Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichole Keyser.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My dream was to become a singer, songwriter, DJ & Comedian. Whoa… In my teens, I had given the music industry a brief chance. With the pressure of needing to make money to help support my family and being sexually harassed, I realized, I’m not willing to be a starving artist for however long it took to make it. Nor was I willing to be used and abused to be famous. I let that dream go and pursued a career in the beauty industry.
Along the way, I got into a lot of trouble. Multiple sexual assaults that then led to drugs and alcohol, suddenly I was feeling lost and confused. During that dark time in my life, I still could see the light. I knew whatever path I chose for my life, I was going to make it. I was going to be a success story. I had a hustle in me… and I knew it. I got into beauty school at the age of 17 and learned- nothing. I constantly ditched and hardly passed a test. Luckily, I had a natural talent and I was able to finish beauty school and start working immediately. I started off with freelance work. I would travel to locations and provide hair and makeup services while trying to find a place (salon) I could call my second home. But despite all my efforts, nothing was taking off and I was starting to get discouraged. I mean I had a single mother working 4-5 jobs to make ends meet and a younger brother and sister to help feed.
Me staying in limbo was unacceptable! At the age of 19, I made a friend who worked at a high-end nail salon in the valley. Out of nowhere, she called me expressing how she desperately needed my help, as a nail technician had left them hanging with a few big appointments on the books. I explained “I don’t do nails. I hate doing nails. I have feet phobia!” She pleaded with me, expressing if I helped them out I may be able to get hired on as a hairstylist or makeup artist. Maybe even as a receptionist. Out of desperation, I went for it. Mind you- I didn’t even have my cosmetology license yet. (Got that 6 months later) Long story longer… I killed it, with personality and enough pride to do as good of a job as possible. I was hired that evening as a nail technician.
Then became a manager within two months and was lead nail technician within the year. My whole world had changed and the one part of cosmetology I hated the most was suddenly my PASSION. I went on running this nail salon for two years, showing this business savvy side of me I never knew existed. Those two years taught me soooo much. Not only was I given hope and a grand opportunity. I was also shown hatred, cruelty and mental/emotional abuse by the owner. Almost having a nervous breakdown at the age of 20 yrs. Old. I learned what not to be and vowed I would never treat people who were loyal to me the way this person had treated me and so many others around me. I gave my life to this human and their business. I would work 10-15 hours a day.
Never once compensated overtime or felt my work was appreciated. In the end, we were nothing, we were replaceable to the owner. But, yet I still gave this business my all. My heart and my soul so that we could succeed. I truly learned, that money can change people, and that money and fame isn’t everything.
After leaving that part of my life behind, I moved on, jumping around from salon to salon, job to job trying to find the perfect match. All meanwhile maintaining a client that would follow me wherever I went. Even allowed me to come to their homes for in-home manicure pedicures. In 2012, Polish Addict Mobile was born. After finally losing my last job in 2013, I was determined to make it completely on my own. I was 22 yrs. old and had just moved into my first apartment with my younger brother and sister whom I was responsible for- at the time. During the day, I’d drive all over Los Angeles, going to anyone who wanted my services, only charging $40 a pop! Then, spent my evenings working as a Bud-Tender till 3:00 AM, to make ends meet. Oh, and you better believe I even had nail clients until 1:00 AM when I wasn’t working my night job.
During that time, I also was on a spiritual journey to find myself. I was trying to believe and connect with a higher power, trying to connect with my higher self. I had put all my ducks in a row, all my trust in the universe and in return it was actually helping me. It was guiding me, showing me the way and proving that FAITH in yourself and belief in something bigger then yourself is in fact REAL. I started becoming and feeling like a strong, confident and beautiful young woman. Someone that I could be proud of. In May of 2013, I met a wonderful man, a man who would sweep me off my feet and gave me a new lease on life. Meeting him has shown me what REAL love is. I have been blessed to of found what I believe to be my soul mate at the age of 22. In 2014 I was informed by my boyfriend’s cousin (thanks cousin, this changed everything) about a location that provided spaces for licensed professionals to open up their own business. I was hesitant at first because I thought, “I can’t do this right now.
