Rising Stars: Meet Iman Pippen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iman Pippen. 

Hi Iman, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in the beauty industry began in 2006 when I was 11 years old. At the age of 11, I landed my first job as a children’s esthetician at a kid’s spa called The Pink Cupcake. On the days I worked, I performed a basic manicure, pedicures, and applied makeup to little girls who attended the parties hosted at “The Pink Cupcake”. For an 11-year-old, I was making pretty decent money. 

Fast forward to the summer of my sophomore year of high school, I convinced Ms. Jennifer (my personal cosmetologist/mentor) to allow me to mentor under her. While working with Ms. Jennifer, I witnessed the freedom she had with her work and life schedule to do and move as she pleased. With his realization, I knew this is what I wanted for myself and my family in the future. Ms. Jennifer is one person who has had a great influence on my career decision and she is still my mentor to this very day. 

In spring 2015 I enrolled in cosmetology school at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, NC. After my second semester, I decided to leave cosmetology school to pursue a career as a nail technician. After having my son in 2017 and bouncing from one job to another, in the fall of 2019 I enrolled at Trendy Nailz Institute in Greensboro, NC. At the time I was employed with a delivery service company delivering packages and I hated it. I disliked going to work, I disliked being at work, and I disliked how little time I had to spend with my son when I wasn’t working. This job wasn’t good for my mental or physical health but it was paying the bills and keeping me and my son financially stable. I graduated my manicurist course in December of 2019 and quit my job with the delivery service company in May 2020. 

I registered my business as an LLC in July 2020 and became an NC Licensed Nail Technician in August 2020 and haven’t looked back since. In August of 2021; I moved my family and business to Raleigh, NC. I truly believe I have a passion for helping people to look good and take care of themselves. If you are ready to look and feel like the best version of you; please visit my booking site, www.styleseat.com/imanpippen/ to book your next nail appointment, view pricing, and pictures of my work. I am currently accepting new clients and appointments are available. 

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?
I will not sugarcoat the answer to this question. No, this journey has not been smooth. I will say running and mainlining a business is not for the weak. You will have days and even weeks when you’re up and everything is running smoothly then boom, out of nowhere things can seem as if they are falling apart. I will back that up with, thus far my amazing times have always outweighed the rainy days. Which makes the journey worthwhile. 

One of my toughest things at the beginning was understanding this is no 9-5 but you will work more and if not harder than you ever have at a 9-5. Running a small business, you literally do everything, you are your own assistant, your own content creator, your own marketing person and you do the services yourself then some. At the beginning you may not have the funds to pay anyone to do these things for you, therefore, these are other areas of study for you to look into and research, and make something out of it. 

Another one was putting myself in public view. You cannot be shy and run a business and if you are you won’t be for much longer. Apart of being an entrepreneur is being willing to go to networking events and actually networking with other entrepreneurs. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you do and who you are. Word of mouth is a powerful thing. 

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?
Well as you know I am an NC licensed nail technician; I offer natural nail care services such as manicures and pedicures for both men and women. As well as specializing in acrylic enhancements like acrylic overlays and acrylic full sets as well as trending nail designs. 

I not only offer nail services but I also have some products I have created myself and pack all myself. My very first product I created is my Roses and Oil Cuticle Oil pens. My all-organic cuticle hydrator contains 5 different organic oils along with real rose and copper flakes. My hydrator comes in 3 ml pens and while it comes in a nicely labeled travel-sized pen, this oil blend benefits are out of this world. My hydrator promotes all-day cuticle hydration, aids any current cuticle splits or cuts while preventing any future cuts or splits, all while strengthening the natural nail and promoting healthy nail growth. 

My other successful product line I have created due to Covid closing down all nail salons. I wanted women to still be able to enjoy the luxury of having bomb nails even through a pandemic. In all my spare time I created a custom press-on nail collection called ” INE Press”. This collection has over 100 different custom press-on nail sets. From 10-piece sets to 20 pieces. I have grown and sexy for my grown women and fun and pretty sets for my little ladies. Each set is hand panted, designed, and packaged by me. Sets include 1 wooden cuticle pusher, 1 buffer, 1 glue stick, and one QR code for the How to apply your custom nail press on nails YouTube video starring me lol. Site coming Jan 2022. 

What sets me apart from other nail techs? Um, I have been told new and loyal clients I’m personable but professional all at the same time. I like to build relationships with my clients, it makes them feel important and like you appreciate their time and support, it makes me feel more in tune with them. This also helps when your client comes in and hits you with ” girl I don’t know what I want”. My response is always ” say less” I freestyle based off my clients’ likes with just a pop of Iman flavor lol. 

How do you think about happiness?
My son and being able to witness him grow and also him being able to witness me grow as an entrepreneur. My son going over to my table pounding and chanting ” come get your nails done, come get your nails done”. It makes me happy for him to notice and understand this is what I do for my career, and he knows I absolutely adore and love doing nails and my nails things. I want to show him that your career doesn’t have to be upsetting or boring. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.styleseat.com/imanpippen/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/imansnailempirellc?r=nametag
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImansNailEmpire/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/YPyeWzGIJbo

Image Credits
Destini Iman Pippen