Meet Brandi Armijo | Brandi Armijo Nail artists / loving Mother and kick a*s wife!

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

Hi Brandi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Well, at the time I was ready to leave the salon I was at and be closer to home …. Meanwhile a friend/past coworker sent me the into of a place looking for a nail tech to rent out space. That was closer to home. while I was getting things ready for that the current salon I was working at eneded up closing down. So it was good timing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was working for a large chain salon and was feeling burnt out and uninspired. I had decided that it was time for a change as I longed for the freedom and creative freedom that comes with owning my own spot. Meanwhile me and my little family moved in with my dad, to the country in the small town Kiowa, CO. My intention being that it would give me time to build a business while my husband and I could save for a home of our own. By chance and luck I had a former co-worker who lived out here as well. She sent me some info about a new salon/spa that opened up and they are looking for a nail tech! It seemed like a great fit, as I can rent my space there and build up a client basis. So I thought what the heck, I will give this a try! While I was in the middle of doing all this and setting up, the salon I was currently working at shut down unexpectedly and filed bankruptcy! So maybe there is a reason for everything, right? With everything lining up I moved into “Just Peachy Day Spa”, and started my nail business called Brandiwine nails.
I started from ground zero. I was previously in highlands ranch CO before about an hour away. There the nail business can be pretty competitive. I had the unique opportunity to serve an underserved community. Most places closer to the city you can just walk into a nail salon and get right in,even if you have to wait a bit. It was very hard from being busy to just starting out somewhere brand-new in the country. I however was very lucky to have a lot of support and help from my husband. He helped me navigate the legal aspects of the business, he helped me set up an LLC and get insured. He was also great in helping with advertisement by personally delivering 1000 door hangers on houses in the area. I quickly picked up steam and I absolutely love it. I love the people I work with in the spa. We currently have two hairdressers, an aesthetic registered nurse,a lash artist and a ma*sage therapist. Everyone is their own boss, which is the best!
I feel I set myself apart in the industry because I always go out of my way to develop relationships with my clients and want to make them feel comfortable and relaxed while making their nails/feet look the best they can! I enjoy making a connection with my clients, who have become good friends! If something doesn’t work out on your nails, I want to find what works, and make them last for your lifestyle, until the next time you see me! I go above and beyond to make my client feel relaxed in a peaceful environment where they can escape their reality for a moment (complementary wine or champagne can help too!) Being a nail tech you become a perfectionist and there are so many different nail trends and products out there now! I was limited before on what I could do as I used only materials and techniques approved by the salons I was working. I made sure to see what my demographic likes and made a point to become the best I could to deliver what they wanted while offering suggestions along the way. I’m a fighter and I don’t give up, even if I have to give discounts on new services just to get that certain thing right. I have been in this business for 16 years. Wow, I can’t believe that! No matter how good or comfortable you think you are at something there is always something to learn or perfect. I am my own biggest critic. I never settle with “good enough”. I continue to push the bar in learning new things in this industry and love a challenge. I try to branch out in all the different nail services they have to offer now. I even have long nails on myself, which I have never done, because practice makes perfect. I am always eager to learn something new and try to perfect it, and make my clients happy. I’m still building. I couldn’t be full time right away because I stay at home with my kids while me and my husband try to make our schedule work out. Being a mom and running your own business has its own challenges. It is kind of like having another kid to watch over, because you constantly worry about all the small things. We now have a good system going, my husband and I are almost there, to our goals for this small town nail business. Funny how things workout with a dream, hard work, persistence and a little bit of luck along the way. It’s important for me to show my kids how hard work can and will pay off. If you go for it and keep fighting, You can achieve anything.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
“For a lively night, you can’t beat the charming small-town bars with their fantastic live music. Of course, Red Rocks is a must-see, whether for a concert or a scenic hike. Don’t forget the stunning Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater in Castle Rock! Colorado’s vibrant craft brewery scene is another highlight, with local brewers thriving in every corner. And during summer, every town and suburb comes alive with ‘summer in the park’ events – live bands, local vendors, and a fantastic community atmosphere. Supporting local businesses is a breeze! Plus, paddleboarding at Palmer Lake, Sloan’s Lake, or Chatfield Reservoir offers a refreshing escape. Honestly, Colorado’s beauty and variety mean there’s always something exciting to discover.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so grateful for the amazing support I’ve received. My husband has been a rock, especially with the paperwork, and my family and friends have shown up in so many ways, including helping with the kids. It’s meant the world to me.”

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandiwinenails?igsh=MWVrZXo5aGdlZ2hxcQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/194Jw5FqHa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: https://brandiarmijo.glossgenius.com/

Image Credits
Brandi Armijo
Ashley Larson