Meet Raquel Reaves | Nail Artist & Owner of Too Pressed By Raquel and Nail Slang

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

Hi Raquel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As a black woman and business owner ,I would like to say the most important factor behind my success and my brand is consistency and creativity. For the past 17 years in business I’ve had to stay consistent with the quality of work I put out, on top of staying up on what’s trending and trying to go above and beyond to give clients and customers the experience they’ve never had. For me it’s always finding ways to standout of the crowd that has made my brand successful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe Nailz By Raquel has made a name for itself based simply off outstanding creativity and Artwork. I would like to say my customer service skills also played a major role in what sets me apart from others. Giving my clients and customers the experience that will have them run and tell a friend. Making sure everything I display is almost or is to perfection everytime. I work hard to try styles some may be afraid to attempt and that has been my target for years. I am most excited when I’m put on the spot and am told to just “do me” I feel like that’s my time to shine bright , because that’s when I do my best work and is most creative. Professionally I think networking, and taking my business as serious as it is with the Branding, Advertising and Marketing ,is what helped me professionally. Not afraid of putting myself out there for others to see what I’m capable of while knowing what I’m talking about is what got me here in my opinion. Creating relationships with clients and customers where they can tell I care about their experience with me. For me I believe it came alittle easier than some would think because of my personality and ambitious drive. Others notice from jump that I’m passionate about my craft ,brand and building a relationship with them, so in my opinion it helps the customers and clients feels good after being serviced or purchasing. I believe my biggest career challenge was picking my family up from Flint, Michigan and Relocating to Georgia and having to start completely over with clientele and customers. But with the help of my website it has made me able to sell merchandise over the United States. I had to work alot harder putting myself out there because everything was new again. I’ve learned along the way that consistency is key. Being an entrepreneur is hard at time because no one tells you to get up and work you have to have the determination to handle your business, and the harder you work the more success you get. I’ve learned that branding is a major role in business because it matters how everything looks. Investing is also important it takes money to make money so making important decisions to better your business matters. And just staying creative always puts you ahead. I want everyone to know that all of this didn’t happen over night ,it took years of hard work and dedication, small L’s and Big L’s , long days and nights. Big sacrifices and rewards. I am a mother of 6 children, i left my hometown with my children to become so much more than just a Nail Tech. For the past few years I’ve been working on so many things within Nailz by Raquel while not only providing nail services, I have Too Pressed By Raquel in which I distribute Luxury Gel press on nails all over the Country. I also have my new business venture which will be making its debut soon called “Nail Slang” . Which is Gel Polishes created by Me and my three daughters who are also my business partners so thats a very big deal for me because their only 3, 12, and 13. My brand has created amazing opportunities for me from working with celebrities to being asked for an interview. My story has been going on since 2005 when I was a junior in High School and knew what I wanted to be in life. I never stopped and I believe this is just the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So one of my favorite hangouts and eatery spots would have to be Nouveau Bar and Grill Jonesboro, GA the atmosphere is a total vibe from the live music , dj to the food I tell people all the time they have to go there. I am also a fan of Slutty Vegan , I’m not vegan but listen if all vegan food tastes like that ,I might consider it. I tell everyone they have to try it. 2 other gems I would say is Grafitti Atl, and The Beverlys for Brunch has great food and Vibes plus the Dj’s never miss.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my Branding President, Graphic Designer, One of my biggest supporters and most of all my Big sister Porsche Jackson for her amazing encouragement and help with making my brand beautiful. She is literally my everything from Banners, to logos, business cards, graphics, website etc. Also want to give recognition to my children who also helps with my brand and it’s building process. Giving my family and Boyfriend a big recognition because they are my support system and biggest supporters, just leave it to them to brag about Nailz By Raquel.

Website: Www.NailzbyRaquel.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nailzbyraquel?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: Nailz By Raquel

Youtube: https://youtu.be/OBPYVxO4Fq4

Image Credits
Porsche Jackson