Ciera Alvarez of Midtown on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Ciera Alvarez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Ciera , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I recently had a young girl visit me. Her grandmother was eager to introduce us because the little girl had recently expressed her desire to become a nail artist when she grows up. She had even created a vision board around nail art. I was thrilled to share my journey with her and convey my belief that she could achieve her goal if she dedicated herself to it. The wide-eyed expression on her face in my studio was a truly special moment for me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Ciera Alvarez, artist and creator behind DivineOne LLC . With over six years of experience as a licensed nail technician, I’ve built my brand around the belief that nails are more than just beauty. They’re a form of art and self-expression. What sets DivineOne apart is my commitment to combining creativity with precision, ensuring that every design not only looks stunning but also reflects the individuality of each client.

Beyond my work behind the nail table, I am passionate about education and mentorship within the beauty industry. I’m currently developing a custom acrylic and gel starter kit and offering online classes to empower aspiring nail artists with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to grow in their craft. My journey has always been about elevating standards in nail artistry while inspiring others to discover their own creative potential.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A defining moment that shaped how I see the world was when I learned that both of my boys are on the autism spectrum. That experience completely shifted my perspective. It taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of celebrating individuality in every form. Instead of viewing life through a lens of limitations, I began to see it as a journey of discovery, where every milestone, no matter how small, carries incredible meaning.

Raising my boys has given me a deeper appreciation for the beauty of uniqueness, both in people and in the work that I do. It has influenced how I approach my artistry and my brand. Reminding me that true creativity and growth come from embracing differences and finding strength in them. It’s not just about nails for me; it’s about creating space where individuality is honored and confidence can thrive.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Every challenge will become a stepping stone, every setback a lesson, and every victory will be a reason to keep going. You are exactly where you’re meant to be. Trust the process and trust God.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that success meant proving myself. That I had to be flawless & always strive to look like I had it all figured out. With time, I realized that belief was driven by ego, and it only left me chasing validation instead of fulfillment.

What I’ve learned is that ego creates pressure, but humility creates growth. Letting go of that need to compare has allowed me to focus on authenticity on being present as a mother, creative as an artist, and purposeful as a businesswoman. The moment I stopped measuring my worth against others, I found freedom. My advice to anyone still holding onto that belief is this: don’t let ego dictate your journey. The most powerful thing you can do is embrace who you truly are and build from that place of honesty and confidence.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I know I’m out of my depth when I find myself operating from a place of stress instead of clarity. When I’m reacting rather than creating with intention. For me, it shows up as that inner resistance where things no longer flow naturally. In those moments, I’ve learned to pause and recognize that it’s not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to grow.

Stepping back, asking for guidance, or seeking out education has been key in those times. Whether it’s in motherhood, business, or artistry, acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers opens the door to learning, collaboration, and new perspectives. I’ve come to see being “out of my depth” not as failure, but as a signal that I’m stretching into the next version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://direct.me/divineone
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divineonec?igsh=dDQ0OGhsdmtseXM5&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Ae6F7sSPC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@divineone?_t=ZT-8z1EEuw2YlK&_r=1