Meet Leibnitz Barragan | Nail technician & business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leibnitz Barragan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leibnitz, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I began doing nails from home at the age of 16. It came easy to me, especially because I loved art. While trying other “regular jobs”, I always get happier when creating my art. Do I began to take more time to focus on perfecting my skill, and with it the idea of helping others came to mind. I wanted to open my own salon where I could teach others perfect their art as well as there business skills needed to succeed and maybe branch off on their own.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Born in Mexico, my parents migrated to Arizona when I was 3 years old. Once I turned 16 I found a passion in art. I took drawing courses in high school and my mom helped me see that very practice could take place in the form of nails. My sister was a willing practice hand for me as well as a few more friends from school. At the age of 18 my mother saw my abilities before I did and she surprised me by paying for my nail school. No more practicing clients I now had the opportunity to gain an income. Although I wasn’t even sure about this profession I still stuck with it. After school I started working at a nail bar, now closed, in Scottsdale (Terés). There I worked along side my still good friend Jessica and where I met my wife, Danii of (Danii’s Creation). My wife & friends encouraged me to pursue more in my nail career. In fact, up until now I may have never considered being a nail artist as a career. But to my surprise my clients where not only appreciative of my nail art but also my nail services. I was able to grow my clientele because I had clients who had a variety of concerns as it related to their nail bed health. Such concerns where even as sever as a bleeding disorder. I focused on their needs and then applied my art after I felt like they where taken care of. Once I grew more confidante in my care for each clients hands my clients then wanted me to step up my artist game. Challenges came left and right. From the restrictions that caused me to have to practice my skills late in the evening’s too managing a running a full one man operation. But it wasn’t just work for me.

After only 4 months of starting my business my wife was fully onboarded support. Her help is what has helped me in growing my business from day 1, but temporary help, wasn’t what going to cut it, as I had originally thought. She got pregnant with our 1st princess with in the 1st year of starting on my own. Yep, princess, what fate to a nail artist. I was very excited but I was only at the start of my career. I pushed through & had the fortune to meet some incredible people along the way. Each who helped me in ther’re own ways. Now, I’m blesses with of ever lasting embrace of 2 princess every time I walk through the door. While still having the ability to maintain my career.

My wife and I are partnering, yet again, to launch of my biggest project yet. My very own “Grand Opening!”, that’s right, my very own salon opening soon in Tempe, AZ. This is only the start for me. I have so many of my followers, friends and family to thank for the support and guidance. I look forward to what might be waiting for me in the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Arizona I feel has a lot of really good places to visit. One of my favorite spots has been the botanical gardens at night when they light up all the plants and they serve wine. Downtown Phoenix would be another place with many restaurants. If checking out local artist, First Fridays is always great.
Milk Run is very good boba
Pho than & Da Vang are my favorite Vietnamese spots to eat
@stashhouseaz is one of the best Nail salons
Mill avenue in Tempe has a lot of good bars that my wife and our friends would always go to.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I believe everyone deserves recognition from my story, my mother who saw that from my art I could do more. my very first clients who trusted me to work on them to the teachers I’ve had. To the friends that support my business and treat it as such. And to my wife who help guide me through bettering my business from website to booking and giving my self more time with family.

Website: Leibnailz.com

Instagram: @Leibnailz

Facebook: @Leibnailz