varies)
• WSP Custom Press on Nails $30/up

Contact Info:

• Phone: 3058464791
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsbymadmaxs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NailsByMadMaxs/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5IWhXVzuEJ7D_s552lAEug

Image Credit:
Photographer: Quesia Bermudez (@Quesia_)
Makeup: Quesia Bermudez

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