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

Hi Candace, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
The great thing about mistakes is effort, about doubt is caring, about failure is progress. You only lose when you give up! As long as you fight, you succeed. I actually said this last year. For me, I’ve learned you can’t measure your success based on someone else’s. You never know what someone has went through to get where they are when you met them. I’ve had someone tell me I’ll never make it as a nail tech and I refused to let that get to me. I can look at myself and my work and know through my struggles, I am trying. I have tried. I continue to strive for more. More education to further my knowledge. More practice to hone in on my skills. More support, to network, grow and eventually pay it forward. I like this quote because it reminds me that there is nothing wrong with not being prefect. There is something wrong with not giving your all, no matter what.

What should our readers know about your business?
Well Aren’t You Polished takes pride in excellent customer service and flexible hours. Before this virus put a halt on our lives, I was proud to be going to train further at the Young Nails Inc training academy this June. However, that’s now cancelled so I patiently wait for another chance while constantly practicing and sticking to their videos and good old “Youtube University”. I got this far by striving to continuously grow. Educationally and humbly. Trying to learn and master new techniques as well as looking to others when I need help. It isn’t easy but you never give up. I am a single mom of 3. I’ve had to miss a lot of quality time with them trying to get my business up and running. It was a challenge, because of course, no mom wants to feel like she isn’t there for her children. It’s all for them in the long run though.

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?
Well if my bestie visited right now, we would be in the house, LOL. With the current state of things, if you asked me what I missed, that would be easy. Being from Chicago, I miss the food. So the closest thing to home is JJ’s fish and chicken in Stone Mountain. Need mild sauce on everything! I am big kid and sometimes Dave and Buster’s isn’t enough. So Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is where we’d go. Who doesn’t love zip lining and indoor sky diving? The VR center is actually fun too! Of course who doesn’t love Six Flags White Waters? That’s definitely a stop on the fun train. I’m not a huge drinker but I do enjoy a down to earth chill spot. I Luv Bowling is pretty cool! Shoot pool & bowl as much as you want for only a couple of dollars. They have a live dj and bar. Metro cafe is great for any time of day. They have like 32 cake options and 1 slice could feed three people! The chicken and waffles is my go to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well besides God and my amazing mother & children, one of my best friends, Tara Miller was and still is a huge part of my support system. She has been in the beauty industry a little longer than I have and always helps me and encourages me in all I do. She allows me to practice all kinds of new techniques and art, as well as boosts my head when I’m being hard on myself.

Website: Arentyoupolished.com
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