Today we’d like to introduce you to Susi Gonzalez.
Susi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Right out of high school, I worked the typical 9-5 job at a firm for about seven years. It wasn’t at all what I wanted to do growing up. I wanted to be a therapist/counselor. I wanted to be someone that would be someone’s outlet in life.
Then a shift happened in my life and my journey with nails started. I lost my job and became a stay at home Mom/wife. Since I was unemployed, I started doing my own nails once my kids were in bed, so really late at night when I knew they wouldn’t wake up. Sometimes I wouldn’t go to bed until 3am because I just had to do my nails. One thing led to another and I started collecting polishes, all things nails. One day my husband took me to go get my nails done and by this point, I guess you can say I became picky, I didn’t like what I got done so I came home and removed what I had and did it all over.
From then on, I just stuck to doing my own nails. About two years passed and I was ready to go back to work but instead, my husband suggested I go to cosmetology school and so I did. Fast forward I’m in school 3 months in and a brand new nail Salon is opening, they were hiring and they gave me a job(unlicensed). Although it was quite the experience bad and good, I have to say that because of the opportunity given to me and experience there I am where I am now. I quit in February 2015. Finished school and got my cosmetology license in May of 2015. In November 2015, I started my own business in Social Salón Suites. I’ve been working for myself ever since and I could not be happier. I absolutely love what I do. In part, I’m doing what I always wanted to do just in a creative way which I absolutely love. I get to listen to my client’s stories, good and bad. We laugh together, we cry together. I become their getaway and get to pamper them. All in all, if I could change one thing in what I do, I wouldn’t.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh, it definitely has not been a smooth road. When I first started, I worked six days out of the week, I only had Saturdays off. I was working crazy hours to make myself available to gain clientele. I would work as late as midnight sometimes to accommodate clients just so they can try me out. I had people not pay me at the time of their service taking advantage of my setup(working for myself). I would have so many last-minute cancellations/no shows. One of my biggest struggles was not being there for my family. I missed time with my boys and my husband. There were times I wanted to give up. I didn’t know how to balance my life. Knowing how to balance work and life is not easy but throughout the years, I had a little help and can now say I’ve got a good balance on things. Now to top that struggle here came COVID-19, after almost five years of being in business with great sadness, I had to make the decision this month(August) to close my studio permanently. Kids will be home full time having online school and I need to be there for them right now. Although I’ve closed the location I was at, I will not stop doing what I love. I’m just going to have to take a different approach in my career.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Nails By Susi G. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a certified Bio Sculpture Gel technician that specializes in gel nails. Bio Sculpture Gel is a healthier alternative in nail care services, the only clinically tested product that has a 5-star safety rating. I’m known for using this product line and for helping clients grow out of their natural nails while maintaining the health of their nails. Although some clients prefer to keep their nails nice and short, most of my clients want those long nails but instead of adding tips, I simply help them grow them out. Now, if clients want immediate results I can do that as well without using tips, I keep it classic using forms to create and add length to the nail. If you search online there’s only about 20 salons in LA that use this product line but unlike them, I only carry this one line of product.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Well, the plan for now is to get the training I need to become a Bio Sculpture Gel Educator. Eventually, when things get back to “normal” I will open my own place again.
Pricing:
- Bio Sculpture Gel Manicure $60
- Overlay Manicure $70
- Bio Sculpture Gel Extensions $90
Contact Info:
- Phone: 213.309.0953
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsbysusig/
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