Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Nieto
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began in 2020 when covid came; I took a break from college that little break turned into a drop out college student. I was working hours after hours as a server for 2 years; I honestly didn’t have a clear direction or plan for my future. The realization of me feeling like a loser pushed me to start thinking differently. That’s when I was determined I wanted to become an enteruterper in the beauty industry.
I often found myself admiring women who build and ran their own businesses from the ground up. However, as a latina, I sometimes felt that same opportunity wasn’t as accessible to me. It often felt like there weren’t as many doors open or as much support available to get me started. But despite those challenges, my passion for the beauty industry help me find my own path. I explored options like becoming a lash tech, nail tech or even a hairstylist, but none of them felt right for me. I’ve always been the type to stand out-I didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing. I wanted to create something unique, something that made me stand out. So, I started researching through google, tiktok, and youtube looking for ideas, that’s when i came across tooth gems.
It was something I hadn’t seen a lot of in my area, I thought, “why not give it a try”? I found someone offering training, and I took a leap of faith. I invested in myself, even though I didn’t have much support at the time. I started with just the basic needs in my laundry room at my house. I was actually proud of how everything was well put together. In Feb 2022 Smile Beauty was created. When I first started my business with tooth gems, I struggled to attract clients. I realize I needed to diversify my offering to help my business grow and reach more people. That’s when I decided to add another service to my menu “Hyaluron pen (needleless lip filler)”. Taking that step was a turning point and allowed my business to expand in ways I hadn’t expected. I continued offering services for 2 years while still working part-time as a server, gradually building my clientele base. Eventually, I decided to offer classes to other women who wanted to start their own beauty businesses. My goal was to empower women to step into their potential and become the best version of themselves.
In January 2024 I decided to deepen my skills and knowledge in the beauty industry by focusing on brows-specifically microshading. I took a leap of faith and committed to a one-year apprenticeship with Nashbrows, an incredible mentor who guided and supported me step-by-step. This year 2025 I am now a license tattoo artist offering microshading as part of my services and have a beautiful set up suite in murfreesboro. Starting this business has transformed my life and allowed me to stand out in a way that feels authentic.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has been anything but easy. Starting my business was a rollercoaster and there were so many moments when I felt like giving up. As a latina entrepreneur, I often felt like opportunities weren’t as accessible to me. I didn’t have the network or support system that many others seemed to have, and that made me struggles and questioned weather I was in the right path.
Money was a huge struggled.I didn’t have much to start with, so every little investment felt like a big risk. I remember scraping together whatever i could just to buy my first lash bed and esthetician lamp. And when I first started offering tooth gems, I barely had any clients. I would sit there wondering if i made a wrong decision or if i’m just wasting my time. To make it all work, I was still working part-time as a server, and juggling both was exhausting. There were nights I came home physically drained but I’d still stay up late trying to research, practice, and put myself out there.
There were so many moments of self-doubt. I’d look around and see other girls killing it in the beauty industry, and i’d think “why isn’t this happening to me.”? But I had to remind myself that everyone start somewhere. Even when things felt impossible, I kept pushing because I believe in my vision, even if no one else did. It was tough, but every struggle taught me something, and looking back, I wouldn’t trade any of it.
We’ve been impressed with Smiles Beauty Co, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is all about bringing out your inner baddie and making you feel unstoppable! I offer services like microshading ombre brow, needleless lp filler, tooth gems, and eyebrow shaping and threading- basically, all the fun, glam things that makes you like a baddie! When I started. I didn’t have much, but I poured my heart into this business and built it from the ground up. Now, I’ve created a space where you can come, vibe, and leave feeling like a baddie, glowing queen you are.
What sets me apart from others? I do things differently. My brand is all about glamours, unique beauty that turns heads sideways. I’m not here to copy what everyone else is doing; I bring my own style and spice to everything I offer. As a proud latina, I’ve work hard to break the barriers and create something that represents me- something vibrant, and full of passion.
I’m here to help you look and feel your best, but more than that, I want to inspire other women to go after their dreams, too. That’s why I don’t just offer beauty services- I also teach and mentor other women who want to start their own businesses. For me, it’s not just about the beauty- it’s the empowerment, confidence, and showing the world what Latinas can do.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Nashville is how diverse we are,but at the same time, it feels like one big family. Everyone here is so kind and supportive- we really lift each other up. It’s such a beautiful vibe, and it makes the city feel so warm and welcoming. That sense of community is what makes Nashville so special to me.
The one things I don’t love about Nashville is how crowded it’s gotten-the traffic is crazy, the roads are full of potholes, and honestly, it feels like no one knows how to drive anymore! It’s definitely something I wish would improve because it can be frustrating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smiles-beauty.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilesbeautyco?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
