Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Vega.
Hi Jessie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Jessie. I am a nail artist & instructor based in South Salt Lake. I’ve been beautifying hands since 2010. The journey started as a hobby that slowly morphed into a personal challenge to do a well-done manicure as a form of self-care. I graduated from Color My Nails School Of Nail Technology in 2015 & acquired my technician license the same year. In 2018 I became a licensed instructor. I jumped into entrepreneurship in 2018 and helped launch a couple of projects. Since 2021 I have been working on my current project, Nail Plate.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Thus far, the road has been fulfilling but not a total walk in the park. As I jumped into entrepreneurship, I quickly recognized the need for a reliable and consistent source of income. I took a part-time at Starbucks doing the opening shift. The initial 2yrs in business were challenging: establishing business structure and policy, figuring out how to keep track of dues, inventory, taxes, and growing clientele. There was a lot of learning on the go. But 2020 was far more challenging. I was going through a very tough transition in my life, and my mental & emotional state was not well. I shut down from mid-March to May to do my part with the recommended regulations. The months that followed were very uncertain. Coming back from the shutdown, my first week, I did three services; at the end of May, I had done 15 services. I had to adjust my expectations in both personal and business. I parted ways with a long-time friend & business partner and restructure the business model because the model was no longer scalable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a gel specialist and nail art artist. I work with various hard and soft gels to create beautiful nail sets. The experience that I am cultivating is a cozy, creative, safe space with a warm and inviting atmosphere for expression. I like to take the approach of collaborating with my guest in the creation of their nail sets. The nail art I tend to gravitate to create is abstract chic. As a person of color, my space is a safe space for Undocu, Queer +, Black, Indigenous, and People of color. Allies are always welcome.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always been a creative person. Growing up, I enjoyed drawing, D.I.Y projects like cutting clothes and making something different or watching YouTube videos to learn how to crochet hats and scabs for fun.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: Nail Plate
- Other: https://msha.ke/nailplate/
Image Credits
Lindsey Rivera
