Meet Nettia | Public Relations Operations Manager, Licensed Nail Tech, Creative

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

Hi Nettia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Honestly, I feel you will make time for what makes you happy, and the things that make me happy are my family and my hobbies. I work as the Public Relations Operations Manager for a county government agency in my primary role, but I am also a licensed nail tech, as well as a content creator on Instagram. It may seem I have my hands full, but I make time for the things that are important, and that includes rest and recuperation.

2018 was the year that jumpstarted my ability to manage the work life balance much better. During that time I went back to school — cosmetology school — in pursuit of my nail tech liscense. I knew then, if I really wanted it, I’d have to make the time and make it work. For a period of 8 or 9 months, I was working at times from 7 a.m. leaving work at 4:30 p.m. and going straight to class, not making it home until about 10 p.m. or later. I still found time to chat up my parents, and even the guy I was talking to long distance at the time. Wake up and start it all over.

I think that taught me how to plan out and schedule things so that I wouldn’t be exhausted or feel overwhelmed.

Fast forward to now, I just make it happen! Being able to plan that time whether it is for my hobbies, family or rest is essential because at the end of the day, I still want to be able to do the things I love and not miss moments with the people I love. I’m a hard worker, but never forget the value of paid time off. My ultimate goal is to become my own boss one day, but while I am still working a “9 to 5”, I make sure that I take my days off if necessary — even if just for a mental break. What I think I am learning as I get older is that, you have to prioritize yourself and your needs and the rest will fall into place.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Public Relations Operations Manager for a county government agency by day, and a licensed nail tech, content creator “by night”.

I have worked with Rockdale County Government at this point for about 9 years. Next year will be my 10th year with the county. I started as an intern in the same department and worked my way up the ladder.

I believe what got me to where I am, whether it be in my day job or side gigs, is working with integrity and authenticity. You CAN get to the next level by being a genuinely good person and being honest and dependable. Many times in my career, doors of opportunity have opened because I have been just that. The saying “closed mouths don’t get fed” is true and applies to growth in my career as well. Along with having integrity and staying true to myself, I have to be able to show my value, speak on my value and show my worth when I am in the room in front of important people.

Find something you love to do and stick with it! I found interest in the PR field when I was still young in high school. I got my BA in Communications and things took off from there. Loving what you do is a key part to being able to grow in whatever field you are in and I feel that is the key to my success. I believe this in regards to my hobbies as well. I fell in love with all things nails at about 7 years old. Even though it took many years after that to choose to pursue that as a stream of income, it is something I love to do. The love for these things gives me that drive to be better and reach the next level.

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?
I will always say the Georgia Aquarium. I love visiting and looking at all of the different creatures. It’s very fun, and never gets old for me. Aside from that visiting different restaurants. I’m usually gathered and a planner for everything else in my life, but I also like to explore. So it would be hard for me to pinpoint or map out a weeklong travel plan — Let’s just go explore all the city has to offer!!

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 want to shoutout my mom and my dad. They have always been in my corner and very supportive of me. If I am making a decision they are not 100 percent on board with, they will let me know, but respect me. My dad, was a hard worker and always taught me valuable life lessons through all of our conversations. Even now, when I am moving through day-to-day life, I can hear his voice in my head saying something that had an impact on me. My mom is my number one fan. She cheers me on, gives me ideas and no matter what she is always there. They are truly my support team, and it is a blessing they are both still here and just a call away. I also want to shout out my siblings and my friends. Everyone in my circle is motivated and we all encourage each other to get to the next level. I am grateful for everyone of them for being who they are and cheering each other on vs. getting jealous because we’re in different chapters of our own personal story. We all know our time is coming.

Instagram: @_nettia01

Other: Business inquiries can reach me at nettia01@gmail.com

Image Credits
Sean Kimbell Felicia Glover