Rising Stars: Meet Taylor Wilsey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Wilsey.

Hi Taylor, 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.
Right out of high school, I had multiple full-ride scholarship opportunities to pursue a career in Abnormal Psychology. I made the scariest decision of my life which was to give up my scholarships and put myself through Aesthetics School. I quickly came to realize that wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do as a career but instead of panicking because of my choice, I decided to finish strong while also taking a training course for Powder Brows. It was the best thing I ever did. Not only did it come naturally to me, but I was in love with it. Flash forward to after graduating from Aesthetics school, Covid pandemic lockdown, etc.

I was given the opportunity to work at a medical spa where I learned a lot of core tattoo fundamentals. They shared their knowledge and I shared mine. Despite some major health issues, I flourished. I was able to buy my first home and have some financial freedom. I had found my calling. Not only do I love my career but I realized very quickly how life-changing what I do really is for a lot of people. That’s why I continue to do what I do. With years of experience in the industry and becoming a multi-certified technician (12+ certifications) and 2+ time magazine feature as a Top Permanent Makeup Artist in Arizona- I decided to venture into my own solo business studio, Nani Beauty AZ. It took off and within a month, I had handfuls of people asking to work under me, for me, and alongside me. This was something I had never even considered up until this point! With a business-oriented family background, I really began to consider this opportunity and took the steps to make it happen. As of January 1st, 2023, Nani Beauty AZ moved and expanded to Gilbert, Arizona.

I remodeled the space and began offering booth rentals to only the best in their field. We are now full to capacity with me (Permanent Makeup + Fine Line Tattooing), Massage Therapy, Aesthetics, Piercings, Nails, and multiple Lash Artists! The technicians working alongside me at Nani Beauty AZ have the same goals and mindset. My mission (which has become OUR mission) is to restore confidence through art, provide our clients with an enhanced version of themselves and create natural, yet beautiful results. I have created a safe, inviting, and gorgeous space where all of our clients have an unforgettable 5-star experience each and every time. With hundreds of happy clients and tons of raving reviews, I now have a beauty studio with a little bit of everything for everyone. I’m so proud of the space I’ve created and I am so blessed to have the most amazing people working alongside me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road to building a business. Not only am I working IN the business but I’m also always working ON the business. It’s a lot to manage but worth every second.

One struggle I’ve definitely faced is actually related to my age. I entered the industry at a very young age (17-18), super motivated and determined. This brought along with it the skeptics and the haters. Although not something I’ve ever cared about or focused on- some people believed there was simply no way I was capable of doing permanent makeup well because of how young I was.

How could I possibly have the knowledge? The experience? The expertise? Then, I had the people who think everything was handed to me. Yes, I was able to buy my first house by myself, at 20 years old, during the pandemic and the insane housing crisis. Yes, I was able to start my solo business and expand that business at the age of 21. In all reality, I’ve always been highly motivated, goal-oriented, and ridiculously hard-working. I do have an amazing and supportive family for which I am very grateful but the life I’ve built for myself, I created myself and I’m proud of it! I’m excited to see where age 22 takes me.

Leaving my previous workplace before going out on my own was truly one of the hardest things I’d ever done. I’d worked there for 3 years! I had established amazing relationships, learned so much, and loved my work family. Lots of tears, late-night anxiety, and doubts were had. Am I making the right decision? What if it doesn’t work out? All of this was going through my head. However, after dealing with some major health issues, surgery, and more I decided I needed to take control of my life. Part of that meant putting myself first and moving on to the next phase in my life and my career.

Relationships both personal and business were lost but more have been created. It’s been a tough and emotional road but ultimately the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m truly so humbled, blessed, and thankful to have so many people behind me rooting for me, encouraging me, and loving me along this wild journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Permanent Makeup & Fine Line Tattoo Artist by trade. I offer everything from brows & lips to tattoos & 3D Areola Restoration. I currently hold over 12 different certifications and am constantly striving to improve, grow and expand my knowledge + skillset.

3 years ago I was known for my powder brows. 2 years ago I was known for my permanent makeup corrections- brows and lips alike. These corrections are often something most artists refuse to touch. They’re complicated, inconsistent, and difficult but I love a good challenge. Now I would say I’m best known for all of the above- permanent makeup, fine line tattoos, and for owning Nani Beauty AZ. I think what we’re known for is something that’s always evolving just like we are. If you continue to grow, so does your business and so do the things that you’re known for.

I would say the thing I’m most proud of is the clientele that I’ve built throughout the years. I have the most amazing, supportive, and loyal clients. They keep me going when times get tough, give me new ideas and perspectives, and always show me so much love and encouragement. I truly could not ask for better people to be surrounded by on a daily basis. I love that not only do my clients support me but they supported my move, and my expansion, and now they also support the girl’s booth renting at Nani Beauty AZ. They want to see my business and those working there flourish just as much as I do.

I would say a lot sets me apart from others in my field. I’m truly so passionate about the work I do. I’m always striving to learn more, do more, and grow more, not only for myself but for my clients. I strive to create an environment where my clients feel safe, confident, and beautiful in. I wanted a place where my clients can be vulnerable and open if they so choose to be. I created a space where everyone knows they will get amazing work done but also be truly cared about and appreciated. One thing I’ve also done- for my health but also the benefit of my clients, is limiting the hours I work daily. I want to ensure that each and every client receives the highest quality work I have to offer as opposed to working 10+ hour days and getting in as many people as possible.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was definitely the nerdy kid. I was not the Sunday morning cartoons kid; I was the National Geographic and History Channel kid. In all honesty, I still am that kid. I was always an extremely anxious overachiever. I was the kid that was upset after receiving a 98% on my test because “I know I could’ve done better”. A major perfectionist while always being artsy.

Talk about an oxymoron; an artistic perfectionist. I always loved to write, draw, and paint. I loved the education side of school but had a hard time finding common ground with my peers. My career has allowed me to be that artistic perfectionist that I embodied all throughout childhood but also has given me confidence and financial freedom.

Truly living the dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nanibeautyaz.com
• Instagram: http://Instagram.com/nanibeautyaz and Instagram.com/tayloredtats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088707751397&mibextid=LQQJ4d and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088432151575&mibextid=LQQJ4d