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

Hi Raenu, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
I never thought about an end goal much until the last couple years, but I would really love to have my own product line and be able to travel to educate nail professionals about my products. I love trying new brands and it’s always so interesting to see how different some products perform, but it’s also just fun to receive new nail goodies in the mail! I think continuing education is so important for nail professionals and I love that I see more companies and techs offering that. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and I would love to share everything I’ve learned in my nail career!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I recently just moved into a salon suite after leaving a traditional salon and I love it! The feeling of being able to create your own space that you love is unbeatable. Of course that means there are more responsibilities too, so I would say that it was easy to leave the salon but also not easy! I’m still an up and coming nail tech, but I have learned so much not only about nails but myself as well. Since starting my suite, I’ve changed my business hours a few times, changed the way clients book appointments, ran so many trips to the supply store for last minute needs, cried about everything–but even through working out all the little details, I’m still so happy and thankful to have my own business at the end of the day.

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 first, we have to make a stop at Teapioca Lounge because I’m obsessed with their boba madness drinks, After that, we’re eating at Stellina Pizza Cafe, and then maybe just taking a walk around downtown Colorado Springs. Since my best friend lives in Colorado Springs, she’s probably been there already but I feel like anyone visiting for the first time should drive through Garden of the Gods–it really is so beautiful! After we’ve seen all the sights and stopped for boba, we probably would head home and play some video games because that’s truly what I love to do in my free time–haha!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my mom, my girlfriend, and my brother for always really encouraging me and lifting me up when I’m down. I think creative people tend to be our own worst critics for everything we do, and they really have saved me from myself! I also want to thank all my clients for letting me try new products, new techniques and having free reign over their designs–they’ve put a lot of trust in me and that means so much. Thank you all!!

Instagram: @nailsbyraenu

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