Gretel Vazquez of Tucson on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Gretel Vazquez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Gretel , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Something that will always send me down a rabbit hole, making me lose track of time is looking for nail designs! Nail designs are always changing and finding designs to keep myself current on what is trending is always a deep dive I’m willing to make. I often find myself finding designs and saving them for certain clients whose taste I’ve come to recognize from the longevity of their business. It’s the small things that make me realize why I started my business in the first place, to create art! The amount of creativity and ideas that are bounced back and fourth between my clients and I during one appointment gets a little crazy sometimes. However, having those appointments with all my loyal clients and our brilliant ideas makes me realize what it’s all about.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gretel and I am the owner of Nails by Gretel! I started my home-based nail tech journey during COVID in 2021 after I had my daughter. Some of the services I offer are acrylics, gel, and Press-on nails. I am known for my creativity and skill with designs! I keep myself current on what’s trending and I offer character art as well. Throughout the year I also offer specials that are seasonally themed.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The most important people in my life who have taught me about work are my grandparents and my mom. My grandma owned a thriving hair salon for more than 30 years. She was a big influence to starting my own business. My grandpa has always been a very hard working studious man! He has been working for as long as I could remember and continues to do so at the age of 72! Last but certainly not least, my mom has been an educator for more than 26 years teaching and inspiring our future generations. Something they all have in common is that they have all worked extremely hard to get to where they all are. There is nothing more inspiring than having such driven individuals to set the bar high for me to reach and achieve my goals as well as to succeed in life as they did.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say to be patient with myself. I was in a very big hurry to be an adult and to grow up and become independent. It is very gratifying to be able to be self sufficient but I definitely wish I would have slowed down and enjoyed my teen years more and had been more patient when it came to growing up.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! I feel like I’ve always been able to express myself freely but now I find significant importance to being my authentic self to set an example for my daughter as well. I want my daughter to be proud to be who she is and where she came from! As a nail tech I have had many clients in my chair and I have always said there is a nail tech for everyone. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s absolutely fine! With that being said, every nail tech has a different style and personality, you just have to fine one that suits you the best. I can’t expect others to be themselves with me if I’m not doing the same!

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Something important to know about my clients and I is that the dynamic of our appointments are always fun. We watch a movie or a show and catch up on how our weeks have been. I’ve grown very close to my clientele and I think they would definitely miss our appointments along with missing the way I know their likes and dislikes. I am a person who pays attention to detail so I definitely think that will also be missed.Not to mention the free cat cuddle therapy they get when they come to visit our fur babies! (Our cats)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nails.bygretel?igsh=anZ6MnhpOW1qN202&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nailsbygretel?_t=ZT-8zLSew9emY2&_r=1

Image Credits
Gretel Vazquez