Exploring Life & Business with Anabel Rodríguez of Sets by Anabel Nail Salon LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anabel Rodríguez

Hi Anabel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
One of my most vivid childhood memories is from when I was just 12 years old. My dad, who loved us deeply, left our home, not because he wanted to, but because he had to. He came to the U.S. to work, to provide for us in Honduras. I remember feeling abandoned, even though I knew deep down it was his way of showing love, by ensuring we had what we needed. It left an emotional mark on me, and while I struggled with it, I always tried my best to succeed despite the challenges.
Academics didn’t come naturally to me, but I pushed through, and when I finally graduated from high school, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. It was a personal triumph, but what made it even more special was that soon after graduation, after years of hard work, my dad was finally able to reunite us in the U.S. I will never forget the moment we were together again as a family, all in one place. After so much time apart, the feeling of being whole again was indescribable.
Then, it became my turn to create a life of my own. I longed for independence and freedom, and I believed being a business owner was the right fit for me. Along my journey, I met my husband, and together we built the beautiful family I am so grateful for today.
Over the years, I worked in many jobs—cleaner, cashier, cook, nail technician apprentice—each offering me unique lessons. But as time passed, my memories of someday becoming a business owner began to feel like distant dreams. I sank into depression, burdened by the frustration of not pursuing my professional aspirations. I felt lost, as though I had failed myself.
It was in my darkest moment that my faith in God and the unwavering support of my husband helped me realize that it wasn’t too late to chase my professional dream. With a renewed sense of purpose, I enrolled in a program to become a licensed nail technician. Of all the jobs I had explored, nail artistry was the one that brought me the most joy. There was something magical about the creativity and beauty of it—it wasn’t just about the art, but about helping people feel more confident and empowered.
In 2021, I officially became a licensed nail artist. From that moment until 2022, I dedicated myself fully to gaining experience and perfecting my craft. And in 2023, I achieved a dream I once thought I had lost: I opened my very own nail salon. It has now been over a year since our doors opened, and every day, I feel a profound sense of gratitude that I didn’t give up on my vision.
Owning my own business has given me the freedom I always longed for, allowing me to balance being a mother and a wife while doing something I love. Each time I create a beautiful design or help a client feel more confident, I am reminded of why this journey was worth every hardship. I thank God for guiding me, my family for their endless support, and my friends who stood by me through the ups and downs.
Today, I am not just a business owner. I am a woman who found her way back to herself, thanks to the love and strength of the people around me and my unwavering faith. I am living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dream, no matter how far away it might seem.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I faced emotional struggles early on when my dad left to work in the U.S., which left me feeling abandoned, and later in life, I dealt with depression and frustration from not pursuing my professional dreams. Balancing different jobs while yearning to start my own business, and overcoming self-doubt, were significant challenges along the way, but with faith, family support, and determination, I found my path.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is a nail salon that I opened in 2023 after becoming a licensed nail artist in 2021. We specialize in creative nail artistry, providing designs that are not only beautiful but help clients feel more confident and empowered. What sets us apart is the personal touch we offer, focusing on individual client needs and building long-term relationships. I’m most proud of the atmosphere we’ve created—welcoming, warm, and centered around uplifting our clients. I want readers to know that our salon is about more than just nails; it’s about helping people feel their best, one design at a time.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I almost gave up on my dream of owning a business. There was a time when I struggled with depression and self-doubt, feeling like my dreams were slipping away. It took hitting rock bottom and finding strength through my faith, family, and friends to realize that it was never too late to pursue my passion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setsby.anabel?igsh=MWxqbzJpZWowajRmbA==
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