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

Hi Tia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When the last salon I worked for closed, I knew I had to do something different. I wanted to create a place where licensed nail technicians would feel comfortable and in control of their business. I wanted to work with professional products and have the creative space to work with all different mediums. That’s where Bloom Nails was born-out of the need for a licensed nail tech to have freedom and space to be herself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There is a salon on every corner in Sandy Springs. What sets Bloom Nails apart is that we are obsessed with ensuring the health of our clients. You won’t find dirty implements here and we don’t reuse single-use tools. Our manicures and pedicures are waterless, which can be a healthier alternative to the standard service. We believe in educating and giving the authority back to our clients. An educated client is a healthier and happier client.

My business story begins with several years of looking for my passion. It all came to a head after the unexpected passing of my mother-in-law in January 2020. I really saw the importance of a child’s respect and love for their mother. I knew I wanted to create a legacy for my children. I wanted to make my family proud. I chose nail technology because I loved doing my own nails. It had always been a form of therapy for me. When I graduated from Georgia Career Institute in 2020, my initial plan was to have an in-home salon business. After realizing that self-promotion was not my strongest suit, I chose to pivot and work under someone who I felt that I could learn more from. I worked for two separate salons where I was given a front row seat to the intricacies of small business. The closure of the last salon showed me that God’s plan for me was to still own my own business.

Starting my own business again has not been easy. Talking to people about Bloom Nails continues to make me nervous because of the challenges of my social anxiety. I’ve learned that marketing can be done in a million different ways, but word-of-mouth is irreplaceable. Because of this, I do my best to ensure that my clients have the best experience possible.

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 had to get help from my sister, Domanique, since I am a complete homebody. She recommends: West Egg Cafe for breakfast, walking through Piedmont Park, and taking a scooter or riding a bike around the Beltline. Ponce City Market has a rooftop area that she enjoys. I love the Saturday morning market in Sandy Springs and would take my bestie to Rumi’s Kitchen for dinner. Their Salmon Hummusiya is amazing! For a relaxing Veggie Spa treatment, there is none better than iwi fresh Spa. Fernbank Museum has a wonderful exhibit, “Wildwoods: AGLOW”, that I’d love to take her to. High Museum’s “High Frequency Friday” is a bundle of fun, and Beat the Bomb Atlanta is a must-do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to God. He is the entire reason why I am in the position that I am in. He has made rivers flow out of the desert-like situations that I have been brought to. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, and Father. To my husband, Emanuel Burgess: the CEO of Cloud After Dark (cloudafterdark.com), Owner of Seven Fragrance, and the backbone and Co-Owner of Bloom Nails. To my children, Maya and Mekhi Hill: I couldn’t have physically completed the renovations without you. To my sisters, Brandi and Domanique Reed: thank you for all of your support! To my clients who waited MONTHS for me to complete the salon enough so that I could service you: thank you, thank you, thank you!

Website: www.bloomnailsatl.com

Instagram: @bloomnailsatl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085648297583

Other: Text: 404-747-4411 Email: tia@bloomnailsatl.com

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