Exploring Life & Business with Vanessa Ramos of VANAILXS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Ramos.

Vanessa , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started during the pandemic.

My name is Vanessa Ramos. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I identify myself as a Nuyorican which is Puerto Rican by blood and New Yorker through experience.

I’m always on the grind, I work hard for what I believe in no matter what challenges come my way. For a while, I thought making it meant climbing the latter in corporate America and so that’s what I did, I focused so much of my time and energy on my role, connecting with the community, organizing events, and facilitating financial literacy and so much more, etc. The pandemic hit and the entire world came to a halt. During this time, I have done a lot of reflecting, and I realized that I was entirely dependent on my job and that at any moment if they decided to make changes, my entire world will crumble. That scared me. For many years I have worked in corporate America and put a lot of love and passion into my career. I am very proud of how far I have come and the relationships I’ve built along the way. However, I began reflecting and asked myself, “How am I building generational wealth in my family? And that’s when my entire mindset and focus shifted. I have two children and it is important for me to show them that you can make something out of nothing, success starts small.

I’ve always been interested in nails and always been a DIY type of gal but never thought of making it into business until one day I went to an independent nail technician and paid $100 for extensions with no design. I thought, “I can do this myself”. So, I began researching A LOT, watched probably every video on the internet, and began purchasing products. Little by little, I grew my supplies and self-taught myself. And my journey began from there, and here I am two years later, a certified nail technician, still navigating what it means to be an entrepreneur, understanding how to manage an LLC, building my social media presence and clientele and the list goes on. But I am proud of how far I have come and where I am headed.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur is never easy! For me specifically, I just closed my eyes and shot for the stars. One thing about me is that I am not afraid to fall, I take my falls as blessings in disguise because it teaches me how to move forward.

I come from humble beginnings, I am building my foundation from scratch, and although I had no idea on how to start or the knowledge of running a business, what I did know through my walk of life is the tremendous amount of resources that are out there, I just had to apply myself.

One thing my mom has told me that I now preach is “you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it! ” There isn’t anything you can’t do and that’s my motto.

The biggest challenge of them all is staying motivated and consistent because sometime I may feel like I am not doing enough, or I question my journey or doubt my abilities. However, that is okay because I am human and I embrace those feeling but then remind myself I am exactly where I need to be and I am headed in the right direction.

I also understand that for me to continue moving forward, I have to continue building relationships with other entrepreneurs, business owners, clients, and community partners and getting my name out there.

“I always remind myself to be patient with myself, greatness takes time”.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is called VANAILXS (X for Muahz) VANAILXS is not just a nail business, it is a connection of Love, Support, and Community. I am a woman of Passion, Drive, and Resiliency. Every step I take is to help inspire and empower the creativity that lives inside of every Boss babe. Every product and nail design is made with love and affection. I am an entrepreneur on the rise, learning along the way. What sets me apart is how much I give back to the community and my personality of course! I am one of a kind 🙂

I have discovered my love for the community and am very focused on giving what I can and guiding them towards the resources they need to be successful. I do this by working with nonprofit organizations, hosting pop-up shops to support small businesses, and collaborating with other entrepreneurs.

I am a traveling nail technician with a focus on owning my studio. I offer nail services, enhancements, pedicures, and soon waxing services. I also have my very own gel polish line inspired by a “Summer in Brooklyn”. I create beautiful press-on nails that can be received in any part of the world. I bring my client’s visions to life, “your nails are your canvases” I also have begun a line called “LIL Miss CEO” which is run by my beautiful 9-year-old daughter Ariela.

Our business is constantly evolving and the sky is the limit!

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Besides the fact that Miami is its beautiful island what I have come to learn and truly appreciate is the tremendous amount of support Miami-Dade County alone has for small businesses. The city truly believes in its entrepreneurs and provides as much support as possible to see its community thrive.

Miami is also very diverse and coming from NY that is one thing I value here.

What I dislike the most about Miami is the Traffic. Miami traffic has its own identity, however, it has taught me patience lol TRUE Patience! As long as I have some snacks, water, and good music, I’m good, lol.

Pricing:

• Gel Manicure $25
• Acrylic $40
• Regular Pedicure $40
• Spa Pedicure $60
• Regular Manicure $15

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://vanailxs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanailxs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/%EF%BC%B6%EF%BD%81%EF%BD%8E%EF%BD%81%EF%BD%89%EF%BD%8C%EF%BD%98%EF%BD%93-100593411837046/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM5g-HrJje8FRY-BA971PRQ
• Other: https://vanailxs.com/blog/f/where-it-all-begins

Image Credits
Donald Sprauge – Photo with me doing nails Michelle Vantine Photography – Photo of fruit nails Fanesha Fabre- VANAILXS drawing, NYC Inspired