We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michelle Shelton. Check out our conversation below.
Michelle , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy is being surrounded by the two people who mean the most to me, my son and my boyfriend. Watching my son smile, laugh, and grow reminds me of the purest kind of happiness. He gives me a reason to push forward every single day, and his love is the most genuine I’ve ever known.
My boyfriend adds to that joy by being my partner, my support system, and my peace. The way he shows up for me and our son. fills my heart in a way that feels whole Together, the love they both give me creates a joy that’s unshakable, a joy that feels real, steady, and forever.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Michelle, the heart and hands behind Nails.ByChelle! ✨
I’m a proud mom, a partner, and a woman who believes in creating beauty while building a life filled with love, joy, and purpose. When I’m not spending time with my son and boyfriend, you’ll find me in my element designing luxury nail art that makes my clients feel confident, elegant, and unstoppable. 💅🏽
What started as a passion has grown into my business, Nails.ByChelle, where I specialize in bringing unique nail visions to life from timeless classics to bold statement sets. My goal is more than just nails, it’s giving every client an experience that makes them feel pampered and empowered.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and must now be released is the version of me that always put myself last. For so long, I carried the weight of being everything for everyone pouring into my son, my boyfriend, my business, and forgetting that I, too, needed to be poured into. That part of me taught me strength. It showed me how deeply I could love and how much I could handle, even when I was running on empty.
But now, I realize that version of me doesn’t serve where I’m going. I don’t have to keep sacrificing my peace to prove my worth. I don’t have to hold on to doubt or fear of not being enough. That part of me has done its job it kept me moving forward when I didn’t know any other way.
Now, I release her with love. I’m stepping into a new season where I honor myself just as much as I honor my family and my business. A season where I create space for balance, joy, and self-care because when I’m whole, everything I touch, from my son’s smile to my nail artistry, becomes even more beautiful.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life has been the fear of not being good enough. When I first started doing nails, I worried about what people would think if my work was perfect enough, if clients would trust me, or if I could really make this into something bigger than just a hobby. That fear sometimes made me doubt my talent and hold back from opportunities that could have helped me grow. Even in life outside of nails, I found myself hesitating to step fully into my purpose because I was scared of failure and judgment. But over time, I’ve learned that growth only comes when I push past that fear. Every set I’ve done, every client I’ve served, and every step I’ve taken in my business has proven that I am enough. My fear held me back, but it also taught me that courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared—it means you keep going anyway.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That’s a deep one!
“Success happens overnight.” Social media makes it look like nail techs blow up instantly, but behind the scenes it’s years of practice, late nights, and investing in products, classes, and marketing.
“Cheaper prices get you more clients.” In reality, undercharging leads to burnout, low-quality clients, and no real profit. Clients who value your work are willing to pay for it.
Social media success equals business success.”
You can have 100k followers and still struggle to pay bills if you’re not turning that attention into bookings, classes, or products.
The real truth? Nail artistry is both creative and entrepreneurial. The techs who last the longest are the ones who value their worth, invest in themselves, and build real relationships.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Could I give everything my best, even if no one ever praised me for it?
When I think about my nail journey, the answer is yes. Because in the beginning, no one was clapping for me. No one was reposting my work or flooding my DMs with love. It was just me, my tools, my vision, and the quiet belief that I had something worth creating.
Nails became more than just a service, they became a way for me to express myself, to push through fear, and to prove that I could build something out of my own hands. Even when people doubted me, or when my work went unnoticed, I kept showing up. I gave my best because I wasn’t just chasing likes or praise. I was chasing growth, mastery, and the life I knew I deserved.
Now, every set I create carries that same energy. Whether it gets applauded or not, I know I poured my heart into it. That’s the real win: being proud of what I do, with or without the applause.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nailsbychelle?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1e0b952d-9abf-43e0-a0d2-f43e2abeb1ba
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nails.bychelle?igsh=MTcwZmQ2a2xzYnc5Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
