Cracked Roots & Roses 31: Faithful

So that was it. I was to be a nail tech, even though I had never had a manicure and had no idea if I would be able to get a job or make any money. This was uncharted territory. I didn’t know any nail techs except for the trainer at the spa I had just met. I had to fully trust God. My unemployment benefits would end in a couple of months, and so would school. I had no job lined up and didn’t even know if I could get one because—little did I know—you couldn’t have a conviction on your record. I learned this in school. One of the seniors had completed school, taken the state boards, but couldn’t get licensed because of her record.

I had to push that thought out of my head. I had to tell myself that wouldn’t be my story because I was sent here.

I flourished after I made the decision to stay. Many of the younger girls came to me for help. The material was challenging, but nothing I couldn’t learn—it all just clicked. One of the students told me during a break that a new spa was being built and they needed 14 nail techs. What difference did that make to me? I still had two months of school ahead, the state board, and obtaining a license. Still, I felt compelled to interview. So, I completed the application and scheduled the interview.

My interview was with the spa director, Anne Marie. I liked her. She gave off girl-boss energy. She was a petite Italian woman who lived in Tahari pantsuits, Donald Pliner loafers, and pearls. That was one of the best interviews of my life. I was so confident, witty, and relaxed. We laughed like friends. I was unknowingly making a lasting impression.

I knew she couldn’t hire me because I wasn’t licensed and was still in school, so there was no pressure. I was doing the interview because I woke up with a press to do it. I was learning to hear God and just obey. The interview ended, and she said, “Well, I would LOVE to offer you a job, but we are fully staffed at the moment, and you are still in school. When you’re done with school and licensed, give me a call.” She slid me her business card.

The time in school flew by. It was now July of 2006. I was slated to graduate on July 16th, and I still had no job lined up. So, I prayed when the worry got too heavy. I said, “Lord, I need a job, but I can’t have a traditional beauty industry job. I need the position to pay hourly and have benefits.”

I knew that was a big ask, but hey, go big or go home. Those of you in the beauty industry know that is virtually impossible. Beauty professionals are normally commission-based. I did a few more interviews with traditional salons as part of an assignment, but I didn’t like the culture at any of them and was still doubtful about what I would do for money. I had three unemployment checks left, so the press was on. I was coming right up to the edge of the Red Sea.

The day came. We had a small graduation ceremony with refreshments at 10 a.m. in our classroom. Some of the girls took jobs at traditional salons, and others took jobs in completely different fields altogether. I still didn’t have a job, and my last unemployment check would arrive the following week. After saying my goodbyes, I drove home with an odd peace.

I carried the contents of my locker upstairs, sat on the couch, and cried. I wasn’t even sure why I was crying. I just remember being overwhelmed at the fact that I actually completed nail school. I pulled myself together and went to the library to register for the state board exam in Springfield. The state board process was different then—they weren’t held often, and spaces were limited. I needed to be in the next testing session to get a job.

Around 3 p.m. that day, the phone rang. The caller ID said Coldwater Creek. I had forgotten about them completely. This was the spa I interviewed with months ago that had just opened. When I answered, Anne Marie was on the other end.

She said, “Hi Kimberly, are you still in school?”

I said, “Actually, I graduated today and will be taking the state boards in about two weeks.”

She said, “That’s great, congratulations! Listen, a girl in the nail department quit yesterday, and you were the first person I thought about. Would you still be interested in working here?”

I said, “Absolutely!”

She said, “That’s great. Come tomorrow and speak to Betsy. She’ll give you a tour and have you complete paperwork to begin training. The position pays $14 an hour plus gratuity and full benefits after 60 days.”