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

Hi Lakethia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a child, I’ve always loved art. I always loved to draw on notebook paper that was suppose to be for school. I would hand in my work and around the holes would be flowers. I drew pictures on the desk and took any opportunity to draw bubble letters if the teacher needed a volunteer to write something on the white board. Doing nails allows me to express my creative side with the art of relaxation, painting the toenail with precision and giving clients confidence to wear their feet in sandals that were embarrassed before.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a MNT(Medical Nail Technician, I am trained to recognize issues with the toenails and feet and refer to a podiatrist if necessary. Diabetic foot care, people with chronic illnesses usually suffer with problematic feet. A waterless pedicure targets the wellness and health of the feet by providing a more efficient technique to restore foot health. This sets me apart from a traditional nail technician. I am proud to call myself a Pedicurist, it excites me everyday to go in to the spa expecting the unexpected. Some of my clients don’t have issues with their feet, but just love a thorough pedicure and they get to be educated at the same time. My first job after school was at a hair salon. I sat there for 3 to 4 days a week for a month waiting for a rush of clients to walk in and need me. I made my own flyers to pass around the area but I was a little timid about talking to people because we are all busy and on the go. I went from there to a male spa/barbershop that was new to the game as well. In my mind I longed for someone who was just like me and understood exactly where I was coming from. After working a job I was used to doing and working a job in my new field, I finally ended up where I am supposed to be. It was tough transitioning from job to career mode. People didn’t understand why I wanted to do this so bad. But I prayed, worked and journaled my ambitions along the way and it helped me get to this point in my career. I want the world to know that anything you want in this life, you have to just go for it. Fear will hold you down and keep you from truly experiencing your calling if you let it. For years I was afraid to do anything other than work to pay my bills. I wasn’t happy or fulfilled, I didn’t feel any sense of purpose. I’m so glad I took a step in another direction.

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?
Living in the Atlanta area, you can’t go wrong with being a foodie. One of my favorite spots is Mr. Everything Cafe and Slutty Vegan. I’m not vegan but my friends and I love to try different foods and support upcoming black businesses. And who doesn’t love a good rooftop or day party?! I don’t have any favorites I want to name drop but they definitely are not hard to find.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout the woman who mentors me, boosts my confidence and gave me a shot at my career that I am currently in. Erika Allison, owner and MNT of NuFeet Medical Pedicures in Smyrna, GA. I first met her while a student at the International School of Skin, Nails and Massage Therapy in 2016. Erika spoke about her journey to building her business after people told her no and that it wouldn’t last. I immediately was inspired because I was afraid of not being taken seriously. Fast forward 4 years later, I’ve been self employed under NuFeet for a year and what a year it has been. I’m still inspired by her love for business and I’m still learning each day what it is to be a business owner and helping clients with feet issues.

Website: NuFeetmedispa.com
Instagram: BonafideKeek
Linkedin: Lakethia Jones
Twitter: BonafideKeek
Facebook: Bonafide Nailz LLC.