Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Hicks.
Emma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, I have been painting. Being creative is something that came very naturally to me, and started doing nails when I was in middle school. I taught myself various nail techniques through YouTube and loved it. In high school, I started doing friends’ and families’ nails and it was such a fun time! After I graduated high school, I did one year of college and decided I needed to take a step back and reevaluate my career path. I went to nail school, became certified, and immediately started at my dream salon, Sage Hair and Nails in New Philadelphia. Sage is such an amazing space, and I absolutely love being there. I own my LLC and am an independent contractor, which basically means I get to be creative and be the boss- it’s a pretty sweet job! I currently am growing my client base and continuing on with my college education.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I do not think anyone can say owning their own business has been smooth. There have been struggles, doubts as to if I was good enough to make it, and financial sacrifices (especially because it’s the first year). I think one of the biggest struggles was how slow of a start I had. I really struggled to get clients my first three months, and that was very difficult season to stay positive. My first month, I had 6 total appointments, and my fourth month, I had 18! These numbers may seem small, but they were a huge deal to me. It showed me my hard work was paying off, things were picking up, and I could only keep growing from there. There have been so many people supporting me that it has made it easier than it probably should have been. The salon owner, Katie, has been a huge supporter of my vision and an inspiration in many senses. My clients are so wonderful and truly make my job possible. It is not easy owning a business, but the people make it worth it!
As you know, we’re big fans of Emma Hicks Nails LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
The most crucial thing to know about my service offerings is that I work with gel and the natural nail ONLY. When most people think of getting their nails done, they think of using acrylic to immediately add “fake” nails to create a long and beautiful extension. I utilize a flexible gel for all my services, and my goal is to strengthen and support the natural nail to create organic and healthy length over time. This means any length you have, is 100% your natural nails. Over time, they will look like an acrylic extension- except it’s your natural nails! The most important thing to know about my brand is that I prioritize education, staying in the forefront of industry techniques, and always offering my best to clients.
What sets me apart is my background in the arts. When I was 18 years old, I started my first business that was centered around painting. I have paintings as far as California, featured my work in multiple festivals, and started a hand-painted jewelry line. This makes me a go-to for custom nail art, as I am very experienced in taking a vision and making it come to life.
I am most proud of my service specialization and the way I am able to protect the integrity of my client’s natural nails. I have taken several specialized classes in e-filing and dry manicuring. These skills elevate my services and allow me to make sure every aspect of the manicure is serving the purpose of enhancing your nails’ natural beauty.
I want people to know that your natural nails CAN be beautiful. You do not need enhancements to have long and healthy-looking nails. The right nail technician with the right techniques can transform your nails and in the long run, will save the integrity of your nails.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I think the little things in life are the ones that make me happiest. Family is a huge deal to me, and I love any chance that I get to hang out with them. Sunsets are also one of my favorite things, any time I get to watch a good sunset, I am happy! I also love getting to hang out with friends, eat sushi and drink coffee. I also don’t think much can beat a good comedy show binge-sesh; my favorites are New Girl and Friends. One of my biggest sources of joy is my dog, Archie. He is a crazy 10-month-old labradoodle, and he is so much fun. I also love getting to travel and see new places, especially if that place is warm and sunny!
I also love the independence that I have getting to run my own business. It is my goal to be 100% self-employed in the near future because I love what I do. Getting to sit down one-on-one with people every week, help them feel confident and beautiful while getting to know them is such a rewarding part of my job; I love it!
Pricing:
- Luminary Overlay (main service) $50+
- Nail Art, $2-$40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emmahicksnails.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmahicksnails/
- Facebook: https://ne-np.facebook.com/emmahicksnails
Image Credits
Cori Hicks Photography
