We recently had the chance to connect with Ruthie Harvey and have shared our conversation below.
Ruthie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
My day starts off early, I wake up at 4:45 am to start getting ready for work. Around 6 I wake up my oldest son up to get him ready to go to school, then get my other two kids ready for school and head out to work. Next I take a 40 min drive to Lansing to get to work and I begin a 10hr shift. As of lately clinic has been very busy and there’s never a dull moment there. Once I get off work I head home, pick my kids up and get dinner ready, then them ready for bed. And now I have some time to work on press sets or nail content for my business. Which is a jam packed day that’s always eventful and I would not change it at all.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey I’m Ruthie the owner & operator of Unique Nailz by Ruthie a mobile nail spa and press on nailz business. Currently I’m going into year 3 of the business and I can say I’ve seen good times and I’ve seen bad times, but I glad I’m able to keep going. True facts about starting a nail business
*Initial Investment: Nail tech is often considered one of the most expensive beauty startups, requiring significant funds for furniture, high-quality supplies, proper lighting, and ventilation.
*Startup Costs vs. Profit Margins: While the industry is growing, profit margins can be low initially, as materials can consume up to 80% of service prices when starting out.
*Client Management: You will likely need to set firm policies for cancellations, no-shows, and, at times, “fire” difficult clients to maintain a healthy work environment.
*Marketing is Key: Developing a strong brand identity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is crucial for attracting clients.
All four of these point are cirque to know when starting a nail business.
But have the ability to be creative, meet different people, something that lucrative and being your own boss if you choose to is defiantly worth it.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up watching my parents work my mother worked in the health care field over 30 years. My father owning several businesses before they both retired, serval of my family that own business or worked there way up to the top in corporate. Have all different types of success from working hard thinking outside of the box and never letting no stop them. Gave me the will power to keep going, even if it’s a small glimmer of hope left still try to achieve your goal is in powering. I remember when I received my first press on nail order I felt so accomplished final having my work out in the world was so amazing.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes there has been a time I thought the market I choose to run my business in wasn’t possible, because it’s set on the higher end of doing nails. I then realized that it’s a niche market it’s not always about the price point it’s about how to make it valuable to the right people. Having alternative options like press on nails for those who still want luxury nail without the time it would take to get them done. Has been very beneficial for me I get have my work seen all around the country.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies in the nail industry in my option is you don’t need a license to do nails. Which is a lie you do need a license to do nails, you never want to be in a situation where you injury a client or have consistent clientele and someone reports you. You can ruin your ability of ever getting a license especially if you get caught more than once.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, you can give your all to your passion, your career, your business or whatever you want to give your all too. Praises don’t always mean accomplishments, yes it can make you feel good or acknowledged but it’s not the be all end all. Having an impact on people in the community with some never know it was you will give you more to apperacte then anything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @uniquw_nailz_by_ruhthie
- Linkedin: Unique Nailz by Ruthie
- Facebook: Unique Nailz by Ruthie
- Yelp: Unique Nailz by Ruthie
- Youtube: Unique Nailz by Ruthie
Image Credits
Unique Nailz by Ruthie
