Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristal Miranda.
Hi Cristal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve enjoyed being polished since a very young age. My nail polish addiction started with my mom. I would see her paint her beautiful long nails and I wanted to look just as good as her. She was always DIY with her nails and as soon as gel polish became a thing, she got her own kit. By the end of high school my regular polish collection was EXTENSIVE. I didn’t get the hang of gel until I was about 19/20yrs old. I initially went to college for graphic design but once I realized I didn’t want to continue down that route, I decided to go to beauty school to get licensed for nails and skincare. I had a head start with my friends that would ask me for gel manicures and my retention game was already strong. By October 2020 I was a licensed Full Specialist. I worked at a toxic-free and vegan salon for less than a year before I decided to go out on my own. My first year independent was mostly focused around me traveling and taking time off before starting a business of my own. 2022 was the beginning of my journey and by December I had made my business official. My loyal clients have taken appointments with me in from my living room to my personal bedroom until we finally had an open room to call my salon. That room has been through a whirlwind of being my best friend’s room, to a guest room, to my cousin from Puerto Rico’s room, a foster home for my kittens to finally being my nail room. Throughout the years I’ve continued my education with multiple, talented nail artists that have made me feel more confident and validate me when that imposter syndrome hits. No matter what your area of expertise is, when that imposter syndrome hits, SILENCE IT. With the support of my loving family, friends, loyal clients, past clients and even temporary clients, I’ve been able to build my brand and remodel my room to make it as comfortable as possible along with making it me. There’s so much more professionalism and personality in my room now than ever and it feels like a completely new journey. This year I was invited to Cadillac’s first F1 event by Kro Vargas, AKA Krocaine, a popular Miami nail artist. It was my first time doing nails at a major event in the Design District and the motivation that came with that has pushed me to learn more ways to be apart of the community and share my craft with others. This is not where my journey will end and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me and the other creatives I’ve worked with on the way.
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?
The road is never smooth on a journey worth taking. The biggest obstacle I’ve had to face is myself. Not thinking I’m good enough, wondering what more I could do with my craft, thinking I should be further than I currently am. Expressing these thoughts to my friends, family and other business owners/nail artists helps me a lot. Not only that but working on my own confidence and reminding myself that nothing is linear, there is no direct/correct path to take helps plenty. I don’t compare myself to others and I take every day as it comes. There’s no rush, it is all about the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in gel nails, structure gel overlays with either hard or soft gel and Apres gel-extensions but I am most known for my nail artistry. My goal with every client is to give them a meticulous manicure with detailed prep for long lasting results and nail art that every other chop shop said no to. I practice dry Russian manicures and help my clients grow out their natural nails, given that’s their goal. Every client’s needs are different so I learn their anatomy, their habits and after a few appointments I can formulate a process that fits their lifestyle. When it comes to nail art, I don’t have a specific style I specialize in. I like being able to do it all, the simple ones, the complex ones, the challenging ones. I can do almost anything as long as you aren’t asking for portraits, I’m not da Vinci, yet. I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made with my artistry. I’ve done two personal projects in the past year and I’ve been motivated to make my own book so that’s something to look forward to! I’m a world where originality is so hard to find, I think what sets me apart from most is my personality. Good work will keep clients around but my personality is what makes them want to continue coming to me. There are so many talented nail artists around me, if you’re looking it’s not hard to find, but finding a service provider that you CLICK with is hard to find.
What does success mean to you?
For a very long time I defined success as having money and being very well known for my craft. I no longer see success that way. I feel successful after every service I provide. I feel successful after spending quality time with my family and friends. I feel successful being able to afford traveling the world and pursuing hobbies I’ve always had interest in with my hard earned money. I almost defined success as my happiness in myself and my life but success is also getting through the hardships we face in our everyday, normal lives. I feel successful every time I wake up and get to do what I love to be able to afford and make time for the people and activities I enjoy.
Pricing:
- Structure gel overlay $100
- Apres gel-extensions $100
- Nail art varies from $5-60+ depending on complexity
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unicanailbar.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicanailbar
