Today, we’d like to introduce you to Graciela Diaz.
Hi Graciela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, everyone! I’m Graciela Diaz, the owner and creative mind behind Virgo & Gem, a brand that’s all about nail products.
My journey to Virgo & Gem began with a dream—a dream of having my own business. But for years, I was stuck on what to sell and how to make it happen. Then, during my first pregnancy, I stumbled upon the magical world of dip powders for nails, and everything clicked into place.
From that first dip, I was hooked. The versatility, durability, and money-saving perks of at home dip powder manicures spoke to me on a deep level. It felt like I had finally found my calling, the missing piece to my entrepreneurial puzzle.
As a mom, creating a business that allowed me to be there for my daughter was paramount. But finding the right name and logo proved to be quite the challenge. It wasn’t until my daughter was born that inspiration struck, and Virgo & Gem was born—a nod to both our zodiac signs and the special bond we share.
With a name in hand, I set out to find the best nail products for our brand. After a rigorous search, I finally found a supplier whose products exceeded all my expectations, laying the foundation for Virgo & Gem’s success.
Together with my husband Fernando, we embarked on the adventure of bringing Virgo & Gem to life, all while juggling full-time jobs with the government. We both worked very hard to get the business off the ground and after seeing the positive feedback and growing customer base our passion fueled even more.
Fast forward a couple of years, and Virgo & Gem has become a thriving brand. Both my husband and I took the leap to work on our business full-time, and we haven’t looked back since.
Recently, we made the exciting decision to relocate our family to Florida, drawn by the sunshine and the chance to be closer to family in Orlando and Tampa. We’ve since welcomed another child into our lives—a son—and continue to work tirelessly to bring quality, affordable products to our customers while also striving to take Virgo & Gem to new heights.
Our journey is far from over, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next. Thank you for having me today, and I can’t wait to share more about our story with you all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Navigating the path of a small business owner has been anything but smooth sailing, yet the rewards have made every hurdle worthwhile. While the flexibility to work from home and set my own schedule has been a blessing, the role demands wearing multiple hats and working tirelessly.
I’ve had to learn photography, photoshop, marketing, social media management, accounting, website development, and even chemistry and color theory, among other things. This is not only because we’re a small business but also because as a true Virgo, I often find myself striving for perfection in every aspect of my work. While this dedication ensures the quality of our products, it also presents challenges in delegating tasks to lighten my workload, particularly when it comes to selecting colors for seasonal sales or advent calendars. My meticulous nature can lead to moments of indecision.
However, my commitment to delivering the best for our customers remains unwavering. I’m deeply invested in ensuring that every product we offer is not only of the highest quality but also visually stunning. I recognize that this pursuit of excellence can sometimes consume valuable time and divert attention from other critical areas of the business.
Understanding the need to scale our operations in the future, I acknowledge the importance of delegation. By entrusting smaller tasks to others, I can focus my energy on areas where my expertise is most needed, ultimately driving the success of our brand. It’s a journey of growth and learning, but one that I’m fully committed to for the continued success of Virgo & Gem.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
We specialize in all types of dip powders (glitters, chromes, thermals, glow-in-the-dark, etc.), dip powder liquids, gel polishes, and accessories for creating DIY manicures. Recently, we have started to roll out our Gel Tips Kits, which have been a huge success. We are specifically loved for our Dip Powder liquids, which many customers have said are the best, especially our Top Coat which provides an amazing shine. Our products are great for beginners and experts and are 10-free, vegan and cruelty free.
I take immense pride in the quality of our products and the exceptional customer service we provide at Virgo & Gem. My husband and I are deeply committed to ensuring that every interaction with our brand is a pleasant one. Whether it’s resolving a minor hiccup with an order or offering helpful tips on how to make the most of our products, we prioritize being friendly, transparent, and readily available to assist our valued customers.
It’s important for your readers to understand that Virgo & Gem is more than just a business – it’s a representation of love and hard work, owned and operated by a woman who really cares and is determined to make a difference in the beauty industry. Despite being a small team of just two, we pour our hearts into every aspect of our business, striving to fulfill orders swiftly and efficiently, often dispatching them within a day or two of receiving them.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond our products and service. We have a Facebook group, the Virgo and Gem Nails Community, where members share their manicure masterpieces and exchange invaluable tips and tricks. Additionally, we regularly host giveaways on both Facebook and Instagram as a token of appreciation for our loyal customers. After all, it’s their continuous support that propels us forward on this incredible journey, and we’re endlessly grateful for their trust and enthusiasm.
What does success mean to you?
I believe true success for us lies in the heartfelt feedback we receive from our customers. Nothing beats the feeling of receiving glowing feedback and knowing that our products have made someone’s day brighter. When customers become true fans and sing praises not only of our products but also our customer service, it reaffirms that we’re on the right track and that we are running our business with integrity and care.
Setting ambitious goals is pivotal for our growth. We aspire to elevate Virgo & Gem to the top and want it to become one of the best dip powder brands, offering an extensive range of nail products. With confidence, we aim to compete with industry leaders and expand our reach. Over the coming year, we’re determined to see our brand on the shelves of beauty and nail supply stores, ramp up our social media presence, do more giveaways for our loyal customers, and explore opportunities for international expansion.
My husband and I are deeply grateful for the chance to share our journey and the story of Virgo & Gem with this publication. From humble beginnings, when we offered just 50 colors and three liquids, we’ve now blossomed to over 250 colors and ten types of liquids, all crafted for creating stunning manicures. It’s truly humbling to think others might find inspiration in our journey from grassroots entrepreneurship to where we stand today.
To all who’ve taken the time to read our story, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. If you’re intrigued, I invite you to experience Virgo & Gem firsthand. Explore our vibrant range of colors and top-quality liquids on our website, www.virgoandgemnails.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.virgoandgemnails.
com - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/virgoandgem/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/virgoandgemnails/ - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/@VIRGOGEMNAILS
Image Credits
Annette Reinosa @leilovesnails, @finewinemanis, @miasdipnails, and @Arya.dipnails
