Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Gonzalez.
Karla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi there! I’m Karla Gonzalez, and let me tell you, the world of nails isn’t just a job for me—it’s been my life for over 20 years. I’m the Founder and Owner of both my salon, KG Nails PR, and my passion project, the KG Nails Academy.
I’ve built my whole career around one philosophy, and if you take anything away from my story, let it be this: “Safe Beauty is Smart Beauty.” I truly believe that knowing the science and safety protocols is just as important as being a creative artist. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to mastering everything, whether it’s the structure of acrylics and Polygel, or the wild, intricate nail art I love doing, right down to advanced, safe pedicures.
It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m so proud of the recognition we’ve earned. Getting named one of Booksy’s Best Nail Technicians in 2021 felt incredible, and being a Top 10 Finalist at the 2024 Rise of Hair Show in Florida was just the cherry on top. It shows that my focus on high standards really resonates.
But honestly, where my passion burns brightest now is in education. I’m a committed educator at the Neo Aesthetic and Medical School, and through the Academy, my mission is crystal clear: to shape the future of this industry. I’ve completed over 50 advanced courses because I want to give the next generation everything they need—the high-level skills, the business knowledge, and, most importantly, that foundational focus on safety—so they can build long-lasting, successful, professional careers, just like I did.
I’m so excited to share my journey, and I hope it inspires anyone looking to lead in the beauty industry!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Now, has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not! Twenty years means a lot of ups and downs.
The biggest struggle early on was honestly fighting against the ‘quick fix’ culture.’ When I started, there was so much pressure in the industry to cut corners, use cheaper materials, or rush clients just to get more numbers in. Sticking to my ‘Safe Beauty’ standard meant sometimes turning away business or taking longer with a client, and that felt tough when I was trying to grow. But that integrity is ultimately what built my long-term reputation.
Later on, the challenge shifted. Transitioning from being a solo artist who only focused on nail work to running a full salon and an academy brought a whole new level of long hours and business challenges. It’s one thing to be a master technician; it’s another to be a master business manager! Every stage required a completely different kind of hustle.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in the whole spectrum of nail services. I love working with vacay anything like acrylics, Polygel, gel polish and more and i truly thrive on creating intricate nail art. I also place a huge emphasis on performing foot care with safety-focused pedicures procedures to ensure the health of my clients. Especially the clients with limited mobility, by offering mobile services for this type of customers that can’t attend a regular salon, making sure every part of the service is performed professionally and safely. Following my unwavering philosophy: ‘Safe Beauty is smart beauty’ I believe technical skill must always be backed by knowledge and safety protocols. Because of this, I’m also widely known as an industry educator—I’m committed to pushing the professional standards forward, not just for myself, but for everyone who comes through my salon. But if I had to pick one thing, it’s the success of my students. Seeing someone leave my Academy with the skills and confidence to launch their own successful, ethical, and safe beauty business—that’s the real legacy I’m building, and that’s what I’m most proud of. What set me apart it’s the combination of over 20 years of experience with my non-negotiable commitment to continuous learning, and the health of natural nails is the most crucial factor for my success. I’ve personally keep myself with continue education to bring the best quality and products to my customers. This means I’m not just relying on old techniques; I’m constantly integrating the newest, safest, and highest-level knowledge available. That dedication to mastery and safety sets both my salon and my teaching apart.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
“The Two Defining Risks That Shaped My Career”
“I’ve taken two major risks that have defined not only my career, but the woman and educator I’ve become.”
1. The Academy Leap
One of the biggest leaps of faith in my career was transitioning from running a successful salon—KG Nails PR Salon—to stepping into the role of lead educator for the nail program at Neo Aesthetic & International Medical School in Hallandale, Florida.
But the real risk came when I went a step further and decided to build my own private institution, KG Nails Academy.
Creating an academy from the ground up meant investing time, money, expertise, and a tremendous amount of emotional energy. I poured myself into developing a truly comprehensive curriculum that reflected everything I believe the industry deserves: higher standards, safer practices, and advanced techniques.
It also required shifting my focus from serving clients full-time to mentoring future professionals—a bold financial and professional gamble. But I believed so deeply that the beauty industry needed better education that the risk felt not only necessary, but urgent. Today, seeing my students continue their education through my academy confirms that the leap was worth it.
2. Standing Firm in Integrity
Another defining risk came earlier in my career, when I made a deliberate choice to stand by my philosophy—even when it wasn’t the profitable one. I refused to offer cheap, rushed, or unsafe services, even though many competitors were capitalizing on those trends.
At the time, it felt risky because it meant watching clients walk toward the “ten-minute manicure” deals instead of choosing my services. It directly affected my income in the moment—but I chose integrity over shortcuts.
That decision is exactly what built the foundation of trust that KG Nails PR Salon is known for today. It established my reputation for high-quality, professional, and safe work—something I never compromised on.
In the end, every step forward in my career has required courage.
Life is about taking risks—intentional, informed, and purpose-driven ones. If you’ve done the work, if you’ve built the vision, you must be brave enough to leap. Your future will always favor the bold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.kgnailspr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kgnailspr_academy?igsh=bThnb3p4eWs5dWw4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jdr5aeC32/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kgnailsprsalon
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kgnailsprsalon
Image Credits
Credit to
Photographer Mateo Cantor
Instagram: @Imootion
@kgnailspr_academy
@neobeautyschool
