Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantell Rodriguez.
Hi Chantell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Chantell Rodriguez a twenty-two years old born in the Dominican Republic. I moved to Miami, Fl at the age of nine which is now my second home. I’ve always felt a deep passion for business—it runs in my blood. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I was constantly surrounded by that mindset. My mom, a professional hairstylist, played a huge role in sparking my love for the beauty industry. Back in March 2020, during my senior year of high school, the world came to a halt due to the pandemic. With all senior activities canceled, I started receiving refunds. My sister Auri suggested I use some of that money to buy nail supplies so we could experiment and “try doing our nails.” What started as a fun hobby quickly became something more serious for me. I spent the rest of the year practicing and improving my skills by offering discounted services to models. I am grateful for my support system, my mom, my sister and my boyfriend who always pushed me and helped me in the best way they could. I’m deeply thankful to God for blessing me with this talent and for guiding me through every storm. And I’m just as grateful to each and every one of my clients—for trusting me, supporting me, and letting me be part of your lives. You are the heart of Clawed by Chanel, and every person who sits in my chair contributes to the growth of this beautiful journey. I’m beyond grateful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After beauty school, I found myself torn between starting in a salon or going straight into my own suite. I chose to take a leap of faith and follow my heart, stepping into the world of entrepreneurship as an independent nail artist. It hasn’t been an easy road—building a small clientele, learning the power of content creation, and investing in marketing to attract my niche were all new, and often overwhelming, experiences. Losing clients felt personal at first, but with time, I stopped seeing it as rejection and started seeing it as redirection toward my dream client. One of the hardest lessons came early on, when I trusted a local business owner to secure a suite and was scammed out of my deposit. She ignored all my calls and messages, and it was devastating—but I didn’t give up. I reminded myself this was just the beginning, and I had officially gotten my feet wet.
Through every challenge, I’ve kept God at the center of my life and business. His guidance gives me strength, and I know without a doubt that the best is yet to come. The entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint of heart—it’s hard and uniquely different for everyone. There are moments that will make you want to quit and never look back. Sometimes, you won’t have the support you thought you needed, and along the way, you may lose relationships or friendships. But every step, every setback, and every breakthrough is shaping me into the businesswoman I’m meant to be—and I’m just getting started.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Chantell, and I’m a licensed nail technician based in North Miami Beach, FL. At Clawed By Chanel, our mission is to promote self-care through a luxurious and empowering beauty experience. We believe that indulging in self-care uplifts the spirit, boosts confidence, and reminds you of your worth. Beyond creating beautiful nails, we are deeply committed to nail health and building genuine connections with our clients. As a nail tech, I wear many hats—artist, businesswoman, entrepreneur, therapist, and friend. Knowing that I can uplift someone’s mood and self-esteem through the gift God has placed in my hands fills my heart with purpose and fuels my passion. My ultimate goal is to leave every client not only looking beautiful but feeling genuinely happy and cared for.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a young, wise girl—full of energy, curiosity, and a sharp mind that always stood out. People constantly complimented how bright I was and were often amazed at how quickly I caught on to new things. I had a natural ability to understand situations, adapt fast, and think steps ahead, which made me both active and insightful. Independence came naturally to me; I rarely needed help and always found ways to solve problems on my own. Even at a young age, it was clear that I carried a maturity beyond my years and a spirit that was both determined and capable.
Pricing:
- Acrylic freestyles starting at $85
- Acrylic full sets starting at $60
- Gel-x full sets starting at $50
- Manicures starting at $35
- Pedicures starting at $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Clawedbychanel.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clawedbychanel
- Facebook: Clawed By Chanel
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@clawedbychanel
Image Credits
@jailynlondonphotography
