Meet Holly Watts of Rock’d By Holly in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Watts.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The very first salon I worked in was called “Finger-Tips.” I would say that is where my roots came from when it comes to my approach with nails as an art. After working at “Finger-Tips,” I got an opportunity to work at an Aveda Salon and spa called “Naturally salon & spa” in Kansas City’s lovely Crown Center. While at “Naturally” I got a chance of a lifetime! It was an opportunity to give Luther Vandross and his backup singers a manicure. I was very excited because I seemed to finally be getting closer to my dreams.

After I made that connection, I met Ruben Studdard, and did some work for him. I worked with him off and on for a few years, and eventually moved on, to work at “Beauty Brands” which was a new corporate salon in the Plaza. I must say after working in those three salons, which were each uniquely different from one another, I realized how well they prepared me to work anywhere!

Once I ended the seven years relationship I was in with my boyfriend, I decided to relocate to California in 2005 to embark on a new life journey, in hopes of pursuing my dream.

During this journey, I met my husband We moved to San Diego Ca, And for several years I worked in a few salons but fell in love with “Salon Bella” and I worked there for three years. This was a wonderful experience because it gave me an opportunity to watch and learn from a successful business Woman named Valerie Ferrari who owned several successful businesses in “Mission Hills” located in San Diego. Valerie is very inspiring, confident, encouraging and just a “Female Boss!” She gave me that extra confidence I needed.

I also started my career with Young Nails as a mentor. My responsibilities with YN include teaching & traveling to different cities to work the trade shows. This was an opportunity to grow within my profession. However, in the back of my mind knew I wanted to be a celebrity nail artist, and that I really needed to pursue my dream.

So when my husband and I decided to get divorced, I knew then I needed to do what Holly always wanted to do which was to move to Los Angeles! I couldn’t have made a better decision!

Once in L.A. I met a hairstylist named Anthony Cherry. Anthony gave me my big break in LA. He booked me to work a photoshoot and the rest is history. I continue to mentor and educate nail artist. Education is key. While also working with celebrities such as: Paris Hilton, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, Marjorie Harvey, LaToya Jackson, Paula Abdul, Jenny McCarthy, K. Michelle, Kylie Jenner, Hazel E, BlacChyna, Daphane Waynans, American Idol and Dancing With The Stars cast members and many more. By me being an entrepreneur this allows me to persue my passion. My work has been seen in Wet n Wild commercials, Proactive commercials, music videos, magazines, Dr. Perricone and much more. I can finally say I am officially a celebrity nail artist! Living my life to the fullest

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, it started smooth and then it got a little bumpy along the way. I would say one of my biggest struggles was technically being “homeless”. When I moved here, I got me a studio apt in Hollywood. I lived there for 3 1/2 years until things took a turn for the worse. The building was under new management and I had to move.

That being said I had to make hasty decisions, I lived with my Nora and her family for a few months, and then I went to live with one of my best friends Natasha for a few months. It took me at least 6 to 8 months before I was able to get an apartment. This was extremely hard for me because I’m so used to taking care of myself and making sure that everything is OK, but being in LA and Hollywood is a totally different story. I am truly thankful and blessed that I have my apartment, and I’ve currently been there three years. Life is good, and business is amazing.

Rock’d By Holly – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is called Rock’d by Holly, which is a up and coming professional nail product company. I will supply everything that you will need for nails. This is a professional brand, I started with custom-made glitters, and I’m branching the line out to be fully functional for professional nail techs. I feel it’s very important to use quality professional products.

I specialize in acrylic and gel extensions. I’m known for my glitter application and my shaping of nails. The difference is that I take pride in what I’m doing. And I always do what’s best for the client. It’s more important that your nails are healthy to me versus all of this fancy nail art.

I will say one of my most proudest moments would be seeing my product line come to light. Every time I see my logo, every time I see my work, it is just a reminder that I am on the right path.

The thing that sets me apart from anybody else is that I am very passionate about my career and my clients. I’m very prideful when it comes to my work. Again I do what’s best for the client. My clients and I talk about everything, and I love putting a smile on their face when I do their nails, It’s like a great therapy session each time.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There are several proud moments and milestones in my career. One of my recent and proudest moment in my career, I was given the opportunity to do the cover of “Cosmopolitan” magazine with Jennifer Hudson!

Contact Info:

• Address: 958 Western Ave., #739, Hollywood, CA 90029
• Website: Rockdbyholly.com
• Phone: 844-969-6900
• Email: holly@rockdbyholly.com
• Instagram: Rockdbyholly
• Facebook: Rockdbyholly
• Twitter: Rockdbyholly

Image Credit:
Meech213 photographer

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