Viral Success, Small Business Growth, and the Power of Personal Branding: Lessons from a Nail Artist’s Journey

Viral Success, Small Business Growth, and the Power of Personal Branding: Lessons from a Nail Artist’s Journey

What if a three-day TikTok explosion could transform your small business—but the real secret wasn’t the viral moment itself? In this conversation, a passionate nail artist reveals how one video earned her 1,000+ new followers and five paying clients, why that 3% conversion rate is actually remarkable, and the surprising corporate skills that set her apart in a creative industry. She also shares the one mistake most entrepreneurs make after going viral (hint: it’s about what you do next, not the video itself). And here’s the twist—her biggest competitive advantage isn’t her artistic talent at all… Curious what truly drives client loyalty and sustainable growth for service-based businesses? Keep reading, because the answers might challenge everything you think you know about social media success.

My special guest is Natasha Williams

Natasha Williams, known professionally as Thasia, brings authenticity and artistic passion to the nail industry through her business, Groovynails by Thasia. After completing her training at Milwaukee’s Center Street Nail Tech Academy under Dr. Potts, Natasha quickly distinguished herself not just through her nail artistry, but through her holistic approach to client care that emphasizes nail health alongside beauty. Her background in corporate environments gave her invaluable skills in customer relations, negotiation, and professional communication that she seamlessly integrated into her entrepreneurial journey. Since opening her studio at Image Studios in August 2024, Natasha has built a thriving practice specializing in gel extensions, overlays, manicures, pedicures, and custom press-ons. Her infectious energy, genuine care for clients, and commitment to continuous engagement make her a standout in Milwaukee’s beauty professional community. Beyond the salon, Natasha’s multifaceted personality—as a musician, fitness enthusiast, and natural “hype woman”—infuses her business with warmth and authenticity that keeps clients coming back.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Harness the power of viral social media content to drive real business results without getting lost in vanity metrics.
• Leverage your unique personal story and interests to create authentic connections that differentiate your business.
• Understand the critical 3% conversion benchmark and why it signals genuine success in digital marketing efforts.
• Build sustainable growth by consistently directing followers back to booking pages and actionable next steps.
• Translate diverse life experiences—from corporate backgrounds to creative pursuits—into competitive advantages for your business.

Converting Viral Moments into Lasting Business Growth
Going viral is exciting, but the real work begins after the notifications stop. Successful entrepreneurs understand that viral content creates opportunity, not guaranteed results. The key is having systems in place to capture interest—clear booking links, welcoming follow-up content, and consistent engagement with new followers. More importantly, understanding that even a small percentage of engaged customers from thousands of views represents significant growth helps maintain realistic expectations and strategic focus.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Book your appointment with Groovynails by Thasia through her Gloss Genius booking page at Image Studios.
• Learn more about professional nail education at Center Street Nail Tech Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Explore studio rental opportunities at Image Studios for beauty professionals looking to build their own businesses.
• Follow Groovynails by Thasia on TikTok and Instagram to see her latest nail art creations and business updates.
• Connect with Image Studios’ team including Tamara Burkett for support with professional branding and social media strategy.
• Tune in to the Free Agent Podcast with Meg Schmitz for real stories of self-employment and business ownership. Contact Meg Schmitz to schedule a free, no-obligation call and get insider insights on franchise opportunities. Use the form at the FREE Agent Podcast if you’d like to be considered as a guest on the Show!

Subscribe now to our FREE Franchise Insights to get every new podcast episode delivered to your inbox! Free Subscription. No spam. Not sold to others. Unsubscribe anytime.

Click to Take the Leap into the full interview transcript of the Free Agent Podcast, Episode 7.14, with Meg Schmitz and her guest, Natasha Williams

 

Free Agent Podcast with Meg Schmitz – Guest: Natasha “Tasia” Williams, Owner of Groovy Nails by Tasia & Nail Artist at Image Studios

Meg
So, hello everybody, and welcome to the next installment of Image Studio Love.

Today I have Natasha Williams or Tasia with Groovy nails. And what I am so excited about today is that Natasha informed me last week that she posted its TikTok video that’s gone viral.

