Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Parara.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was on and off doing nails since I graduated from cosmetology school. I worked in various shops in strip malls, just for friends, and a spa. I knew I wanted to work for myself, but I was afraid of the responsibility and the failure. My partner took me to tour those salon suites and as much as I wanted it, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Finally, in 2022 I was tired of the situation I was in and I ordered copper pedicure bowls. This was the first step in going out on my own. I didn’t have a space, I didn’t have a plan, but I knew I wanted to have those hand made copper bowls. Then I found the perfect little space in an old home-turned-business and I fell in love. I didn’t have very long to open my space, so I spent over 13 hours a day for about a month building everything from the ground up. I had a wonderful set of clients who followed me and the support of my family and friends, and a credit card. That’s how Down The Rabbit Hole started. Word of mouth and social media have really been the key to all of my new clients finding me. I advertised briefly, but it wasn’t something I was great at, so honestly, I let my care and my work speak for itself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. As a first time small business owner, you have a lot to learn. All the legal stuff, taxes, what products you need, or how to handle difficult clients. And even now I feel like there’s still so much I can learn. Aside from that, there were definitely periods of time where I doubted my work, business was slow, or life took a front seat to my job. This economy can sometimes be harsh for the beauty industry too. People will cut out those little extras to save some money. But the key is to learn and push through and, for me, treat it like the ocean waves (cheesy, I know). Take the high points where they are, and the lows where they are. Ride the waves. If you only have highs, you’ll get burnt out really fast, only lows, you get down on yourself. So take what it throws at you, and do the work where necessary.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a nail artist specializing in natural nails and nail art. I don’t do acrylics or enhancements. I like to focus on the health and integrity of the natural nail bed, cuticles, everything! Even toes and feet. But why not have fun little pieces of art to wear around while you’re taking care of those nails? To be honest, I’m proud of how much I’ve continued to grow as an artist over the years. I love when my clients bring me unique or different inspiration and let me create. Hand painted designs have become my signature.
How do you think about luck?
Only once has luck helped. Finding my building. That was pure luck. I work in a very expensive area, and everything was out of my price range for a starting out budget. The salon suites are priced for hair stylists or other beauty service providers who make several hundred on one or two clients. I was honestly starting to panic until I came across my little shop. I toured it, fell in love and the price point was perfect. Then I had to cross my fingers and hope that the other person looking at it didn’t get it. The rest has been serious hard work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @downtherabbithole.nails
