We recently had the chance to connect with Monica Gallegos and have shared our conversation below.
Monica, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are very sacred to me. I typically rise before anyone else in the house, often before 5 AM, relishing the peacefulness of the early morning. I start my day with a moment of prayer, followed by meditation that helps center my thoughts and intentions. After that, I take some time to journal, reflecting on my goals and aspirations. As the sun begins to rise, I savor these moments with a large cup of coffee in hand, basking in the beauty of the dawn and setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. This cherished routine truly fuels my passion and productivity!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monica Gallegos, and I’ve dedicated my entire career to the enchanting world of luxury skincare sales. In 2018, I took a leap of faith and launched Stratosphere Beauty, a business and sales development agency designed to help emerging brands thrive in the upscale retail landscape. It’s been a rewarding journey guiding brands to scale and shine in the competitive market!
In 2021, my family and I embarked on an exciting new chapter when we purchased our first home in the vibrant Pic Fair Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. This charming area quickly became a hub of creativity and community, with new coffee shops, pizzerias, and retail stores popping up all around us. However, amidst this blossoming scene, I noticed a void that called out to me—a luxury nail salon!
You see, my quest for the perfect nail salon would often lead me on drives into Beverly Hills. Yet, time and again, I found myself disappointed by the lack of cleanliness and aesthetics in many of the salons. What I truly craved was a pristine, inviting space where I could indulge in high-end nail services, including Gel X and intricate nail art.
In 2025, I decided to solve for what I thought was missing, and as side-hustle, I launched Mid City Nails, a boutique nail salon situated at the corner of Pico and Curson. At Mid City Nails, we embrace three core pillars: quality, cleanliness, and comfort. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to provide our clients with an exceptional experience that leaves them feeling pampered and valued.
Moreover, I’m passionate about giving back to my community. I’ve made it a priority to recruit talented individuals from our neighborhood, with a commitment to mentoring them and helping build meaningful careers in the industry. At Mid City Nails, we’re not just about nails; we’re about nurturing talent and creating a welcoming community space where everyone can flourish.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband has been my unwavering pillar of support, believing in me wholeheartedly through every endeavor I’ve embarked upon. When I excitedly shared the news that I had signed a lease on a commercial space that required a significant transformation, he didn’t hesitate to jump in and help me bring my vision to life. Alongside our two incredible sons, he rolled up his sleeves and worked tirelessly over the summer, pouring their hearts into every detail of the renovation. Together, they created a stunning space that I could proudly call my own—one that reflects my passion and dedication.
He is not only my partner in this venture but also my rock. Whenever the weight of the world feels particularly heavy, he’s right there beside me with words of encouragement and steadfast support. His belief in my potential has always been greater than my own; he sees the strengths and possibilities within me that I often overlook. I truly consider myself the luckiest person to have him by my side, motivated by his boundless faith in me, which inspires me to strive for greatness every day.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My biggest fear? Oh boy, it’s probably the same as what most people dread—losing something I’ve poured my heart and soul into. I mean, who wants to watch their hard work slip through their fingers like sand? If I had a crystal ball that could guarantee I wouldn’t lose anything, I’d be off trying a million different things! I’d be conquering the world left and right, without a worry about money, relationships, or precious time going down the drain.
But let me tell you, being an entrepreneur is like riding a thrilling rollercoaster—exciting, exhilarating, and downright terrifying all at once! Just when I think I’ve finally nailed one aspect of my life, I turn around and find that another part is taking a nosedive. It’s like a game of Whac-A-Mole, where I’m constantly trying to pop up one issue just as another one surfaces!
Over the years, my perspective on life has evolved in a big way. I used to take so much for granted, but now everything—yes, even the little things—feels incredibly precious. My relationships, my time, and the things I’m working for all have a new sheen of significance. So while fear creeps in from time to time, I’m fueled by the knowledge that every moment and every endeavor counts.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
“I’m proud of you”
It fills my heart with joy to know that my friends are genuinely proud of me and always here to support me. You see, I tend to be an over sharer—I wear my heart on my sleeve and often find myself spilling the beans about my life and feelings. Because of this, my closest friends have witnessed me at my most vulnerable moments, whether I’m navigating through challenges or celebrating triumphs.
Their pride in our friendship means the world to me! When they take the time to express their admiration and offer words of encouragement, it’s as if they’re giving me a boost of confidence, fueling my spirit to keep pushing forward. I truly cherish their support, and it makes me appreciate our bond even more. To have friends who not only see me for who I am but also stand by me through thick and thin is a gift I hold dear. Every word of encouragement resonates deeply, a reassuring melody that reminds me of the strength we share together!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I can confidently say that I am truly living out my purpose—I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do! This realization brings me a profound sense of fulfillment, as it aligns seamlessly with both my passions and my innate abilities. One of the things I take great pride in is my commitment to integrity; I always follow through on my promises and do what I say I will do. This consistency not only reflects my values but also helps build trust in my relationships, both personal and professional.
From a young age, I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I’ve always envisioned myself not just in one specific role or career, but rather exploring a multitude of avenues that ignite my passion. I thrive on creating businesses and opportunities that empower others, and there’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping people realize their own potential and achieve their goals.
For me, the journey has never been about following a single predetermined path; instead, it’s been an adventurous exploration of whatever fuels my heart and sparks joy within me. As I continue to pursue these endeavors, I carry with me the belief that my true calling lies in nurturing those dreams—not just my own, but the dreams of others as well. It’s this mission that propels me forward and fills my life with purpose and excitement. I am grateful every day to wake up and work towards something that not only lights me up but also brings light to those around me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: midcitynails.la
Image Credits
Mario Gallegos Photography