Natasha
It is.

Meg
Holy smokes. You’ve gone viral.

Natasha
I know, right? Crazy.

Meg
So tell. Tell the listeners a bit about who you are, what you do, and then we’ll jump into the video that you did and how you posted it and how you ended up just going crazy out there. But start with who you are and your business.

Natasha
Well, hello, everyone. My name is Natasha Williams. I’m the owner of Groovy Nails by Tasia. I’m a nail artist to the core. I love nail art. That’s the reason why I got into doing nails was the art part.

And then after just like discovering and learning, you know, I just. Nail health in general has become like a thing for me. So. So yeah, I specialize in gel, gel X extensions, soft gel overlay, hard gel overlay, gel manicures, regular natural nail manicures, pedicures and press ons.

And I’m located at Image Studios in Wauwatosa and I’m having a ball. Okay. I’ve been here, I’ve been doing now since 2023, and I’ve been at Image since August of 2024. Right when they open.

Meg
Yeah.

Natasha
Yeah.

Meg
What’s really fun for us is we should talk about where you took your courses and how many people are paying attention to where you’ve gone. We’re getting some serious interest because people have went to school, went to the nail program with you. They’re following along.

Natasha
Yeah. Shout out to Dr. Potts. She is the CEO top dog at Center Street Nail Tech Academy here in Wisconsin. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Um, yeah, when I decided I wanted to do nails and, you know, I was doing my friend’s nails and they’re like, hey, girl, you got to go to school because you’re really good and you got to get certified. I had called around and when I called Center Street, I spoke with Dr. Potts. She said to come by.

And immediately when I walked in, I felt like little, little Natasha going to my Montessori school when I was a child. And how just bright, colorful, everything was like hands and it was just like, oh, I’m supposed to be here. And just Dr. Potts energy and her willingness to, like, work with you and her care for the industry of nails. It was 10 out of 10. And you could feel it instantly when you walked in so big shout out to her. She is a huge reason why I’m here today. And just love what I do. And shout out to center street, like, no, none of the nail school is better than that. Okay. Period.

Meg
She is a force of nature.

Natasha
She really is. Like, she is how she moves, how she’s in the community, how she’s just like this bubbly personality, but she also means business. And, like, she just hit on all the steps that. Not only just doing nails, but, like, the business side, the social side, the, you know, emotional side. So, yeah, I’m grateful.

Meg
And this is what’s so important to me as a business owner who has created a space at Image Studios for business owners to come and be entrepreneurial, use your skills. But what. What was instilled in you, and I hope some of the listeners are paying attention to, is that you picked up the business side of the business. Not just the artistry, but the business side. What was compelling about Image Studios after that experience to move in with us?

Natasha
Honestly, it was just the timing of when. You know, at the time when I was looking at studio spaces, I was either looking at a studio space or a space where I could take on more clients, whether, you know, someone owned a facility already and I would take on new clients. I was getting popular, and I was like, oh, I don’t want, you know, too many people in my home anymore, so I need to expand.

And at the time, honestly, Image Studio popped up on my Facebook feed as a, you know, a studio that’s looking for people. It hasn’t been built yet, but, you know, they’re interested if you’re interested, you know, hit them up. And I called. I called Meg on that 8, 4, 7 number, and I was like, what? This is cool. And, you know, you just broke it down to me, I think it was the personable part. Business aside, it was the, you know, I could. I could hear. It was person to person, soul to soul. You know what I mean?

Meg
Yeah.

Natasha
When you talking to each other about, like, just this whole industry and the passion for just making people look good. So, yeah, that was it. And I would get like, a big part of my business side is I used to be in corporate, so I always, you know, the reason why I’m here, too, is I had this, like, advantage of having all of this, like, how to talk to customers, how to move around, how to negotiate, how to just be friendly and personable and get things done at a time. You know, my manner is because of that corporate and going to Market and all that other stuff.

So it all just like, it all just fed into it, you know what I mean? So I don’t regret anything. I think all of my experiences that I have this far have pushed me and put me in this position here.

