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Meet Trailblazer Maggi Stroud

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggi Stroud.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Maggi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story starts sometime around 2016. I was working full time at Parkview Medical Center and attending CSU-Pueblo full time; I actually had no intention of becoming a Nail Tech/Salon Owner. One day, while sitting at my desk at work, I decided to draw a picture. Until that day, I had no idea I had an artistic side. Turns out, I was fairly decent at drawing and I began drawing almost every day with Western art being my main focus. I truly amazed myself.

I put myself under a lot of pressure working 50+ hours a week and maintaining my Dean’s List status, so drawing became somewhat of a stress reliever. At the time, I was trying to kick my nail-biting habit by getting regular gel manicures. My nail tech did amazing work and she is the person who introduced me to nail art. I thought about how much I would enjoy being a nail tech but still had no real intention of pursuing nail school.

Fast forward to 2017, when I met my now-husband, Kyle. He grew up farming and after graduating with a degree in Business, he purchased his own farm at 24 years old. He is one of the main reasons I got to where I am today. He is passionate, generous, kind, determined and above all, one of the most genuine people I have ever known and loved. He is a true hustler, an old soul, and one heck of an entrepreneur. This man of mine has taught me so much about life. He once told me, “You either work for someone else doing something you hate, or work for yourself and be happy doing what you love.” That statement is one of many that truly catapulted me into the next season of my life.

I graduated college with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. I had planned to go to grad school and become a counselor focusing on behavioral health, but I soon learned, God had other plans for me. After graduation, I quit my job and took the summer off not knowing what was in my future. By that time, Kyle and I lived together and we knew our end goal was marriage. I spent that summer helping him on the farm and decompressing from my former hectic schedule. By the end of the summer, I made an impulsive decision to attend a local nail school. It was a four-month course, which I started in October of 2018 and finished in February 2019.

In February, just before I finished the nail tech program, I noticed a space for rent in my town. I called the owner and in the same day, signed a lease for the space. I had not even taken my state licensing exam yet! Talk about a risk (another thing I learned from my husband.) It was the perfect price, the perfect location and God’s perfect timing. I passed my state board exams, received my license, and opened for business! It all happened really fast and for the first time, I truly felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be in life.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Let’s be real, there is no such thing as a smooth road. Like any other human, I have encountered numerous struggles. Some, I brought on myself and others were completely beyond my control. To this day, I struggle with having the confidence in my ability to be a successful business owner. My main concern has always been job security. Having a “normal” 9-5 job generally involves health insurance, a 401K, paid time off, and a guaranteed paycheck. Owning a business is risky. I am not guaranteed a single thing unless I pour my heart and soul into my business and even then, I might not make it. However, I strongly believe that as long as I never give up, I will be successful.

In the beauty industry, obtaining a clientele does not happen overnight, over a month or even over a year. It takes time to build a clientele you trust and that trusts you. Nail Techs are a dime a dozen where I live, so I have had to focus on building a relationship with each person who sits in my chair. I have also taken courses to continue my education and help me become the best Nail Tech I can be. It is not cheap and it is not easy, but I continue to grow because without growth, I will never be where I want to be or who I want to be.

The best advice I can give young women is to trust your gut. It really is that simple. If you are not happy, figure out what makes you happy and do that. If you are already doing what makes you happy and still struggling, you are not alone! Life will never stop throwing you curve balls; It is best to figure out how to work through them not around them. I once read this statement, “God’s answer is never no. It is yes, not yet or I have something better planned.” I think of those words when I feel like nothing is working out the way I think it should. Having a strong faith and reliable support system has carried me through every struggle. Find your tribe, have some faith, believe you are worth it and do not ever give up on yourself and your journey.

We’d love to hear more about Meraki Nail Lounge.
I am a licensed Nail Tech in the State of Colorado. I specialize in structured gel manicures and hand-painted nail art. As a service provider, I am most proud of the relationships I have with my clients. Each of them brings me so much joy in their own unique way and I hope I do the same for them. We have laughed and cried together all in the same hour. My chair is a safe space for them to destress, vent, or share the best part of their day. I am a confidant and sometimes a therapist, but I love every minute of it. We all need someone we can speak freely with, someone who will listen without judgment and I feel blessed that God chose me to be that person for these women. My clients give me a sense of purpose and allow me to provide for my family. It is a blessing and an honor to know them and to be a part of their lives.

I think my personal relationships and my hand-painted nail art are the main details that set me apart from others. I genuinely care for my clients and I make sure they know that. I care about their general well being as well as their nail health. I try my best to educate them about proper nail care which includes measures they should be following at home to ensure a lasting gel service. When I have free time, I practice different nail art designs so I can improve and provide beautiful art. My girls spend their hard-earned money to have pretty nails and I do everything I can to make sure they are satisfied with my work. I take my time with each client and I have an open communication policy. If they do not like what I am doing or have something else in mind, I like to know. It is important to me to never stop learning; I can’t grow as a Nail Tech if my clients are not honest with me.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Stop overthinking every detail, be present and just do it! I promise it is worth it and you will learn so much about life and yourself. Whether you are starting your dream job or opening your dream business, focus on being teachable, personal growth, and have faith that it will all work out! Become your biggest fan and do not let those thoughts of doubt come between you and your success!

Pricing:

  • Structured Gel Manicure $35
  • Hand Painted Nail Art $1-5 per nail
  • Signature Pedicure $40 and up

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Wedding photo credit: Jordyn Talton owner of Matchless Moments by Jordyn.

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