Meet Breanna Michelle | Advanced Nail Technician (ANT)

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

Hi Breanna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been out of corporate America since 2018 when I became pregnant with my very first child. Back in 2015, I was involved in a bad car accident that took both of my big toe nails completely off, which caused me to wear acrylic toe nail enhancements. The pandemic hit, and the nailshops closed, prompting me to start doing my own nail care services; when the quarantine mandate went into full effect, I was already past due for upkeep on my feet. I had needed a pedicure, real bad! By being a new mother, finding time to get myself together became a challenge. So I found a nail supply store, bought all of the materials I’d need, borrowed my friends nail drill & got busy right in the middle of my bed! Although I spilled everything everywhere and had my home smelling like a nail shop for weeks, I was successful in performing my own pedicure and refilling my toe nail enhancements. It actually came quite easy to me!

DrippinInGemsnJewels came about in 2021, during the pandemic. It was originally DrippinInGems; in which I named it after my first born daughter, Gem. Later on in January of 2021, I had another daughter, Jewel, so ofcourse I had to include my new baby girl. In July of 2021, I went to San Bernardino Beauty College as soon as mandates lifted, where I trained to become a professional manicurist. By August 2022, I was licensed. This allowed me to further my studies with The Nailcare-Academy, and in October of 2023, I had earned my certificate as an Advanced Nail Technician (ANT). I currently offer travel services for both nail and foot care, as I continue to further my studies to become a Medical Nail Technician (MNT) which will allow me to work alongside podiatrist and physicians to assist the elderly as well as those with ailments such as diabetes, who require special foot care accommodations.

My thought process behind starting my own business is: I never really thought that I would. Growing up in the 90’s, in Los Angeles, CA, there were many nail shops dominated by a particular dynamic of people. As a little girl, I could recall that almost every visit to the nail shop would result in my mother leaving quite angry that the tech had cut her, breaking her skin while performing a pedicure. I didn’t understand at the time that my mom was diabetic, and that level of negligence could result in a heap of trouble for her foot. Diabetic patrons should not have their feet soaking in water before nippers are used on them, in fact nippers & soaking ought to be cut from the pedicure procedure all together, for every patron. This concept is slowly catching on, along with the swapping out of the use of acrylic for toe nail enhancements, and replaced with a more vegan, less aggressive concept, which is polygel. Polygel is both breathable and flexible and is an all around healthier alternative to the use of acrylic. With all of that in mind, I’m doing my part in crusading for change through educating myself as well as other nail technicians, while learning the different skill set it would require to safely perform quality nail and foot care for the people who need it the most. Your feet are your foundation, and it is in the foot that all of your tendons in the body stem. The foot is so important and I’ve developed a passion to see to it that they’re properly cared for.

What should our readers know about your business?
I aspire to be one of those nail techs who travel the world to perform both nail-care as well as foot care. I’ve always wanted to work on set, or on a world tour, or for an A list celebrity. Being in one spot, hoping for someone to come see me was never really the vision. I’m a mover and a shaker. I’ve learned that all money is not good money, and I’ve learned that people are more relaxed when they’re able to get serviced in the comfort of their own home. I’m in the process of making myself more visible. I’ve applied to an array of agencies that facilitate connecting cosmetologists, MUA’s, and manicurists to provide services to celebrities for occasions such as red carpet events, and photoshoots. I’m finding it a bit difficult to break into that side of the industry. However, I’m still studying and perfecting my craft so I’m not too pressed at this time. I know I’ll get it. Meanwhile, I’ll keep knocking at the door (Matthew 7:7).

My father always told me that the only way to hit a home run is to swing at the ball. He’s been my biggest cheerleader, and I know that if he was still here with me, he’d be so proud of how far I’ve come. I attribute my confidence and tenacity unto him, he always encouraged me to be my best self and to do my best work. “You only get one time to make a first impression”, is what he’d always say. I’m currently working on a piece of literature in his honor. My talents are very vast, as I also enjoy writing and singing too. I’m looking forward to where this life’s journey will lead me, and I’m excited to serve humanity with my gifts in the near future. I’ve definitely got some things cooking…

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m so LA from my head to my pretty painted toes, so ofcourse we’d hit the town! But honestly, the beauty of the land could be found outside of the city itself. I currently live in the Inland Empire, 65 miles east of Los Angeles. I’m about 20 minutes from big bear, so we’d head up the mountain to play in the snow if it were a winter day. If that’s too much of a stretch then perhaps we would hit the beach instead, or even take a stroll on Hollywood Blvd; stop in at cabo cantina to have some loaded nachos and some of their decorated cocktails because after all, this is California! Possibilities are endless.

