Meet Shelly Tran | Nail Technician

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

Hi Shelly, what makes you happy? Why?
Doing nails makes me happy. I love creating art, and seeing people excited that I was able to put what they envisioned on such a small canvas. I get a lot of clients who give me the option to express myself freely, and surprise them with whatever I feel like doing during their appointments.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I make my appointments custom to my clients. I will always try my best to put what my clients what on their nails. Whether it’s abstract art, rhinestone placements, or custom drawings, I will always attempt it! It was hard getting to where I am today. I still have so much to learn as trends change every day. It wasn’t easy leaving, and becoming an independent nail technician, but it was definitely worth it. I’ve learned so much about the business side of this, I’ve met alot of great friends and supporters along the way, and have established great relationships, with a handful of companies who I buy my supplies from. For anyone who is wanting to pursue a career in nails, I say you do it. Get your license, and take that step into the nail industry. You can work independently, travel, or work in a salon setting. I love what I do, and I love that everyone who gets their nails done by me gets a little bit of my personality translated onto their nails each time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I work in Old Town Casa Grande inside Stephanie Alderete Studio with the most amazing techs and stylist. My go to breakfast/lunch spot would be at Big House Cafe! Deadlift Coffee has amazing drinks and açaí bowls to enjoy as well! I love relaxing at the Neon Sign Park. I get my hair done by Gilbert Tellez from Phoenix Fashion Week. My go to for relaxation, would be to get a massage from Nicole Velazquez at Massage by Nicole.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my success to a lot of people. I grew up in a nail salon. My mom raised me as a single mom, and she has always been someone who bragged that I could put so much detail, on such tiny nails. My siblings have pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, as I was always someone who’d rather be somewhere familiar; I wouldn’t have accomplished so much without them. My boyfriend; he has supported me throughout my entire journey. He hyped me up, bought supplies for me when I needed the help, and gave me all the reassurance I needed to go down this path. I owe a lot to my client; without them I am nothing. I’ve done my fair share on horrible nails, I appreciate my clients who have stood by me. Last but not least, my former boss John Le. I jumped around to a lot of different salons. I was never allowed to do the nails that I am doing now until I started working at his salon. He was the first person in Casa Grande who I noticed, created beautiful artwork on nails. I wanted to do that, and one day he asked me if I wanted to learn. He taught me what he knew, helped me fix mistakes that I’ve made on clients, and pushed me when I wanted to give up. I wouldn’t be where I’m at now, had he not pushed me in the right direction.

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