Life & Work with Danielle Wenger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Wenger.

Hi Danielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Back in 2013, a mentor and friend of mine suggested that I go to nail school because I’d always be painting my own nails at her house. At the time, I was working odd jobs that didn’t fulfill me so I decided to go for it. After starting school, I realized I had a knack and passion for it which is still the case even today!

Despite not enjoying the process of going to nail school, I am so happy that I did! Entering the industry literally changed my whole life.

My very first gig was working for a salon that was advertising on Craigslist. The owner of that salon taught me so much about products, procedures, and how to gain clientele. It was truly a blessing that I lucked into working for her! The next year I worked at a different salon and gained clientele/skills quickly. So after 2 years of being commissioned (with A LOT of encouragement from clients), I decided to become an independent contractor and rent a small room in Worthington! It was there that my business truly thrived.

During the two years, I worked in that space, my best friend Brittni asked if I thought she could do nails too! Of course, I said yes because I’d then have someone to share my obsession with. Fast forward to today ~ she and I own a booth renting an alternative nail salon in Clintonville called FUZZ. It has been a wild ride especially because of covid happening right after we opened!

Running a business with her and creating a safe space for nail artists and clients is absolutely a passion project for the two of us. I couldn’t do it without her!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is absolutely nothing smooth about opening and sustaining a business lol. No matter how much planning and support are involved, there will always be unexpected challenges. In the beginning, the major challenge was having enough money to build out the first location we were in and paying rent/utilities for a space that didn’t have any income yet! Then quarantine hit and that was a really scary time because our industry was not allowed to be in operation but we still had to pay for the salon expenses.

We decided to change locations about a year and a half ago which was a huge positive turning point for us. Our business moved to the high street which allowed for more visibility and connected us to the other small businesses in our block. The new shop really allowed us to have a beautiful new space with lots of windows and good energy.

There are always bumps in the road when it comes to running a business. They really don’t ever stop. Some of the bigger challenges are the emotional labor involved with mentoring/managing the artists at FUZZ as well as with clients, fumbling through not having infrastructure/systems in the beginning, feeling exhausted, and being faced with having to practice *really* vulnerable and effective communication with Brittni. Despite how seriously challenging it all has been it has been worth it 1000%.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in high-end manicuring/pedicuring services! The things I am most known for are probably my range of nail art abilities as well as offering a very detailed, long-lasting/clean gel polish application.

What I am most proud of is that I have been full-time self-employed for about 6 years now! Working for other people never felt good to me so I am very grateful that I get to live and work for my own unique dreams. I am also proud that I co-own a booth rental nail salon in Clintonville with my best friend Brittni. Being able to create a safe environment for other unique nail artists has been so special.

What’s next?
I would say that creating more high-end custom press-on sets is a definite goal for me!

I would also like to do more virtual one-on-one teaching sessions because I love to share my knowledge and also help other artists feel more empowered/confident in their own abilities!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vagaro.com/fuzz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pouncing.paws/?hl=en