Meg
Yeah, Well, I remember talking to you and I remember thinking, okay, we’re on the forefront of building this thing out. We’re not open yet, obviously. We’ve been open for about a year now.

Natasha
Yeah.

Meg
Really focusing on bringing in professionals who like you, thoughtful, professional, poised, well spoken. And while you were looking to build a business, Bobby and I knew that you had the chops, you had the stuff to come in and build your business. And that’s what leads me now into the video that you put together. Talk about your video, posting it and what happened next.

Natasha
So that video, it was actually my sister’s idea. She was like, hey, I think we should do this trend. It’s this current trend on TikTok where you have someone like one of your loved ones go in front of the camera before you and say, hey, I have my partner, my significant other, my sister, whoever has something to tell y’, all, y’ all need to listen up. And it’s kind of like an intimidating way. And then. Then you come up and you share your business, your product, your service, what you do, or whatever.

So it was actually on her page that it was posted on. So she is a content creator, a pet sitter. She is a dancer, a roller. Like, she is multi, creative, facetive person. Love her. She is also the reason why I’m here. Another reason. But she was like, hey, I think we should do this. And we posted on her page. Now, she’s been posting on TikTok frequently, so I do think that adds to the reason why it went viral because if it was on my page, I don’t post often, probably wouldn’t have reached as far.

But yeah, we. She basically had a belt in her hand and was like, hey, listen to my sister. She got something to say. She got a small business. And I came up there just as I am, and I gave my spiel of who I am and what my business. And it was quick and it got straight to the point. And then, you know, we just kind of posted and was like, okay, I did hers as well. So we flip flopped for her business.

And yeah, next thing we know, it was like, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. She was like, Thasia, this is going out of hand. This is. I’m like, what? It’s. It’s incredible. Now I would say she probably got more notifications than I did because it posted on her page. But the increase of followers on my, I think I gained probably 600 plus followers on my TikTok. Yep. In a span of like three days which that I was just blown away.

And then on my Instagram, probably the same. I think I gained like 400 extra followers on my Instagram. And then honestly five people end up booking with me that were locally and one of them, she had came for some press ons and I remember her coming in and she was like, I’ve never done this before. Like, you know, seen something on TikTok and came here and I was like, girl, me too. Like this is all  just, just a whole new world.

And yeah, going viral is when it’s I guess pure. And the good comments, right. That’s, that’s what makes it a good time. Right. You, it were all good positive comments. Sometimes you go viral and you get some negative comments. But this time it was all good positive. And I think that’s what also boost the engagement is because it was lighthearted, it was positive, it was support, it was share. Like so yeah.

Meg
Good for you and so with the increase in followers, have you and your sister talked about how to leverage that or I was going to say monetize it. Monetizing would become, would be probably from clients booking with you and coming in. But how can, how can a listener take what you’ve just done and try to replicate it and then now that you’ve got all these followers, how can you leverage that further?

Natasha
Yeah, that okay, let’s see, let’s answer your question. You, the way you leverage that further is you just continue to engage. You acknowledge that, hey, welcome to my new followers. I’m happy you’re here. Here are some, you know, you kind of repost some of the old things that you’ve done. Here’s how to book. Here’s what I do, here’s some of the things that I have. Here’s who I am personally. So those are all the things that you can do now.

Have I done that? No, I’m be honest. I am, you know, just one man band over here. So, you know, servicing my clients. Social media is a little bit overwhelming for me. And that’s not really my, my initial thing or my push. But if you would talk to my sister, she would be telling me you need to get on your zoom. Okay. You need to clock in. These people are waiting for you to speak and to acknowledge and to share so you can find in the right people come into your space.

So, yeah, we have. We need to schedule a business meeting soon to talk about that, but yeah.

Meg
Is that something that Tamara can help with at Image Studios?

Natasha
Yeah, absolutely. We actually talked about that too, with just TikTok and whatnot. And, you know, how do we. Things that we could post, you know, to help Image Studio and also help myself. So, yeah, I’m. It’s just the time. I have no. I’m gonna be honest. This is transparent. I have no push right now. I just need a time that where I get settled in because everything has been so busy right now for me, which is a blessing and I’m grateful. And then. Yeah. But I did actually post a video of me doing an actual artwork. So I think that was one step right of me did a flower, a 3D flower.

