Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashanti Corbin.
Hi Ashanti, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My nail journey honestly started during a time in my life when I was just trying to figure things out. I’ve always had a passion for art and creating things with my hands, so doing nails started as something that allowed me to express that side of myself. I didn’t necessarily know where it would take me, but I knew I loved creating.
When I first started, things weren’t easy. I was a mom trying to balance my responsibilities while also trying to build something for myself. There were definitely times when I questioned whether I was really going to be able to make this work. I had to learn not only how to do nails, but how to believe in myself, put myself out there, find clients, and keep going even when things weren’t moving as quickly as I wanted them to.
Over time, doing nails became so much more than just a job for me. It became my creative outlet, my business, and something that gave me a sense of independence. Every set I created helped me get better, and every client helped me grow in a different way.
Now, I’m still growing and figuring things out, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve built The Boujie Artist into something that represents my creativity, my personality, and the kind of experience I want my clients to have. Being a mom is still a huge part of who I am, and I’m proud that my children get to watch me build something from the ground up.
I’m nowhere near finished. If anything, I feel like I’m just getting started. My goal is to continue growing as a nail artist, expand my brand, and create opportunities that I once didn’t think were possible for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think one of my biggest challenges has been trying to build a business while also being a mom and managing everything that comes with that. When I first started doing nails, I was struggling financially and honestly just trying to find my footing. There were times when I didn’t have many clients, and I questioned whether I was really going to be able to turn this into something bigger.
One thing that has made my journey a little different is that I’ve actually been on and off with doing nails. There were times when I would stop and go back to a full-time job because stability was really important to me. Being a mom, I couldn’t always afford to take the risk of relying completely on my business when I wasn’t sure what each month was going to look like. I would get that steady paycheck, but deep down I always knew I wanted to come back to doing nails. It was something I genuinely loved, and I never felt like I was completely done with it.
I also had to overcome a lot of self-doubt. When you’re starting from the beginning, it’s easy to compare yourself to artists who have been doing it for years and feel like you’re not good enough yet. I had to learn that everybody starts somewhere, and I couldn’t let where I was at the beginning discourage me from where I wanted to go.
There have also been times where I’ve felt burnt out from trying to constantly promote myself, bring in clients, and figure out the business side of being a nail artist. Learning when to stop undervaluing my work and start recognizing the time, creativity, and effort I put into every set has been a big part of my growth.
I’ve definitely had moments where I wanted to give up, but I kept finding my way back to nails. Looking back, I’m actually grateful for some of those struggles because they pushed me to take myself and my talent more seriously. I’ve learned that choosing stability for myself and my children didn’t mean I had to give up on my dream. It just meant I had to find my way back to it when I was ready.
I’m still learning, but I’m no longer the same woman who started. I’ve grown as an artist, a business owner, and a mom, and I’m proud that I never completely let go of the dream.
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?
My work is really an extension of who I am as an artist. I’ve always loved art, especially drawing, and I’ve always had a creative mind. I’m the type of person who can look at something and think, “I could probably create that,” and then actually figure out how to make it happen. I love challenging myself and seeing what I can create with a blank canvas.
With nails, I specialize in detailed, creative sets that allow me to really use that side of myself. I love being able to take an idea from a client’s head, a picture they show me, or even just a random concept and turn it into something they can actually wear. I’m not afraid of detail or trying something new, and I think that’s a big part of what makes my work different.
I would say I’m known for being creative and being willing to push myself. I don’t want every set I do to look the same. I want my clients to look at their nails and feel like they’re wearing a little piece of art.
What I’m most proud of is knowing how much I’ve grown. I didn’t start out knowing everything, and I’ve had to teach myself, practice, make mistakes, and keep going. Now I can look at some of the things I create and genuinely surprise myself. I’m proud that I’ve been able to turn something I’ve always loved which is art, into something that can support me, my family, and my dreams.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just doing nails. I’m an artist who happens to use nails as my canvas. There’s a lot more creativity and personality behind my work than just making a pretty set. I can create what I put my mind to, and I think that’s something that will always be a part of The Boujie Artist.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My kids and my significant other absolutely deserve credit. My kids are a huge part of my motivation. Everything I’m building, I want them to see that you can have a dream, struggle, start over, and still keep going. I want them to grow up knowing that hard work and believing in yourself can take you somewhere.
My significant other deserves a lot of credit as well. Honestly, without him, I don’t know if I would have been able to restart my nail journey the way I did. He has supported me so much throughout this process. Whether it’s encouraging me when I’m doubting myself, supporting my business, or simply giving me the space and encouragement to keep creating, he has been there for me.
Starting over wasn’t easy, especially after stepping away from nails before, but having someone who genuinely believed in me made a huge difference. He’s seen me grow, struggle, get frustrated, and keep pushing, and he’s always reminded me of what I’m capable of.
So when I look at The Boujie Artist and how far I’ve come, I know I didn’t do it completely by myself. My kids are my “why,” and my significant other has been one of the biggest people in my corner helping me get here. I’m really grateful to have that kind of support behind me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book.heygoldie.com/TheBoujieArtist
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboujieartist?stkn=NnY1OW82ZXY5MDRt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dz97NB94C/?mibextid=wwXIfr
