Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Starr.
Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wow… where do I even start?
I’ve shared this story so many times, and whenever I tell it, I always say it started with God and my Mom. But sitting down and writing it out hits a little different.
It all started on Christmas Day in 2020. My mom gave me a nail kit as a Christmas gift. The funny part is, I had never even talked about wanting to do nails, I was actually interested in doing lashes (which is crazy because now I don’t even like doing lashes!).
I started practicing with the kit she gave me, just for fun. As time went on, I began investing the money I was making from my first job into buying more nail products. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about turning it into a business. I was simply enjoying the process and falling in love with the craft.
My mom noticed how much time, effort, and money I was pouring into it, and one day she came to me with an idea that would change everything. She suggested I take a nail course taught by one of Charlotte’s well known nail artists, Yazzynails. Of course, I was all in. We paid the deposit, secured my seat, and the rest is history.
I honestly remember that day like it was yesterday. I was excited for so many reasons, but mostly because I was experiencing something completely new. The class was about eight hours long, and during that time I met some amazing women who were also just getting started. I learned so much, not only about the technical side of doing nails and improving my skills, but I also got a glimpse of what this could really become.
After that class, there was no looking back.
I kept practicing. I kept investing in myself. I made my business official with the name AStarrDesigns, created my social media platforms, and promoted myself every chance I got.
I got my very first client, and I serviced her right in my bedroom. It wasn’t a big space or a fancy setup, but I never focused on what I didn’t have. Instead, I stayed focused on where I was going.
Looking back now, I know none of this would’ve been possible without God leading my steps, my mom believing in me before I fully believed in myself, and my willingness to stay obedient to the vision. Having faith, believing in myself, staying true to who I am, and remaining consistent have been the foundation of my journey.
And those same things are the reason I know this is only the beginning. AStarrDesigns has come a long way, and I truly believe the best is still ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been easy, but I truly believe life’s greatest blessings never come easy.
I’ve always said that entrepreneurship and building a business is for God’s strongest soldiers because the amount of faith you have to have and hold onto is out of this world.
It’s choosing not to compare your journey to someone else’s because comparison really is the thief of joy. It’s pushing through seasons when business is slow, when you go weeks without clients, and wondering if all the hard work is paying off. It’s standing firm on your boundaries, even when people constantly test them.
It’s learning not to burn yourself out trying to fit in “just one more client.” It’s working long hours without many breaks and carrying the mental and physical weight that comes with running a business. It’s pouring into other people, even when your own cup feels almost empty. It’s showing up for yourself on the days you would rather stay in bed and hide from the world.
It’s balancing life and work, wearing every hat in your business, and figuring things out as you go because there is no handbook for entrepreneurship. It’s learning discipline with your finances, your time, your emotions, and your decisions.
The truth is, I could go on and on about the challenges.
But through every obstacle, every setback, every slow season, and every lesson, one thing I can say is that this journey has built me. It has shaped my character, made me wiser, strengthened my confidence as a businesswoman, taught me discipline, and, most importantly, grown my faith in God.
Every challenge has prepared me for the next level. Every “no” made me appreciate the “yes” even more. Every difficult season reminded me that God’s timing is always better than my own.
So even after naming all of these struggles, I can honestly say I would choose this journey over and over again a million times. Because AStarrDesigns didn’t just build a business.
It built me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a nail artist specializing in acrylic enhancements, natural nail care, and custom press-ons. The funny thing is, I’m still in a season of discovering exactly what my niche is. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that my authenticity, the time, love, and passion I pour into every set, and the experience I create are what truly define my brand.
One of my favorite things is creating 3D nail art. Whether it’s a bold, funky design you’ve never seen before or a set that tells a story, represents power, or captures a special moment, I love bringing ideas to life. The possibilities with nail art and art in general are endless, and that’s what excites me the most. Every set is an opportunity to create something unique.
Creativity doesn’t stop at the nail table. I also love making short films, funny skits, and content that showcases my personality, my imagination, and my love for storytelling. It’s another side of me that God has been restoring, and I’m grateful to finally have the platform and resources to invest in that passion again. It’s all a part of who I am, and I want AStarrDesigns to reflect every piece of that creativity.
One thing I can proudly say is that I’m extremely proud of my client retention. About 90% of my clients come back every month for a new set, and to me, that speaks louder than any advertisement ever could. It tells me that people aren’t just coming back for beautiful nails, they’re coming back because of how they feel when they’re here and the nails last hunny.
What truly sets me apart is the experience.
When you book with me, you’re not going to feel like you’re just another appointment being rushed in and out of a nail salon. You’re going to feel at home. You’re going to feel safe, comfortable, seen, and free to be yourself. Your creative juices are going to flow, and together we’re going to create something that’s uniquely you.
That’s what I call The Starr Way.
Because to me, my clients are never “just clients.” They become family. They’ve trusted me with their time, their creativity, and their support, and without them, AStarrDesigns wouldn’t be where it is today. I’ll never take that for granted, and I’ll always be grateful for every single person who has been part of this journey.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I don’t believe in good luck or bad luck. I believe everything happens for a reason and exactly how it’s supposed to, whether it’s good or bad.
I’ve learned that every season has a purpose. The good seasons remind you to be grateful, and the difficult ones teach you lessons you couldn’t have learned any other way. Looking back, some of the moments that felt like setbacks were actually God’s way of redirecting me toward something greater.
Rainy days are inevitable, but they never last forever. The sun always finds its way back out, and I’ve learned to trust that even when I can’t see the bigger picture.
So no, I don’t believe in luck. I believe in faith. I believe in purpose. I believe in God’s timing. And I believe that no matter how hard the journey gets, the good will always outweigh the bad in the end.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/AStarrDesigns
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astarrrdesigns
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@astarrrdesigns
