Meet Brandy Garvin of Stay Polished

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Garvin

Hi Brandy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always enjoyed doing my nails as well as others and even practicing nail art as a kid. In elementary, middle, and high school it always was a hobby for me but did not realize until I got to college that it was something I would really pursue. My older brother asked me would I be interested in going to nail school so that way I can work part time throughout college for extra money. I was super excited and decided to start nail school the summer after my freshman year in 2015. Since then I have remained licensed and worked doing nails both part time and full time. recently the last 2 years have been full time which I am super grateful and thankful for.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There has been many times where I was told this is “just a hobby” or not a real job” which was often discouraged and made me feel that this is not something I could do full time and actually make a career out of. There are still times where I may have doubts because being an entrepreneur you have to have A LOT of faith. Sometimes its scary just thinking one week you can be fully booked and the next week you may have 3 clients. Ive personally experienced the absolute lows of being a small business owner but it has never stopped me from having faith and believing in myself. I received both my Bachelors and Masters degree in Criminal Justice and decided to put off being a nail technician as I pursued what I thought was my “dream job” as a Crime Scene Investigator. I worked as a CSI for a year and a half and decided to make one of the hardest and biggest decision ive had to make which was quit. Although I was thankful for the amazing experience I quickly learned that I did not want to work as a CSI any longer. I was so unhappy and was overwhelmed both mentally and physically. On top of not being happy the salary was not enough for me to stay. I decided that I was going to get back into working full time as a licensed manicurist and I haven’t looked back since. I am so much happier and thankful for my decision everyday.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Stay Polished aims to bring awareness to natural nail care in a knowledgable, healthy, and creative way. Specializing in all gel services providing quality work, customer service and sanitation. The services I provide include gel manicures, structured manicures, and gel x extensions.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Everyone! Number one would be my brother it was his idea for me to go to nail school and he paid for it! Im forever thankful for that. My family and friends for being supportive of my decision & all of my clients for always supporting & believing in me even when I was unsure. I’ve worked in a total of 4 shops and felt that I gained a new experience & learned many new skills and growth with each salon so very thankful to each owner as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://staypolishedshop.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staypolished__/?hl=en