Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Martinez.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After high school I tried community college, and quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I was getting my nails done regularly at a salon in Bellevue and my nail tech at the time offered me a position at her salon. Since I didn’t have a career path planned out I decided to start beauty school and become an apprentice.
I learned a lot from working inside a salon and honestly from one of the best nail techs I know. I’m so lucky that someone who I see as a mentor saw talent that I didn’t even know I had! She is still my friend till this day!
I’ve worked at a couple of different salons over the past 9 years, anything you can think of I’ve tried it. Franchise, walk – in, appointment only nail salons. The experience I’ve gained has really helped me tweak my business into something that works for me and my clients today.
I became an independent nail artist in October of 2024. Thanks to my friend who invited me to come work with her at The Nail Nook located in Wedgewood Houston! I love being in such a prime location and take pride opening our salon!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It took a lot of time and patience to get where I am today. By no means did I grow up privileged so I have learned to become resourceful and resilient. My mom and dad are both immigrants and worked very hard to provide for our family.
When I started my nail journey I was also in an abusive relationship, I used my career as a way to get out and away from my situation.
I am very lucky to be talented in visual arts and have always had a passion for drawing and painting so I picked up nail art with ease.
With the city growing and expanding it can sometimes feel overwhelming as a small business owner to worry about things like parking and traffic for the clients. As someone who responds well to change, I see this more as a challenge to be overcome and grow and learn from!
Entrepreneurship is a journey of one’s self. It is like holding a mirror to your reflection. If you want to be your own boss you have to remain focused and have respect for yourself and your business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in dry manicures, gel based services and nail art! I have always been very diligent and precise when it comes to my works of art so nail art just became another fun medium for me to play with!
I am mostly known for my builder gel manicures! Very durable and can last anywhere from 3-4 weeks on my clients!
I also LOVE when clients bring in nail inspo! It can be anything from cartoon characters, hyper realistic gem stones, or even 3D nail art!
Nothing makes me happier than seeing the smile on their faces at the end of a service!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I truly have to thank all of my nail mentors and entrepreneur friends along the way! Nails and salons are not limited to one technique and the industry is constantly changing and growing.
Most importantly my girls at The Nail Nook! We are all independent stylists but my business wouldn’t be a business without them. Our salon environment is always clam and stress free, we work really well together!
We all take equal joy in taking care of our space and sharing it with our clients. It is such an honor to work amongst such fabulous women! The Nail Nook has come so far and I cannot wait to see what the future holds in store for us!
Pricing:
- Base services priced anywhere from $80 – $110
- Nail art can priced anywhere from $12-$100 depending on time and product usage
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/genieinabottlenails
- Instagram: thenailnooknash