This is too big for me.” But on the other hand, I was telling myself, “What are you thinking?! You can do anything you want. You got this!” It was interesting because for a month prior to receiving this helpful information, I found myself dreaming about having my own salon. I’d catch myself driving down Ventura Blvd. envisioning myself leasing one of the many available spaces. And then…. BOOM! It happened!! A day after receiving this information I set up a tour of the space and three days after signing my lease… I had a baby nail salon! Mind you I opened up my space and started working with a fractured foot. But that wasn’t going to stop me. I was there all day until late at night, taking walk-ins, booking my regulars and introducing myself to other salon owners in the building.
Suddenly, I was a hot commodity. 6 months later, you had to book me a week in advance. One year later, you had to book two weeks in advance and now, almost four years later. You better be sure to book me a month in advance. *Finger snap.
My business had taken off and I was sooooo grateful. I’m still thankful, every day. In late 2016 I met the girl of my dreams who’s now my business partner. I then expanded to space double the size in January of 2017 so that we could take on more clientele. It’s now, my wonderful Mother; a massage therapist, lightworker and my number one fan. My sweet and humble business partner; an eyelash extension specialist, brow wizard and best friend. And then there’s me, a dreamer, a wonderer and hopeless believer in all that’s good, kicking ASS at Polish Addict Beauty Lounge. We now decline 4-15 appointment requests a day! I knew that someday I’d make it, but never in my wildest of dreams did I think it would happen so smoothly, so beautifully. I was so young. I’m still young, now 27 yrs. Old and I’m a success story. I have the best family support-EVER, the best home life-EVER, the best clientele anyone professional could ask for-EVER and I live every day in complete joy.
What I’ve learned throughout all this, is life is too short. Do, what makes you feel good deep inside. Live, in a way that makes you happy and shows everyone around you love, acceptance and appreciation. Judge no one and show kindness to everyone. Believe in yourself and in others. We are all capable of greatness and success. You just need to trust that it’s out there, waiting, for…. you.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to my happiness and success had its challenges and bumps in the road. But they were challenges I was meant to experience and I accepted that. Once I realized I was in control of my own happiness I chose to be happy.
Once I realized we are all worthy of love and greatness I became love and accomplished great things. The obstacles I went through, no matter how hard or seemingly unforgivable are all apart of the bigger picture. To create a strong, wise and loving human being. For that I am grateful…
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is Polish Addict Beauty Lounge. It’s a small salon nestled in the lovely neighborhood of Sherman Oaks.
We specialize in everything NAILS. Also providing, waxing services, eyelash extensions, massage therapy, energy work and light hair services.
What I’m proud of most as a company is that we can be trusted. We take care of our clients like their family and we would never mislead or take advantage of our tribe.
I believe what sets us apart from others is that we provide an atmosphere that most of our clients describe as a safe haven. A place where you can leave your troubles behind and escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. A place where you can connect with complete strangers and not feel hesitant or judged for oversharing. We provide something that’s REAL and I’m absolutely in love with it.
It’s not just about the money, the nails or the quantity of clients. It’s about the quality and making people feel good. In return, you feel it too.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! The Valley is an amazing place, filled with an abundance of amazing people.
You just need to put your self out there and advertise yourself. Whether it be on social media or network with local business. One thing I love is everyone out here Yelps! Create a Yelp account, do great business and have your clients write about it. The word gets spread. It was a huge player in my business.
Pricing:
- Clean Me Up Mani/Pedi *Your good ole fashioned m/p with a lot more detail and real love $55
- Gel Mani/Reg Pedi *Specializing in gel manicures. We make sure your nails are not damaged during this process $70
- Gel Extensions *Soaks off like butter stays on like acrylic. Leaves your nails damage free $75
- Brow Shaping $25
- Full Body Massage *Price varies $85 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 15125 Ventura Blvd Suite 101 Room 31 Sherman Oaks CA 91403
- Website: polishaddictbeautylounge.com
- Phone: 8184718245
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @polishaddictbeautylounge and @thenailhustler
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/polish-addict-beauty-lounge-sherman-oaks
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
