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

Hi Michelle, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think the most important factor is that I’m a 8 th grade drop out with three kids and no one thought I’d be anything but one day I was cut off couldn’t get my nails done anymore it became a cost to my kids father who supported me basically stopped paying for me to get my nails done it wasn’t important since I wasn’t allowed to go nowhere .. I’d get hit on spit on kicked and I’d still get up and do nails because it was all I had to escape

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Nothing came easy to me no one was knocking at my door begging me to do their nails … once covid hit and the nail shops closed people panicked and when they needed their nails done they started to trust us at home or non Asian nail technicians and that’s when business turned all the way around for me .. I was stable and able to but the clientele I got from covid was a huge impact on my financially I was more than able to provide for me and my kids

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had the opportunity because I haven’t traveled since I was a kid or when we evacuated for hurrincanes lol I’m from Louisiana I’d pray for a hurricane so we can leave haha but I can honestly say if I could be anywhere it would be the beach just sitting soaking in the sun maybe Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic That would be a dream

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Natalie Carmona … she’s a YouTuber and nail tech I’d stay up all night watching her videos I’d fall asleep to them

Instagram: Michelle_nailgossip

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.