Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Lanphar.
Hi Isabel, 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?
When I was young, I went to my best friend’s house, who was also me and my sibling’s babysitters. Her mom did gel nails on me and my friend and her 4 sisters with all the fun Pinterest designs you couldn’t get at a typical nail salon. I told her I wanted to do “that” someday. She showed me how and then I did all the sisters’ nails. Growing up I always had “play salon” at home. Fast forward to highschool. I was on social media and heavily influenced by the art of acrylic nails. I went to Walmart with my mom and she got me the “Kiss” at home acrylic kit. I practiced as much I could with the help of “Susie’s Nail Career Education” on YouTube. I signed up to get a certificate and course by a local nail tech but the dates kept changing I couldn’t end up going. With my deposit money, I got all the basics I was supposed to use for the course. I fell in love. In late 2021, I searched how to do nails professionally in Florida and found a school in Lakeland. Me and my mom toured the school in February 2022. The next week on Valentine’s Day, I was starting school part time. After I went to regular highschool I went to nail school for about 4 and a half months. I graduated June 3rd, applied and received my license, and started my first job shortly after. My senior year of high school I worked some days in a salon when I wasn’t doing sports. After highschool I went to Beauty and Health Institute of Tampa and received my Aesthetic license and my laser and electrolysis license. Throughout all my schooling I never stopped doing nails. Nails was necessary to my soul the way oxygen is to your body. Now I have a son, my own private room, and work full time doing nails and a day a week doing facials. My emphasis in nailZen Spa Room is comfort, creativity, and healthy nails. I never plan to stop. I have big goals and I can’t wait to achieve them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It wasn’t smooth sailing from the start. I worked for some salons whose practices unaligned with my values as a nail tech (as far as sanitation and licensing). No amount of money allowed me to stay in a work environment that was not positive. I rented spaces from a few places that were financially not smart on my end. I did not gain clientele much at first, but I stayed dedicated. I had growing pain just like every business. When I felt that the business aspect was taking a tole on my art and ability to provide quality service, I new I was outgrowing my space. Every loyal client and good piece of artwork made me proud and kept me going.
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 specialize in builder gel, acrylic, and other services. But the thing I would say I am most known for is my nail art. I pride myself in being able to do (or to figure out) any nail art. I feel I’ve always been artistic, whether it was thriving in art class or ALWAYS doodling on everything. I believe I set myself apart from other nail techs because I while I offer detailed nail art, I also promote natural nail growth and healthy nails. An educated client is a good client. I love to see a nail transformation!
How do you think about luck?
I would say luck didn’t play a part in my business but hard work and blessings did. I am very fortunate to have learned about managing a business through my parents who own Twisted Limbs Bowfishing. Everything I have built, I built with cash, sleepless nights, working multiple jobs, and dedication.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nailzensparoom.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/issy_nailzen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/issy_nailzen
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/issy.nailzen
Image Credits
DeniseBuddePhotography