Meg
So, yeah. And you said something that’s really important, which is to keep navigating people back to your booking page, back to the disruptor in the nail world. And why people will come to you is that you’re making it personal. You’re showing how personable you are, your artistic talents are out there, but you got to get them to the booking page.

Natasha
Yeah, that’s the biggest thing. So I would say, like, when I did see the increase, I was like, okay, let me just start keep posting on my story. You know, here’s my work. Here’s the link. You know what I mean? Here’s the link. Here’s the link. Click the link. Click the link. And I have gloss. Genius. So I’ve definitely also seen an increase in the views on my page too. So people are looking, people are seeing.

And they’ll also, you know, as much followers I have, I know my. My sis said, like, you will also wean out the ones who are serious and not because if you look at the comment section, it’s everybody, I’m a book, I’m a book, I’m a book, I’m a book. And then I’m just like, nobody book it. All of these 100 comments and no one’s booking. But people are booking and looking. It’s just the right people will be booking and looking for you.

So it’s like, you know, don’t get caught up on the numbers because the video got over a hundred thousand views and 20,000 plus likes comments out the galore. But, you know, the numbers look good, but that doesn’t always translate. Now the ratio is different, right, So five customers, that’s big. You know what I mean? Like I had to look at that like that. It’s five is huge. Five consistent people. Yeah. That’s lit.

Meg
Yeah. And to your point, when you go viral, have other friends. I have yet to go viral. I’m waiting for my moment in the sun. I’m sure it’s going to happen, but this is a really good series of points for anybody who’s listening and wants to do what you’ve done is to keep circling back to those comments. Okay. I want to book. All right, well, here’s a booking link.

Natasha
Exactly.

Meg
And there are a lot. There are obviously people who hang out there waiting for their moment to strike down or strike. Strike up and add a positive comment. But that doesn’t always translate into business. But to your point, gosh, a direct mail piece that goes into someone’s actual mailbox. We used to say 3%. If you can get 3% reaction. And people booking, whether it’s cleaning your home or getting your windows cleaned or coming in for nail, 3% is a really strong number. And I think you’re there, girl.

Natasha
No, yeah, that’s. And that’s what this. The viral part. I want people to understand, too. Like, the numbers are huge. They’re big. But yeah, it’s that 3%. Like, that’s what we focus on. That’s who’s important. And that’s who I’m grateful for. I’m grateful for all the people, honestly, who commented their positive, you know, encouragements and also just engage with the posts. And I’m grateful for my sister because she also. Because it was her post. She was the one commenting a lot like, hey, you could find her here. This is what you do. And I was just in the background, like.

Meg
I’m. I would be so excited if I drove over to the studios, parked my car and saw a line out the door around the corner for people waiting, waiting for Thasia. This is so inspiring. I know that. So I had mentioned earlier, Tamra, Tamara Burkett is one of the three of us who is there to work with you and the other 40 beauty professionals who are moving in. Tamara, in particular handles my personal branding. My. I’m sorry, my professional branding. But a big part of what she talks to me about is that personal side of things, because there are other people who do what you do, other people who do what I do. But you really have to make it personal so people kind of know who you are.

So I want to talk about that for a couple of minutes because you are such an interesting human being. The things that you do outside of work, so tell me things that people would never know about you. Give me three things that you do in your spare time that people would never know about you.

Natasha
In my spare time.

Meg
Or historically.

Natasha
Historically. Okay. I mean, I’m gonna just give them. I play euphonium, which is a like a bigger baritone shout out to the brass players out there. I used to be in a church band, and that was my form of ministry and, like, my form of praise and worship. So. And I love music. Like, if you come into the gru, like, we’re playing music, I’m seeing what you’re listening to. We’re vibing out hard.

I am a hype man. Honestly. I just. I told, you know, some people that I said, if you believe in yourself, and I see that 10 out of 10, I’m a gas you up. You know what I mean? If you’re coming authentically, you, I’m going to gas you up. I’m going to hype you up. Because it takes guts to just stand out and be different and be you. And I love that because I do that. I. That’s where I was came from. My parents are like that. So, yeah, I’m a professional hype man. Hype woman. Okay.

