A photo of nail tech Miranda Richardson
Courtesy of Miranda Richardson
Nail tech and Mjnailz Academy owner Miranda “MJ” Richardson shares how she became a nail tech and how to support fellow professionals. 
A nail set by @mjnailzCourtesy of Miranda Richardson
- What inspired you to join the professional nail industry?
“I was inspired to become a nail professional because I love everything about nails and I enjoyed the fact that I could have my own business while doing something that I was passionate about.” - When and how did you get started in your career?
“I began my new career the summer of 2012. After graduating and getting my license, I started off slowly, and I began working at a couple of salons, but unfortunately, they were not a good fit for me. I decided to start working from home until I could find a salon I could call home. During this time, I practiced a lot—whether it was on myself or others. I never stopped because I knew that was the only way I was going to see improvement. Eventually, a salon contacted me to join their team because the owner saw my work. It ended up being an amazing fit. I stayed there for about five years, which was the beginning of the success in my nail career. The opportunity for growth in the space was endless because I was the only nail tech in a full-service hair salon.” - As a female leader/professional, what are some obstacles you experienced, and how did you overcome them? Have you confronted gender-related roadblocks in your career?
“As a female leader/professional, I have experienced many obstacles, but none of them were related to my gender. At this point in my career, even though I have not personally experienced any gender-related roadblocks, I do believe it is about allowing your talent and skills to outshine any naysayer or negativity.”
A nail set by @mjnailzCourtesy of Miranda Richardson - How can women support other women in this industry?
“I believe the greatest way for women to support other women in this industry is by putting those words to action and doing just that: supporting each other. Change only comes when plans and actions are orchestrated.” - Tell me about another woman who has inspired you.
“There have been so many amazing women who I believe have inspired the success in my nail career. There are three individuals that I believe created the most impact: Temeka, Vanessa, and Thao from Not Polish. These amazing women provided me business advice and tools to get to the next level in my career." - What is one thing you know now you wish you would have known when you started in this business?
“The one thing I know now I wish I would have known when I started this business is how fast paced the industry is and how important it is to stay knowledgeable about products and improve your education to take your career to the next level. I feel a lot of nail techs feel as though they get stuck to a point where they do not grow.” - What other key learnings and practices do you wish you to share with other professionals?
“If you are licensed or working on your license, know that it is OK to share your knowledge with others. There is enough opportunity out here for everyone who puts in the work to be successful. Sharing knowledge does not take away from your abilities.”
