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

Hi Tanya, how do you think about risk? 

I think of risk being a double-edged sword. While most tend to think risk is negative and will lead to failure. I see it as adaptive and that it’ll lead me to a positive outcome. We learn more and become a better version of ourselves with risk.

What role has taking risks played in your life/career? 

Risk has played a HUGE role not just in my life but in my career and dreams as well. Being an established nail technician in New Jersey, with a client base of 30 per week, I was able to be as creative and artistic as I pleased. Most of my clients were women and men I grew up with or had known me for a while. Although it was great, I wanted more. I wanted my reputation to grow and to be known for my art and skills. So, I took the huge risk of closing my shop, giving up my beautiful apartment and moving my children and myself to Atlanta. With so many nail technicians I could have easily gotten lost in the mix. But every cell in my body knew it was a risk worth taking. While others need extra bling and foils, I can make magic happen. I can draw and come up with designs without having to look at a picture. With just a few months here I have gained a lovely client base and it just keeps growing. Soon I will be able to open my first shop out here in Atlanta.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others?

I would say my drawing skills and the way I pay attention to details is what sets me apart from other nail technicians.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

I am most proud of the fact that I was able to transfer my skills to different forms of art. I get super excited when a first-time client looks at their set and says” This is even better than what I expected, my shape is BOMB and the details are amazing! Thank you soo much!”

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? 

It was not easy to get to where I am professionally today. It took complete faith in myself. ALOT of sleepless nights of practicing to draw on a smaller canvas. I was so use to sketchbooks and pencils switching to nail application and gel polishes was an adjustment.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? 

Lessons I have learned along the way was, my gift can NEVER be taken away. It takes complete and utter faith in oneself to reach ANY goal in life. Especially when everything being thrown your way is telling you to give up.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that I create magic. I love what I do. My art on people’s hands and toes, watching their faces glow and light up with excitement makes my day.

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.
My best friend did come to visit me all the way from New Jersey. Since I am really new to the city of Atlanta, I don’t really know the area. But with the help of google we went to some really yummy restaurants such as First Watch, and an amazing sushi place called YOKOHAMA SUSHI. To have some fun we went to the Dave and Busters in Marietta. We also went to the movies at Marcus Theatres & Movie Tavern. They had a full bar which was great. Now that I am a few months in I hope on her next visit to take her to the beltline and Ponce City Market.

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?

My children play the biggest role in my success. I became a mother at eighteen years old. With almost no support system, I knew I had to rely on the only skills I knew I was amazing at. My drawing and attention to details were skills I knew were going to get me somewhere. Working dead-end jobs was not going to give my kids the life they deserved. So, I started learning to do nails off of YouTube from Getnailed32 and started an apprenticeship at a local nail salon. With their love and encouragement my career took off from there.

Website: https://pressed-by-oshys.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pressedbyoshys__/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.