I like to be outdoors and I like to dance. I like to get my heart rate up. However, that looks more so, like, working out, like, physically challenging myself, like, that’s a big thing. Because if I’m in the gym or I’m doing a workout routine and I can push myself to, like, keep going, keep moving, control your breathing. Secured steps that translate into my business. And I. It’s like a tangible. Right. I’m physically seeing myself get strong. Mentally, I’m going to get strong, and it’s just going to trickle down to everything that’s here.

So I love to move. Okay. I love to move around. I like to just pivot and just be active the best way I can. I know I’m plus size and people will be like, you active? Yeah, I’m active. I am active. I’m very active. Okay.

Meg
So I remember when we were talking about a month or so ago, some of the outdoor activities.

Natasha
Put me outdoors ,Hike, give me outside, give me on a hike, a nice hike, on a walk, a nature walk. Like, let me see some running water. Let me hear the birds and the bees and the bugs. All of that I like to like. And I’ve recently. Not recently, but I’ve done it a couple years now. Yoga, they have a free Sunday service. Free Sunday for embody yoga. And I do that. And that is just a cool way of just grounding myself back, you know, to nature, to God, to myself.

And, yeah, I love to be outside. Hiking is Devil’s Lake. Oh, my gosh.

Meg
So all of this again, for anyone who’s listening, and you want to become your own boss, or you are your own boss and you’re struggling with some of those decisions. Maybe you’re not struggling, but you’re thinking, can I do it? We will. Yeah, we’ll hype you up. We’ll help you really fine tune you.

Natasha
Guys do and shout out to image. Because that. It was the. It was the, you know, everybody. You, Tamara and Bobby, like, all pushed. Like, I remember when I was getting my pricings in order, Tamara was, like, giving me a deadline, like, hey, we’re going to need this. And that helps so much because if it was just me, I would just sit on it. You know what I mean? I need the push.

And she helped me, like, get the gloss genius side up, help it get running. Like, told me, hey, you gonna have to raise these prices. Like, it was just all of that, the energy here, like, coming to visit the studio space, walking around with Bobby and being the first one to pick the one with the window. And she was like, yeah, I could see you here. What? You could see me here? This is your studio. I got the keys from her. She said, welcome to your studio. It was nothing in here.

And I just got. I’m getting goosebumps now because it was just like, y’ all believe in me. I believe in me, but it takes, like, community. You know what I mean? That’s important.

Meg
That’s my favorite thing about coming in on a Wednesday is the day that I’m usually there at the studios, and I get up in the morning. Well, I went to bed last night. It was Tuesday night. I thought, okay, tomorrow it’s Wednesday. I get to go and see. And it’s fun for me to go to each of the studios where y’ all are working and just check in for a minute and find out how are things going? What do you like? Anything that we’re missing? How can we make it better so that you’re always clear that we’re not just a landlord? We are your. We are your business mentors, not your business partner. But we’re your business mentors. We’ll be your biggest, loudest advocates to help you go and keep on going.

We’ve got a couple of people who are a little bit delicate, a bit fragile about their businesses, but we’re here to make your day go smoothly and so that you enjoy the space so that your clients say wow, we’re, we’re moving up in the world and they are what a great environment to be in.

So it’s been such a pleasure to have you from the beginning. You make me smile every time I come in. I, I’ve known a little bit more about you since our, our last interview and we were able to talk and it just gives me so much more perspective on how strong you are and how much fun you are, the talent that you have. I love following your page and looking at the nail creations that you make. It’s just gives me goosebumps to have you as one of our founding, as one of our founding beauty professionals to come on board with Image Studio. So thank you for spending some time with me today. I appreciate it. Thank you.

Natasha
Thank you so much, Meg. Honestly, all that you do, truly, thank you.

Free Agent Podcast with Meg Schmitz – Guest: Natasha “Tasia” Williams, Owner of Groovy Nails by Tasia & Nail Artist at Image Studios

Meg
So, hello everybody, and welcome to the next installment of Image Studio Love.

