Meet Adele Williamson | Nail Artist

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

Hi Adele, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Like many others, I had several jobs in various industries throughout my young adulthood, including an initial career in the corporate world. Especially after starting my post-college chosen field of Public Relations and Marketing, I realized that that was exactly the king of job I didn’t want. I wanted my creative mind to be stimulated regularly and since we spend so much time at our jobs, I wanted to do something creative and that I really enjoy. I also found the idea of working for myself and setting my own hours very appealing, which I felt I could do in the creative career as a nail artist. .

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.
Everything about being a nail artist attracted me to it- the creativity, the flexibility, the relationships and opportunities, the supposed glamour. I saw a life for myself that I wanted. It hasn’t been easy, I have worked harder for this than I have for probably anything, but, it has been fun and I love it more every day. I strive to set myself apart in every way, from the environment and safe space I provide, the quality manicure I service, the detailed art and paintings I execute for each client. It’s the attention to detail and the love for every step in the manicure process. I love building relationships with clients, caring for their nails/hands that they use and look at every day, and creating tiny works of art that my guests enjoy for weeks before they get a “new set” of nails and art they can admire every day. I’m proud that so far, I have achieved my dream exactly the way I saw it when I was first dreaming it. Each step in the journey and the growth so far excites me. Although challenges bring anxiety, they also excite me, and becoming better and better at my craft definitely excites me.
I’m proud that as a young person I followed my gut and went for something that would make me happy, despite the doubts and discouragement of almost all of my friends and family. My advice to anyone doubting whether to take a big risk or leap professionally or personally is to not give up and follow your heart because one day you’ll be ready to take that leap of faith. It’s corny but it’s true!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is fun and there’s plenty to do. My friends and I keep it pretty chill. I’m a coffee fiend so every day need will start off with an iced latte. Some of my favorite local coffee spots are Spiller Park, Victory CC, Con Leche, and Little Tart.

If the weather is nice we’ll bring some chairs and beers and my pup Leo and we’ll hit one of the dog beaches on the ‘Hooch for the day.

For a casual dinner and drinks after the dog beach we’ll hit El Tesoro for tacos and margs or Victory for sandwiches and cold ramen, then head up the Beltline to hang out at Estoria or Church.

I love walking around the parks and gardens in my neighborhood as well as in Oakland Cemetery. Another cool walking trail is Dolls Head Trail.

We’d definitely go get some fun tattoos from my friends at Big Cat Tattoo. Also in the arts realm, the High Museum is a must-see when you’re in Atlanta. There’s nothing like losing yourself in an art museum.

When friends are visiting we’ll have to go see a music show. We’d find some good acts at the Masquerade, the Tabernacle, or Variety Playhouse.

For cute dinners out I love BoccaLupo, Carroll Street Cafe, Argosy, and Bon Ton.

And of course brunch – I keep it in the neighborhood with my favorites Ria’s, Petit Chou, and Homegrown.

When in Atlanta you also must hit the Clermont – it’s a one stop shop for visitors with a hotel, roof top bar, downstairs restaurant and of course the infamous Clermont Lounge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shout out has to go to my ride or die bestie, Katie Trebendis aka KT. Back when I first wanted to change careers to be a Nail Artist, she was the only one who saw my vision and who believed in me. She is always the person I call for help and looks out for me like no other. She is the greatest support system and I might be dead without her! Second shout out would be to my teacher in nail school, Ms. Kim. She encouraged us to follow our passions and build on our strengths and went out of her way to help us all succeed in our new chosen paths.
Lastly I want to shout out a fellow Nail Artist located in Greenville, SC, Emilie Leopard. She was very generous and encouraging when I first started out doing nails and she was a great mentor and peer to have. She definitely made an impression on me as an example and inspiration in the nail tech community.

Instagram: @youregettinnails

Image Credits
Dave Crawford credits for the studio shots, nail photos by me