Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison VanKomen.
Hi Madison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started as an apprentice at a local salon. I had no idea where nails would take me, I just knew I wanted a job I enjoy and to eventually be self employed. This apprenticeship tested me to say the least. I didn’t have the greatest support system, was in the most abusive relationship I’ve ever been in, and on top of that- the salon owner was just down right awful to me. I continued to show up anyways, because this was something I was good at. This was something that came naturally to me. At one point, it got so bad with the salon owner, I was almost not able to complete my apprenticeship. I sucked it up, conformed to what she wanted and was able to finish. I continued to work there after as a nail technician and the owner and I would continue to bump heads. This was a vulnerable time for me, I was in my mid twenties just trying to find who I was in the world. Trying to find my purpose. I wasn’t the perfect person, but this owner made it very hard for me. She would speak and act as if she believed in women empowerment and would often give me great compliments! But then other times would make me feel as if something was wrong with me, and sort of treated me different. Like an outcast. This just further concluded I needed to be self employed. Everywhere I went I was treated like this. I question everything, I speak my mind and people don’t normally like that.
I built a clientele, kept my head down, and prayed I’d make it out somehow some way. And I did! I finally put my foot down, I wasn’t going to be treated like that and made to feel like I’m wrong when I wasn’t. I wasn’t going to be made to feel like something was wrong with me, I’m me!!
I quit the salon, started doing mobile and in home services and worked at another salon part time. I was almost completely self employed. Beginning of 2024 I made the decision to just go for it, that’s when MadNailsSLC really came to life. One of my students (Brooklyn) and I got a studio space in Draper. It was small, but it was ours! And I’m so grateful all my clients from salt lake made the drive to Draper for a whole year! Eventually I knew with the growth, we’d need a bigger space soon- so I began looking at the end of 2024. We were able to find a bigger space at the same rent price, closer to all my clients! Since then we’ve really flourished in south salt lake and I’ve developed what MadNails is as a brand. It’s a safe space. You can come here and be yourself, fully and authentically. Because of how I was treated at the beginning of my nail journey, I want my future students and all my clients to feel completely safe and like they can be themselves. MadNails is a play on words and has several meanings for me. Everyone’s always misunderstood me, people have called me “mad” or “harsh” or “abrasive” and my name also happens to be Madison. Mad in slang terms can also mean many or several or really! For example you can say that’s mad cool! Or mad cute! Or she has mad hustle. These quickly became the brand voice for mad nails. The goal is growth and my hope is to inspire young women to be themselves. Fully and authentically. My goal is to empower young women and show them-they can do it. With nothing to start from, with only a hope and a dream, you can do it. You can have the financial freedom and the life you dream of!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Financial struggles, issues with work environment and fitting in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do nails and I teach and license other women to do nails in the state of Utah. I’m most proud of my resilience and the ability to make something out of nothing. What sets me apart is nothing can shake me or offend me. You could tell me the craziest things about yourself or your life and I’ll still love you and treat you like family.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was summer! Specifically the 4th of July. My neighbors were all friends and we’d all have so much fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madnailsslc.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madnailsslc
