Meet Leslie Garcia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Garcia.

Hi Leslie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I didn’t see Latinas or plus-size women who looked like me being represented as successful or fashionable. So I made it my goal to be HER in my 20s. Took a lot of inner healing and learning to be patient with myself but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I began documenting my journey in 2020 with @jefabellanails mainly as a hobby. I wanted a creative outlet and nails was IT for me. I can spend hours learning or experimenting with designs, even in the nail supply runs! But I’ve had the best support from friends and family, that has inspired me into making it my business! I also started my personal TikTok @leslieee.garciaa in 2022 because I realized that I’m multifaceted and just loved to create videos around the things that bring me joy in my day-to-day. Like my routines that keep me grounded on days when I feel overwhelmed. Even events that I’ve had the privilege to be a part of as a Plus Size Latina. It’s been so rewarding to be part of such a supportive community!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
NOPE! Haha, I wish we were more open about how much inner work it takes to follow and achieve that dream or goal. It’s not just about knowing what we want and strategizing how to nail it! It’s also about WORKING through moments when we get triggered by a post or start to doubt ourselves and imposter syndrome makes a visit. Even now, I don’t think I’m anywhere near perfect but I know that I am taking steps to be at least 1% better than I was yesterday. That being in my marriage, relationships, business(s), etc. For example, when I step into brand events or even get a new nail client that books with me cause they found me on TikTok, the imposter syndrome LOVES to creep in. I start to overthink how I should dress because “I have to look a certain way.” Or after finishing with a client, I start to think, “what if they didn’t like their set and just didn’t want to say anything”. All the assumptions, lol. But it’s moments like these that I have to pause and remember that the fact that all of this is even happening means I am worthy of taking up space in the things that I love. My struggles and obstacles are my fuel to keep going.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My main focus at the moment is building a foundation for my nail business. I specialize in GelX nails, gel manicures, and hand-painted designs. My dream would be to open my own salon, pero todo a su tiempo! I would consider myself a JEFA freelancer. If I’m not working on nails you’ll find me working with my friends and family in their business or delivering your dinner bestie haha.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Genuinely don’t think about it, just do it. The amount of time it takes for you to be caught in that “what if” cycle, you could of been part of an opportunity that you could’ve never imagined. The truth is we are the only ones that hold ourselves back from doing the things we want to do. As a creative it’s so easy to compare ourselves to other’s successes but even going for it is a HUGE win. Whatever it may be! BELIEVE that what’s yours, no one and no thing can take it from you. I wish I known this earlier. So post that content! Start that business! Make it happen!

Pricing:

• $45
• $75
• $90

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/leslieee__garciaa?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCrIdyQhJ4pzKejLP55XAslQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jefabellanails?_t=8VemaqYVR0Q&_r=1