Raquel Calixto welcomes Nailpro to her Halloween-themed suite in Sacramento, California.
Details
Est. 2022
Owner: Raquel Calixto
Location: Sacramento, California
Instagram: @dieprettynails
The Backstory
I’ve been on and off in the beauty industry for many years. After 2020 happened, I decided to take a break and stopped doing nails. In 2022, I got back into it and decided to open a small salon suite that was not like a regular salon setting. Coming back into it I was coming back with two new kids and no clients. I also decided at that point that I wasn’t going do acrylic anymore. I was going to be gel only nail tech.
The Look
Overall aesthetic of my salon suite is Halloween, I love everything spooky. Horror cult classics inspired the whole suite.
Signature Services
I offer gel nail services; GelX ,structured gel manicures with hard gel and soft gel. One service I do offer that I haven’t seen a lot of people offer in my area is polygel. My favorite service would have to be anything that involves nail art.
The Goods
The products I use are Red Iguana, Sof Gel, Apres, Nail Thoughts. Polishes I use are Nailz by Dev and Valentino Beauty Pure. My favorite are Nailz by Dev paint gels.
Social Butterfly
I’m on Instagram and TikTok @dieprettynails I post a lot of tutorials and spooky content.
What's Next?
My next goals are hopefully to expand into a bigger space. I want to create a safe space for all people to feel welcome while also staying spooky. I have an autistic child who always wants to come in the salon with me, but it’s just too small and it’s not safe. I want to create a safe space for my kid that’s not overstimulating for days I have to come in to create content.
Up Close With Raquel Calixto
What was your first job in the nail industry?
My first job in the industry was in a nail salon inside of a swap meet/ indoor flea market “iMagic Nails."
What Inspires You?
I get inspiration from fashion and artists.
What was the most challenging thing that happened while opening your salon?
The most challenging thing was building clientele that only wanted gel. Previously [I] was an acrylic only girl.
What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
My advice would be to anyone trying to open up a salon suite to make sure you have some clientele before going on your own.
“I can’t discuss my salon without mentioning…”
I can’t discuss my salon without mentioning it’s haunted! LOL (it’s probably just the squirrels on the roof making noise).