I got to keep it real, now that I’m a mom, I’ve been out of the loop for some years. There was once a time when I could give you a run down of what was popping in the city from Monday to Monday; baby was in these streets! I find that the night life just isn’t for me anymore if it’s not edifying to my growth or centered in fellowship with close friends and loved ones. However, I really like to eat! So we could hit The Perch in DTLA or even The Castaway in Burbank for brunch and some bottomless mimosas. Sharkies in Manhattan Beach is lit too.

I’m always down for some thrills, six flags will forever be a go in my book! Wholesome lighthearted fun is my favorite thing in the world right now. Just recently my bestfriend celebrated her son’s birthday at “Round 1” in Puente Hills. That place is a hidden gem, and I cant wait to go again! There was another side to this indoor arcade and bowling alley called “Spo-cha”, where you can play arcade games for a flat rate. There’s also indoor rolling skating, as well as a trampoline, ping-pong, and batting cages. They even have an indoor mechanical bull. Pure fun for the whole family, and we went on Thanksgiving!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to first shout out The Creator, “The Man Upstairs” for bringing me into conciousness and leading me to this line of work. What began as a hobby and ultimately turned into a passion is all due to Him guiding me to the incomparable La’Toya Ivory at the Royally Melanated Beauty Den. I was a client to a young latina girl in Fontana, and by the time I was ready to book with her again, I had bought all of the material necessary to began doing my own foot care. I must have exhausted the young lady with my questions on the proper steps that she decided to dismiss me as a client. This prompted me to go hashtag searching for a nearby nail tech who wouldn’t mind servicing me, as I was in need of a refill on my nails and wasn’t yet ready to attempt performing it on myself just yet. La’Toya had always been so kind to me, and I began to patronize her private suite for my nail-care needs. What did it for me was when La’Toya had given my diabetic mother the best pedicure I’ve ever seen in my life! I knew then that I’d want to pursue this profession instead, as I was a licensed CNA at the time. My whole family is in the medical industry, and there was just a part of me that didn’t feel passionate about becoming a nurse. La’Toya encouraged me to get licensed as a manicurist, she and her daughters cheered me all the way through. She even allowed me to operate in her new brick and mortar nail shop, and guided me to The Nailcare-Academy where I gained my certification as an Advanced Nail Technician (ANT), ultimately to become a Medical Nail Technician (MNT). I owe it all to Toya for being so selfless and giving this young lady a hand up onto the path that I’m currently on. I’m forever thankful to her for seeing me. At that time, I was a newly single mother, pregnant with my second daughter. I felt so disposed and she essentially dusted me off and readjusted my crown.

Let me also take a moment to shout out my business partner Desharria Jackson. She gave me an opportunity that only God Himself could have orchestrated. I was scrolling on Facebook just passing time, and I found Desharria seeking a black nail tech who would both offer nail-care services and run her press on store, Dj_Nailedit, located in the Pomona swapmeet. By the time this piece is published, the store would have moved to another location, as we’re in the midst of transitioning and expanding. Because of her, I too have expanded my knowledge and skill set by learning how to do press on nails myself. I now offer custom made press on nails too. Working out of the swapmeet has been so rewarding as I’ve gained clientele, and increased both my confidence and my speed behind the nail drill. Since I was working by myself, I had no one to ask questions to if I became “stuck”, and I’m thankful for the personal growth. The people in that area are predominately Latino, and they’ve embraced me and been nothing short of kind. I even had a chance to brushen up on my Spanish, and I come away from this venture with a handful of new friends and acquaintances. I’m ever grateful, and I can literally feel the stretching. Cheers to our next collaboration, sistern!

Website: https://thebeautyregistry.com/listing/drippin-in-gems-n-jewels.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drippiningemsnjewels?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits
@theonlyshear @know_patience @niysstouchh