Meet Val Reynoso, Sam Miranda & Cecy Hernandez | Artists & Co-owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Val Reynoso, Sam Miranda & Cecy Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Val, Sam & Cecy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The three of us originally had worked together in a high volume LA based nail salon starting back in 2016. The dynamic and work environment in that salon brought, created a bond so tightly knit, it was as if we would move as one. As our craft grew, the three of us also felt like that same salon that had helped cultivate our talent, eventually began to hold us back.

After being so inspired in not only each other but also the nail industry that had began a recent social media and further education boom. We felt the need to open our own nail studio. As frightening as the idea of failure was, that same tight knit bond that was forged throughout those years helped us manage through the new world of being your own boss, and owning our very own space.

We envisioned a space where our artistic passion inspires us to craft amazing nail designs, while ensuring our clients receive exceptional care, whether they opt for intricate nail art or a simple, solid color high-quality manicure.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As three creative individuals, we’ve always been drawn to the world of art and beauty. Our experiences in cosmetology school with experimenting different mediums in the world of beauty eventually lead us to finding our niche in nails and nail art.

The creative path offers boundless possibilities. A freedom to shape your own reality, if you will. This concept not only applies to the service provider, but also to the person who is dreaming up and incredible vision of what they want displayed on their hands. A rhythmic flow between manicurist and client. A partnership that is formed in the same realm of beauty and self-confidence.
Opting for the creative journey allows us to merge our love for nails and art with the joy of enriching others’ lives. Bringing a client’s nail dream to life, in turn also brings our own dreams into actual reality. The joy is shared in between the hands that are held over a desk.

Risk is daunting but, over the years we’ve learned to view risk as an essential aspect of both life and career. In the beauty industry, embracing risk is crucial for staying innovative and competitive. From experimenting with new techniques to investing in expansion opportunities, every decision involves some level of risk.

Despite the risks that we’ve taken, being able to push boundaries has allowed for business to not only grow, but stay ahead of the curve and gain a loyal foundation of people who seek that extra kernel of happiness and manicure gives. While not every risk has resulted in immediate success, each experience has provided valuable lessons and contributed to our overall growth.

In the nail community, a certain taboo follows nails salons, a usual sense of being unable to speak your mind or change a decision once it has been said aloud.

We, Fingerpaint Chicas, strive for a welcoming warmth and safety to be felt from the first interaction you have in our studio. The most instrumental factor, we believe, behind the success of Fingerpaint Chicas is undoubtedly our unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of our brand. From delivering an exceptional basic manicure to the spending hours on a nail design. We strive for open communication between manicurist and client. Cultivating an environment that allows a community to flourish. Add that to the foundation of quality service we provide, and we have the formula to a successful nail studio that we hold so close to our hearts.

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?
We would start off showing them our studio in the Paseo, an outdoor shopping mall located in Old Town Pasadena. Then we would walk down the street and browse the shops along Colorado before grabbing a bite around the corner at our favorite casual spot, Paper Rice. After that, we’ll head over to Pinku DIY Studio located in Little Tokyo to have some crafty fun and let our creativity flow.
Lastly, we’ll head back to Old Town Pasadena and have dinner at Fogo De Chao.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would like to collectively dedicate our shout out to the family in our lives that have held us high while we three reached for the stars. Whether it was our cousins, sisters, partners or parents, they have all played an essential role in supporting our endeavor.

Instagram: Fingerpaintchicas

Image Credits
Johanna Lyons