Today I have Natasha Williams or Tasia with Groovy nails. And what I am so excited about today is that Natasha informed me last week that she posted its TikTok video that’s gone viral.

Natasha
It is.

Meg
Holy smokes. You’ve gone viral.

Natasha
I know, right? Crazy.

Meg
So tell. Tell the listeners a bit about who you are, what you do, and then we’ll jump into the video that you did and how you posted it and how you ended up just going crazy out there. But start with who you are and your business.

Natasha
Well, hello, everyone. My name is Natasha Williams. I’m the owner of Groovy Nails by Tasia. I’m a nail artist to the core. I love nail art. That’s the reason why I got into doing nails was the art part.

And then after just like discovering and learning, you know, I just. Nail health in general has become like a thing for me. So. So yeah, I specialize in gel, gel X extensions, soft gel overlay, hard gel overlay, gel manicures, regular natural nail manicures, pedicures and press ons.

And I’m located at Image Studios in Wauwatosa and I’m having a ball. Okay. I’ve been here, I’ve been doing now since 2023, and I’ve been at Image since August of 2024. Right when they open.

Meg
Yeah.

Natasha
Yeah.

Meg
What’s really fun for us is we should talk about where you took your courses and how many people are paying attention to where you’ve gone. We’re getting some serious interest because people have went to school, went to the nail program with you. They’re following along.

Natasha
Yeah. Shout out to Dr. Potts. She is the CEO top dog at Center Street Nail Tech Academy here in Wisconsin. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Um, yeah, when I decided I wanted to do nails and, you know, I was doing my friend’s nails and they’re like, hey, girl, you got to go to school because you’re really good and you got to get certified. I had called around and when I called Center Street, I spoke with Dr. Potts. She said to come by.

And immediately when I walked in, I felt like little, little Natasha going to my Montessori school when I was a child. And how just bright, colorful, everything was like hands and it was just like, oh, I’m supposed to be here. And just Dr. Potts energy and her willingness to, like, work with you and her care for the industry of nails. It was 10 out of 10. And you could feel it instantly when you walked in so big shout out to her. She is a huge reason why I’m here today. And just love what I do. And shout out to center street, like, no, none of the nail school is better than that. Okay. Period.

Meg
She is a force of nature.

Natasha
She really is. Like, she is how she moves, how she’s in the community, how she’s just like this bubbly personality, but she also means business. And, like, she just hit on all the steps that. Not only just doing nails, but, like, the business side, the social side, the, you know, emotional side. So, yeah, I’m grateful.

Meg
And this is what’s so important to me as a business owner who has created a space at Image Studios for business owners to come and be entrepreneurial, use your skills. But what. What was instilled in you, and I hope some of the listeners are paying attention to, is that you picked up the business side of the business. Not just the artistry, but the business side. What was compelling about Image Studios after that experience to move in with us?

Natasha
Honestly, it was just the timing of when. You know, at the time when I was looking at studio spaces, I was either looking at a studio space or a space where I could take on more clients, whether, you know, someone owned a facility already and I would take on new clients. I was getting popular, and I was like, oh, I don’t want, you know, too many people in my home anymore, so I need to expand.

And at the time, honestly, Image Studio popped up on my Facebook feed as a, you know, a studio that’s looking for people. It hasn’t been built yet, but, you know, they’re interested if you’re interested, you know, hit them up. And I called. I called Meg on that 8, 4, 7 number, and I was like, what? This is cool. And, you know, you just broke it down to me, I think it was the personable part. Business aside, it was the, you know, I could. I could hear. It was person to person, soul to soul. You know what I mean?

Meg
Yeah.

Natasha
When you talking to each other about, like, just this whole industry and the passion for just making people look good. So, yeah, that was it. And I would get like, a big part of my business side is I used to be in corporate, so I always, you know, the reason why I’m here, too, is I had this, like, advantage of having all of this, like, how to talk to customers, how to move around, how to negotiate, how to just be friendly and personable and get things done at a time. You know, my manner is because of that corporate and going to Market and all that other stuff.

