Meet Lia McGuire

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lia McGuire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lia, how do you think about risk?
I see risk as opportunity to grow stronger. I started my nail business terrified! I knew I had to make the risk and see if it was worth it and if I was meant to do it. You truly don’t know until you try and sometimes that’s risky. Do it scared though, if it scares you that means it’s worth something and those things are always worth trying.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I create a very safe and welcoming vibe to let others allow to be themselves authentically and comfortably. It’s important to me that people feel safe with me as well, which is important when you’re holding someone’s hand for 2 hours!

What’s funny is I have no art background, I kind of stumbled upon my ability to do nail art. My friend mentioned she wanted her nails done for her birthday but was broke so I offered to do them since I had been doing my own. I realized then that I had a talent for nails and immediately researched schools to enroll. Took me 10mos to graduate and I immediately started working when I got licensed! It wasn’t easy, my first salon I worked at taught me a lot but was also super expensive to be at and the owner saw me more as competition than someone they could mentor. I was told I wouldn’t be successful if I left their salon but I did just that and it was the best decision. The biggest lesson I learned was to believe in yourself wholeheartedly. KNOW that you can do it.

I think what I would like people to know about my brand and story is that it comes from hard work and dedication to my craft. I don’t give up easily and even when I’m shaken I find a way to rise above.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well we would definitely have to eat at Tocabe, Tacos Tequila Whiskey, and Mici for sure. Probably grabbing dessert at D Bar and Mochi Nut and hanging out at Cheeseman Park. For some fun we would check out Meow Wolf! Red Rocks would be a must as well as Denver Botanic Gardens.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely! Ashleigh Owens, the owner of Art Official Nails (the salon I work at) and my mentor. She is such a gem to work with and truly an amazing leader and mentor. I have learned a lot from her through my nail career and I appreciate her very much!

Website: https://nailedbylia.com

Instagram: @nailedxlia

Image Credits
all photos taken by myself