Today we’d like to introduce you to Raynetta Turner.
Hi Raynetta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a household where I didn’t get much love or reassurance. I didn’t necessarily feel the prettiest. I remember I used to see Marinello commercials on TV and I remember how the women in the interviews would feel after leaving their appointments and I knew I wanted to be a part of that movement. So I made it a goal for me to go to Marinello. At the age of 21, I enrolled in school 2 months after my daughter was born and I loved every minute of it. When we got to the nail module I was amazed by what it took to structure nails.
I remember I was on the floor and I was told to set up for a haircut. The lady whose hair I was supposed to cut had been a nail technician for 35 years and had owned 2 salons. I was inspired and at that moment I knew the skies were the limit. She took me to my first trade show at International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach and with the magic I witness there, my fate was signed sealed, and delivered.
Fast forward 12 years later, I’ve catered to countless clients crafted an insane amount of nails, counseled ladies near and far, built relationships and unbreakable bonds and I feel like I’m just getting started.
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?
No. The road has not been smooth. With the industry being so saturated there’s a nail salon on every corner and new nail technicians popping up every few minutes. It’s kinda difficult to stand out above the rest and build your clientele especially when you’re new in town. Everybody has a different skill set, different price range, and something different to offer. It makes for a very competitive industry.
And when life happens for the nail tech such as having a baby, or personal problems the client moves on to find someone else to do the job. I have had two babies throughout my career and have had to rebuild my clientele at least 3 times, moving to Nashville makes it 4. I thought the pandemic was going to put a strain on my business but it didn’t. I would like to say it was the most business I’d ever been through during the pandemic. But when that was over, and inflation hit, nails weren’t a priority for clients.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a nail artist. I’m known to my TikTok fam as Queen Nail Slayer. I’m known to my clients as Netta the Nail Slayer. I specialize in creating beautiful works of art in the form of nail enhancements.
I’m most proud of the fact that I never gave up. Even in the midst of everything feeling heavy or overbearing I never quit. I may have taken a break, and gone back to the drawing board but I never put my brush down for good. I’d like to say my attitude and my personality sets me apart from others. You’ll never get a vibe like this anywhere else.
What do you think about happiness?
My kids make me happy. I look at them and I am proud to say that they’re mine. I created them. I molded them. These 3 little people all with different personalities and different needs and desires all get to call me Mom. And then my other baby, my nail business.
I’m happy I get to incorporate art, therapy, and conversation into my craft and get paid for it. I’m happy that I’m doing something positive in life and I’m being recognized for it almost worldwide (TikTok). I never knew I’d be able to make such an impact on people the way I am now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/islaynails
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nailsbynetta
- Other: tiktok.com/@queennailslayer
