Today we’d like to introduce you to Reina Santos.
Hi Reina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been in the nail industry for 10 years now. After getting my license, I moved to LA to pursue my career as an on-set/editorial manicurist. My work was featured in numerous magazines like Vogue China, Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly and more. I also did nails for Fashion Shows like Louis Vuitton, YSL, Victoria’s Secret, Alice & Olivia, and more. I also had the honor of doing the cover nails for Nail Pro Magazine in 2017.
In 2018, I changed paths and decided to move back to Northern California to open up a Luxury Nail Salon. It was the first quality and nail art-focused Nail Salon in Solano County. We won Best Nail Salon for 4 years in a row, and it was such an accomplishment. I built an amazing team of Nail Artists that have now become like Family to me.
In 2022, I decided to close down my business to pursue a new journey as an Educator and Independent Nail Artist. In 2022 I also became an Educator for the Best Japanese Gel Brand called Kokoist.
I’ve found a new love & passion for Educating, and I’m so excited to see where this journey will take me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In every career there will always be struggles, I feel that my drive and passion for nails helped me work as hard as I could to keep things running smoothly for me. I would say that the toughest struggle was having my Nail Salon during the Pandemic in 2020. I was forced to close down my Salon for 5 months on and off. That was really a struggle trying to make ends meet. Thankfully, we had so many loyal clients that were ready to come back and support us when it was time to open back up. We managed to stay open for another 2 years.
There were also times as a business owner that I experienced struggles because I put my heart and soul into my business and wanted everything perfect. I would work 11-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. Managing a team of people was sometimes difficult but also so rewarding.
Early in my career, when I was living in LA, I did a lot of editorial work for free or for credits in magazines to put my name out there and to network with Photographers and Stylists.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Nail Artist that specializes in gel, specifically a Japanese gel brand called Kokoist which I am an Educator for.
I specialize in Structured Gel Manicures, Soft Gel Extensions, Nail Art & Dry Manicures. Nail health, sanitation, and top-tier quality products are very important to me.
I’m very passionate and enjoy Nail Art very much. I love learning and trying new techniques so that I can get better at my craft. I think 80% of my clients come to me for Nail Art and the longevity of their nails lasting at least 4 weeks.
I’m most proud of becoming an Educator for a brand that I’ve loved for many years. Last month I became an Educator for Nail Thoughts which is a brand under Kokoist as well. I’m also a Brand Ambassador for Daily Charme, and I’ve been a part of their team for almost 9 years.
I’m now teaching classes, and I’m so happy and proud that I get to share my love & passion for nails with others. I love helping others be more confident in their work.
I’ve also reached a point in my career where I’m able to close my books and have a full book of my dream clientele.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was when my dad would take me to the library every week to get books, and he would read to me. He even got me my first Library card. It was our quality time together and I cherish it so much. He would also take me to the mall and give me $20 to spend at the Sanrio store. I loved it so much. I cherish memories with my dad because he passed away when I was 11 years old.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reireishnailart.com
- Instagram: Reireishnailart
