Meet Shaila Martin | Nail Artist

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

Hi Shaila, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In the beginning, my entrepreneurial drive was the catalyst and driving force in pursuing the ownership of my own business. Honestly, I was like most other people who was tired of the politics in the corporate game. In addition to being a new mother at the time, I wanted to provide something more for my daughter and family. Leaving a legacy for the future generation was most important to me. I wanted to be in an industry that I felt comfortable in and the beauty industry was just that! Nails are life in my world. As a woman, getting your nails done is somewhat a luxury. Back in 2015, Black nail techs were under the radar so I knew this would be an excellent time to get in the market.

Looking where we’re at now currently in the beauty and nail industry, there are more Black nail techs that have entered into this profession. It’s very exciting to see us breaking barriers and thriving in a once Asian dominated industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a nail artist, I am fascinated by the various types of artwork designs exhibited currently in the nail industry. I’ve always been a nail enthusiast so my passion for nails has always been organic. When it comes to nail art, there are no limits and that’s what I love most. Everyday is a new day to create multiple masterpieces. I get some of my inspiration from fashion designers such as Christian Siriano and Zuhair Murad.

Patience and discipline were the biggest challenges at the start of my career. In a competitive nail industry, you constantly have to stay on top of your game. It takes dedication with some tough skin to be successful. Reality hits you fast when things don’t go as planned. Sometimes I battled between working a part-time job and doing nails to stay afloat during slow periods. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this business is understanding that I can’t please everyone. My intentions are to surpass their expectations, but sometimes there will be those few individuals that will put you to the test. However, I’ve spoken with so many sistas that actually want to be serviced by a Black nail tech, so the demand is there for us. I wouldn’t be where I am currently if it weren’t for my extremely loving and loyal clients that have challenged me to become the nail artist I am today. My ultimate goal is to elevate the No Polish Gang brand & movement worldwide. No Polish Gang will be offering a wide variety of unique acrylic powders and nail art supplies starting in May 2022.

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?
Atlanta is definitely the city where you can find a new adventure daily, big or small. If my bestie was in town I’d have to start our adventure out by connecting with nature on a mini journey up Stone Mountain . Afterwards, I would head over to Escobar Seafood on Edgewood for lunch and good vibes. Before leaving Edgewood, we would slide through Slush ATL for a slushtail. When visiting Atlanta you have to make a stop at the Craxk House for their infamous craxk grapes, you can never eat just 1. As a hip-hip fan in the city of Atlanta, a tour of TI’s Trap House Museum is an absolute must! We would have to do a little retail therapy at the shops in Atlantic Station and Buckhead Village District, both giving the ultimate outdoor shopping experience. When it comes to restaurants it’s difficult to choose when there’s so many tasty options. The beautiful Sage restaurant in Dunwoody would be the selection for an elegant dinner and a toast to friendship. Next is the club and the after-party starting at Traffik lounge located downtown, which is a cool vibe for the grown and sexy. I would keep the party going by making at stop at Chic lounge on Trinity, the best after hours spot in the city. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so after a night of partying, BQE would be the brunch spot on a Sunday afternoon. As for the finale, I would close the weekend off with nostalgia by going to Cascade Skate, gliding and bouncing in my skates like in the film ATL.

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 shoutout my family for all of the unconditional support, love and believing in my vision.

– To Mychell “Snoop” Dillard and the Remedy Salon staff for all of the memorable experiences while operating at the downtown location.

-To my one-of-kind and loyal clients who have stayed down with me, grown with me, laughed , cried, and challenged me. I love you all, Thank you!

Website: Nopolishgang.as.me

Instagram: @Her_Fixx8ion

Twitter: @Her_Fixx8ion