Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Orona
Hi SIERRA, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Sierra, I’m originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. My husband and I have called The Valley of the Sun home since July 2015. We love the people! I have two adult children. My daughter is 23 and manages a Bakery in West Phoenix and our son is 19 and just completed his trade certification in audio engineering. I also have two fur babies, Edgar Allen Puppy, and Turtle Girl. Creative names don’t you think? They miss me terribly when I’m away at work. The feeling is mutual. Family is huge for me, I especially enjoy time with my hubby, Adrian. As a hobby fisherman, his nails get a bit yucky, and gets the Sierra (me) manicure every chance he gets. Are there any men out there who do the same? If you’ve never had a manicure, especially a male, I encourage you to try it.
Previously I worked in corporate sales for 15 years. The 15 years in corporate sales expanded my knowledge of marketing and business models. A great perk of the sales job was traveling all over the USA, something I had dreamt of doing since childhood.
I started my journey in nail art when we moved to Phoenix. I needed a hobby and nail art became my obsession! I couldn’t get enough knowledge about nail art, nail health, nail products, nail fashion, and more. I focused my learning on the health of nails and different art processes for nail art. I kept myself up to date on new techniques and the newest nail art fashions. I was a sponge for knowledge of nail art! In 2020 I recognized my passion for the hobby could be my true professional calling- and in 2020 I jumped right into it and enrolled in beauty school as a full-time student. I was filled with excitement. I couldn’t wait to start! I graduated from beauty school in November of 2021. I have never regretted the decision to quit a well-established corporate sales career for my passion, becoming a nail technician. It was the best career decision I have ever made.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been smooth the entire way. Many times I questioned my decision to change careers, especially when I was struggling to find the best work environment for me. I never questioned or faltered from my passion and knowledge for nail art nor my genuine connection and love for my clients, which has always been unwavering. Should I go back to cooperate and do the 9-5? Will I ever make the money I want? Will I be able to build a solid client list? Will my emphasis on nail health be understood and embraced? Will (fill in the blank)? The imposter syndrome was real! The saying in beauty school used by every teacher “Trust the process” became my mantra. It has now become the statement I live by! I encourage you to try it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a licensed cosmetologist but my primary focus in the industry is nails. I can’t say it enough, I live and breathe EVERYTHING nails! and for emphasis, I say it again, I live and breathe everything about nails! Nail health is the priority I educate my clients about. Healthy nails lead the road to pretty, fashionable, and exciting nail art. My clients love my work and appreciate the nail health tips I give. I often use my “Sierra Orona secret sauce” nail cuticle serum and explain to my clients what is in it and why we are using it. My favorite nail mediums are Gel X and acrylics.
I am excited to see what new mediums and techniques are developed for the nail art field. I want to be involved in cutting-edge techniques while staying loyal to healthy nail practice. I found that I am a natural at teaching others about my passion, nail art. I am planning on going back to school and getting my cosmetology educator’s license. I am eager to learn and share with my peers, clients, and students any and everything I know about our field and have fun while doing so. It is very much an expanding dream and full of excitement and a bit of nervousness.
I find joy in enhancing nails with extensions (yes, there are extensions for nails too, not just hair) or guiding my clients on how to get their natural nails healthy again. Oh, and I love nail art. Did I mention that already? I easily admit that second to getting to know my clients, my nail art is what I am most proud of! I thought I’d be at a disadvantage in my field since I am not a natural at art painting. Then on a date night with my husband, we went to a Sip and Paint. Something about the sippin… I found my inner artist! I found that I am naturally creative in “small art” and it’s perfect for nails.
Summing it up, I am most known for my genuine excitement about nail art creation, my knowledge of nail health, my knowledge of my client’s needs, and especially for my nail art. I am also secretly good at listening to my clients and hearing their vision for their nails. I am equipped to make it a reality for them. I am skillful, artistic, a “people person”, and observant of trends while ALWAYS keeping nail health in mind. My clients see me as their friend who just happens to be excellent at nails. I take that as a compliment!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am often asked by clients what are the best products for their nails. My answer always goes back to the fundamentals of technique, application, and caring for nails as the most important. Product is a factor in the process but the rest is far more important. The right technician will care for the health and integrity of your nails no matter what the newest fad or technique happens to be. I, Sierra Orona, am that technician!
Lastly, I mentioned before my fear of not being able to find a nail salon to call home, a salon that had the same points of value as I do on nail health, client focus, welcoming environment, modernized techniques and products, fun atmosphere, and full of creativity. I found it at Luxe Nail & Spa Scottsdale! My fear was dismissed and shut down!
Luxe Nail & Spahas elevated the nail care and spa experience beyond anything else I saw out there. Luxe Nail & Spa offers all that in addition to technicians who listen and provide the services that are right for you, as an individual! We want to get to know you and not just do your nails. My second home, Luxe Nail & Spa in Scottsdale, offers an environment where no matter where you are in your nail and spa journey, you are welcomed with open arms! You will feel the welcoming environment as soon as you step in the door. You will be greeted with a genuine smile, an offer of a drink (champagne, coffee, soda, water), and technicians who listen and provide services that cater to your individual needs. As a new client who mentions this article and books with me, Sierra Orona, you will receive 20% off any services I provide you that day. Book now (link in the contact section)! I’ll have your drink waiting. My favorite is the champagne. Which one is yours?
I also encourage you to check out my social media pages! They are listed in the contact section of this article.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://booking.mangomint.com/496739?staffId=26
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nails_by_sierrao/profilecard
