Meet Samantha De Leon | Manicurist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha De Leon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business as a nail tech was to create a space for people to relax, feel safe and enjoy self care. I personally also wanted to take the approach of working with specifically people who bite their nails or pick their skin, and help them have pretty but most importantly healthy nails.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a licensed manicurist but along with prioritizing nail health, it is also definitely an art, a creative field to be in. I love that people choose me to bring their ideas to life on mini canvases. It’s more than just polishing nails, it’s a way most people can also have a creative outlet and self expression, there’s literally no rules to follow, just create and have fun doing it.

What gets me excited is when I have clients that make it feel as an arts & crafts class on their nails, whether it’s halloween (which is my absolute favorite time of year) or getting them ready for concerts!

There definitely are challenges especially considering I am a private nail tech so this means I am in my own private studio. Yes, that is absolutely a blessing but that meant I need to get clients on my own, supplies for myself and of course rent for the space I am in. I am not given clients back to back since I do not work at a walk in salon. I don’t know what each day or week will look like but I trust when those clients book with me they respect my time and boundaries to show up to their scheduled appointment. I think the hardest challenge for anyone in the beauty industry actually is the days when we get last minute cancellations, of course we understand life happens but some people unfortunately just won’t care and see things as we’re our own boss.

I believe the biggest lesson I have learned is to keep going no matter what, you were given the drive, motivation and passion for a reason. View mistakes as a new lesson learned. Specifically as a nail tech, you do not need to offer every nail service which is the best part of working for yourself. I also think it is important to prioritize your education, get that license for your state and continue learning!

What I want the world to know about me is I am also spiritually gifted, a psychic and healer. Although I know many may not believe that, that’s okay but there are plenty of people who do.
As a nail tech I am holding your hands and it is an intimate experience, it is an energy exchange. On the surface it may seem I just make nails look clean but it is deeper than that. I wanted to create a safe space for everyone, all races and genders to have a salon they know is judge free and they can be themselves. People often open up and share their lives with us. I build a connection with each individual, I am there for them through stages of pregnancy, loss in the family, college graduation, engagements, wedding planning, baby showers, vacations. It is an honor to have and be part of people’s lives in many ways aside from just “pretty nails”. At the end of their appointment no matter their mood of how they entered, seeing them leave happy is my favorite, and we do it again and again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I do have my studio in Huntington Beach, it is only right to also have a beach day!

I am a major coffee and matcha latte lover so each day would start with trying somewhere different.
Some of my favorites are
Da Vien (Stanton)- vietnamese iced coffee with cocoa powder or their caramel matcha latte
Brew Story (HB) – hot spanish latte
Moonwood (HB) – iced cedar cinnamon latte
Airoma (Westminster) – iced matcha latte
Céd (Garden Grove) – iced strawberry matcha
La Ka Viet (Westminster) iced blueberry matcha
now for food – woody’s diner (OC chain)! their farmer’s breakfast is so delicious!
Ola’s Mexican Kitchen (HB) – great food and a rooftop restaurant so you see the beach
Beachcomber (Crystal Cove) – something more casual but on the actual beach
The Cliff (Laguna Beach) – all around delicious food & beautiful views over the water
BagelNow! (Fountain Valley) – best bagel sandwiches and lattes!
Ikram Grill (Fountain Valley) – Turkish restaurant, their chicken döner is my favorite!
TruBowl (chain) – best customized açaí bowls I have ever had

I honestly am more of a homebody, so going out to eat or trying new coffee shops is personally my favorite thing to do & catch a movie!

I also would need to end our trip with a full body at Laguna Thai Massage & Day Spa!

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 want to shout out my best friends Georgia, Sean and especially Alexsondra. They each have helped support me in many and different ways of starting my business besides being a client.
Georgia – been there for every single step of the business, from creating the name, the logo, moving and setting up my studio. Going over policies I have, the website, all the behind the scenes of the business that people don’t consider what also matters.
Sean – also super supportive in anything I do, your ultimate hype girl! Since the beginning she’s allowed me to try new techniques or products, check retention, refers me to others. She has definitely helped expand my clientele & build other loyal connections which I appreciate.
Alexsondra – my childhood best friend who really has supported me since day 1. Before even considering starting a business, she allowed me to do her nails and it was just a hobby at the time. It was our girl time, we worked such opposite schedules but we didn’t care! She absolutely trusted me with everything and try new products or colors even when I had zero clue what I was doing. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am at if I didn’t have her to try everything first before even going to beauty school and considering to do this full time.

Instagram: @_nailedbytruelove