The woman behind Charme Studio: all the gritty details PART 2

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Andddddd… like I was saying, at about age 20 I was watching TV and saw a commercial about ADHD, and suddenly I knew what I’d been struggling with! Though I self-diagnosed, I went to the doctor, saw a psychologist, did some tests, and I was officially diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  I started on a non-stimulant medication -- the most popular stimulant medication that you may have heard of is Adderall -- and suddenly I could organize my thoughts and I began to feel a whole lot less like a hot ass mess (hey that rhymes!)  Let me tell you how wonderful that was!

 

 

Before being diagnosed, I held SO many different jobs. I worked at nightclubs as a promoter (which meant a lot of drinking and is the main reason I rarely drink nowadays), I sold internet from a kiosk in the mall and learned to talk to strangers, I worked in medical offices, etc.  The list is LONGGGG. But the reason I hopped from job to job was simply because I was bored; as soon as I organized an office, or figured out the most efficient way of doing things, I no longer had an interest… my attention span was only about 3 months. And yes, I’m fully aware that that’s not how “real life” works. I don’t regret any of my past jobs as I learned bits of knowledge from each and every one of them. But eventually I started managing my brother’s salon -- you may have heard of it, La Bella -- and truthfully, working there changed my life because it taught me what I wanted to do differently in my own business.

 

After getting my ADHD “under control” and managing La Bella, I decided to go out on my own and started Tina’s Traveling Nails. I rented a space in a hair salon and did nails on my own (all the while nannying Monday through Friday to make ends meet). I also started volunteering as The Nail Fairy -- seriously, I was so busy -- and that’s when everything took off in the best way possible because here I am today with my own salon and my own team!

 

You may be thinking to yourself, “wait, back up! Working at your brother’s salon showed you what you wanted to do differently?!” Different businesses do things different ways… and I learned a lot there; I learned a couple takeaways, and many things I wanted to change. I care a whole heck of a lot about my clients, their safety, being honest, truly giving back, and being a good person.  The simple things really. Sadly, the haters I previously mentioned are my family members (including my brother). When I went out on my own, I had to make the conscious decision to cut the toxic people out of my life.  I’ve never truly been supported in anything I’ve done because I chose not to go to college and become a doctor.  But here’s the thing, I’m here to succeed in what I love to do… so they can keep their negativity! At times I feel judged or even looked down upon because I no longer speak to my parents or siblings, but if you know me, you know I exude and crave positive vibes from those around me! My friends, Charme team members, and clients have all become my family… and for that I’m so totally grateful.

 

So yeah, it can be difficult for people to believe that I’ve managed to run a successful nail studio without ever having graduated college -- because how could I possibly understand business?! **rolls eyes HARD into the back of my head** -- and while struggling with ADHD. But honestly, I feel like ADHD is the best gift ever! I see things differently than others, I think outside of the box and in the end, that is a benefit to me.  Sure I might have gone about life a little differently had I been diagnosed earlier, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Having ADHD is my special super power: I can go and go like the Energizer Bunny, I’m able to multitask better than most, and I’m constantly getting new ideas… I work a lot but it doesn’t feel like work to me.

 

So what are my goals moving forward? One day, when I am making enough money to run the salon, pay my bills, and travel from time to time, I’d love to donate the rest to charity and/or to do fun stuff within the community. Don't get me wrong, my studio is successful but doing things the right way is quite costly! I love what I do and nothing sounds better than sharing my wealth with this awesome place I get to call home!     

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Nail Industry Myths & Legends: find out if that age-old advice your mom -- and the beauty industry -- gave you was true or false

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The woman behind Charme Studio: all the gritty details