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Check Out Victoria Silva’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Silva.

Victoria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Victoria Silva, and I’ve been a licensed private nail technician for nearly three years. This wasn’t always the path I envisioned for myself though. I graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a degree in Justice Studies, becoming the first in my family to earn a college degree. My goal at the time was to become a detective—something I was truly passionate about. I dedicated countless hours to internships at courthouses and even worked alongside crime investigation teams.

That dream was paused when the pandemic hit. My internships were canceled and I had to find another job for the time being. I became an accountant, which I held for about two to three years. While it provided stability, I found myself longing for something more fulfilling. I’ve always been a right-brained, creative person at heart but I didn’t know how to turn that into a sustainable career.

That’s when I discovered my passion for nails. I began experimenting on my own and quickly realized it was something I genuinely loved. As friends and family started to recognize my potential, they encouraged me to pursue it professionally. Enrolling in nail school was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I graduated from the Flores Institute of Nail Design in November 2022, and I’m incredibly grateful to my instructor, Ms. Flores, for her constant support and belief in me. She’s not only a talented educator who truly loves what she does, but also one of the most caring mentors I’ve had the privilege to learn from.

It hasn’t always been easy, I’ve faced many challenges along the way but every step has been worth it. I truly love what I do, and I’m proud to be in a position, where I can help people feel confident and beautiful.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Doing nails hasn’t always been a smooth journey for me. In the early stages of my career, I was still learning and made my fair share of mistakes. I was essentially figuring out how to run a business without a formal degree—so it was definitely a learning curve. I had to navigate everything on my own. Balancing the challenges of building a stable clientele, managing the business side of things, and trying to maintain a social life was overwhelming at times. There were moments when I felt like hanging up my apron and pursuing something else, but I knew that nails were my passion so I never gave up on my dream.

It was also difficult being a beginner nail tech and trying to discover my own artistic style while still learning how to create designs. In the beginning, I struggled—even with the simplest nail art—and often found it hard to come up with original ideas. But i had to (and still have to) remind myself that nails are just like any other form of art: every artist has a unique style. There’s no need to compare. Clients will book with me because my art resonates with them. As I continued to develop my skills and began mastering more intricate designs, I found my creative voice and embraced what sets me apart from other nail techs.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in gel products, with a focus on Gel-X and structured gel services. I’m best known for my bold, creative nail art, often inspired by paintings, movies, characters, and themed concepts. Clients typically send me reference photos ahead of their appointments, and I customize each set to reflect both their vision and my signature artistic style.

In addition to in-studio appointments, I also offer custom Gel-X press-ons, making it easy for clients to enjoy wearable art anytime, anywhere. Each set is tailored to fit individual nail beds perfectly, ensuring comfort and quality. These can be purchased online or occasionally in person when I participate in local markets throughout the year. I love these events because they allow me to showcase my work in real life and connect directly with the community.

One thing that sets my business apart from traditional salons is my private studio. It’s a quiet, cozy, low-light space designed to feel calm and relaxing—free from the noise and overstimulation of larger salons. It’s just me and my client, one-on-one. I also provide small comforts like snacks and entertainment, including a TV, to make the experience even more enjoyable.

The most rewarding part of my work is making people feel beautiful. Whether it’s seeing a client post their nails proudly, refer me to others, or send a heartfelt message after an appointment, those moments mean the world to me. They remind me why I love what I do and why I’m so proud to be a nail tech.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’re reading this and interested in booking, I’m currently accepting new clients! Whether you’re looking for occasional appointments or consistent visits, you’re always welcome in my chair. I work out of a private studio, so you can enjoy a calm, comfortable atmosphere without environment of a busy salon. Just some girl time and good vibes!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Profile photo by: Adam Fritsch
Instagram: @fritschflix

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