Meet Markeeta Preston | Nail technician & Designer

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

Hi Markeeta, what’s your definition for success?
Success to me means having the ability wake up each day and pour into something that gives you the most joy but takes the least amount of effort. The moment you’ve discovered what that is, I believe that this can secure your livelihood which can lead to financial freedom . When I decided to focus on my passion, dreams and things that come second nature to me, I realized that happiness matters at all costs no matter what the sacrifices are. Following your dreams may result in pay cuts, long nights, early mornings in the beginning but it will all be worth it. Success is living life on your own terms and having time and flexibility to do so.

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.
Tip The Scale defined is a way to exercise a decisive Influence; To upset the balance of a situation; to be the determining factor; make the critical difference. Tip the Scale (TTS) is my love letter to the craft. As an artist and a professional, I pride myself on using my knowledge and experience to captivate the experiences of our clients by offering them a unique services every time they enter the salon. Our main priorities are healthy nails, sanitation, and top notch customer service. We promote a wide variety of services such as Hard gel sets, soft gel manicures, authentic one-of-a-kind classic acrylics sets, and trendy nail art and designs. What sets my brand apart from others is that we genuinely care about the health of the nails, hands and skin. Our brand encourages a unique serine experience while providing clients with Daring nails.

My journey to becoming a nail technician has not been an easy one. During my senior year of high school (2007- 2008), I entered vocational program for manicuring which I accumulated all of my hours to become a licensed nail tech. However, due to personal reasons I was unable to take my State-board exam at the end of the school year. With deep regret over the years, I remained a nail enthusiast with a deep love for the craft. It wasn’t until 2020 that I regained my courage to go back to school and fight for my passion. I was working a full-time corporate job in logistics of 5 years and going to school, in the mist of a pandemic. In 2021, I lost my job because of the pandemic. I am most proud of myself for getting back into this industry, it has been the best decision that I have done in a very long time. Nail artistry has given me the ability to live life on my own terms. It has provided me with another stream of income when I needed it most and it was my outlet from stress & anxiety. I always think about how far along I would have been if my nail journey would have started all those years ago but I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason. I am so excited about the success to come. I have always dreamt of having a career doing what I love to do, create.

I have learn so many these on my path to my present: If you want to people to pay attention to your art you have to be into it, aggressively, even on days that you don’t feel like it. Be happy with what you have, while working on what you want. The level of success that you want to receive is coming, but you have to be patient, diligent. Continue to believe in yourself, even when you may feel like no one else does. Everyone else’s journey is not your own, be patient with yourself. You will get to where you need to be in due time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting from out of town places we would visit these great hot spots in Atlanta.

The Garden Room- Stunning atmosphere, great vibes, amazing drinks.
Ponce City Market; Skyline park- Views of the city, fun environment, good food.
Centennial Olympic Park -Sky View Ferris Wheel
Red Phone Booth Speak easy
Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park
Georgia Aquarium
World of Coca Cola
Truist Park
Atlanta Beltline -bike riding, jogging
Go to a game at Mercedes Benz Stadium
View Bar and Grill – food ,drinks,music
The Bonfire -Sunday
Roof top pool party at The W Hotel
Compound Night Club
Blue Martini Lounge

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout out to my Mentor, the talented Shara Stevenson (Nail artist and Educator) for alway lighting the fire underneath me to keep striving towards my greatness. Thank you for being apart of my tribe.

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Facebook: Tipthescale