So it all just like, it all just fed into it, you know what I mean? So I don’t regret anything. I think all of my experiences that I have this far have pushed me and put me in this position here.

Meg
Yeah, Well, I remember talking to you and I remember thinking, okay, we’re on the forefront of building this thing out. We’re not open yet, obviously. We’ve been open for about a year now.

Natasha
Yeah.

Meg
Really focusing on bringing in professionals who like you, thoughtful, professional, poised, well spoken. And while you were looking to build a business, Bobby and I knew that you had the chops, you had the stuff to come in and build your business. And that’s what leads me now into the video that you put together. Talk about your video, posting it and what happened next.

Natasha
So that video, it was actually my sister’s idea. She was like, hey, I think we should do this trend. It’s this current trend on TikTok where you have someone like one of your loved ones go in front of the camera before you and say, hey, I have my partner, my significant other, my sister, whoever has something to tell y’, all, y’ all need to listen up. And it’s kind of like an intimidating way. And then. Then you come up and you share your business, your product, your service, what you do, or whatever.

So it was actually on her page that it was posted on. So she is a content creator, a pet sitter. She is a dancer, a roller. Like, she is multi, creative, facetive person. Love her. She is also the reason why I’m here. Another reason. But she was like, hey, I think we should do this. And we posted on her page. Now, she’s been posting on TikTok frequently, so I do think that adds to the reason why it went viral because if it was on my page, I don’t post often, probably wouldn’t have reached as far.

But yeah, we. She basically had a belt in her hand and was like, hey, listen to my sister. She got something to say. She got a small business. And I came up there just as I am, and I gave my spiel of who I am and what my business. And it was quick and it got straight to the point. And then, you know, we just kind of posted and was like, okay, I did hers as well. So we flip flopped for her business.

And yeah, next thing we know, it was like, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. She was like, Thasia, this is going out of hand. This is. I’m like, what? It’s. It’s incredible. Now I would say she probably got more notifications than I did because it posted on her page. But the increase of followers on my, I think I gained probably 600 plus followers on my TikTok. Yep. In a span of like three days which that I was just blown away.

And then on my Instagram, probably the same. I think I gained like 400 extra followers on my Instagram. And then honestly five people end up booking with me that were locally and one of them, she had came for some press ons and I remember her coming in and she was like, I’ve never done this before. Like, you know, seen something on TikTok and came here and I was like, girl, me too. Like this is all  just, just a whole new world.

And yeah, going viral is when it’s I guess pure. And the good comments, right. That’s, that’s what makes it a good time. Right. You, it were all good positive comments. Sometimes you go viral and you get some negative comments. But this time it was all good positive. And I think that’s what also boost the engagement is because it was lighthearted, it was positive, it was support, it was share. Like so yeah.

Meg
Good for you and so with the increase in followers, have you and your sister talked about how to leverage that or I was going to say monetize it. Monetizing would become, would be probably from clients booking with you and coming in. But how can, how can a listener take what you’ve just done and try to replicate it and then now that you’ve got all these followers, how can you leverage that further?

Natasha
Yeah, that okay, let’s see, let’s answer your question. You, the way you leverage that further is you just continue to engage. You acknowledge that, hey, welcome to my new followers. I’m happy you’re here. Here are some, you know, you kind of repost some of the old things that you’ve done. Here’s how to book. Here’s what I do, here’s some of the things that I have. Here’s who I am personally. So those are all the things that you can do now.

Have I done that? No, I’m be honest. I am, you know, just one man band over here. So, you know, servicing my clients. Social media is a little bit overwhelming for me. And that’s not really my, my initial thing or my push. But if you would talk to my sister, she would be telling me you need to get on your zoom. Okay. You need to clock in. These people are waiting for you to speak and to acknowledge and to share so you can find in the right people come into your space.

So, yeah, we have. We need to schedule a business meeting soon to talk about that, but yeah.

Meg
Is that something that Tamara can help with at Image Studios?

Natasha
Yeah, absolutely. We actually talked about that too, with just TikTok and whatnot. And, you know, how do we. Things that we could post, you know, to help Image Studio and also help myself. So, yeah, I’m. It’s just the time. I have no. I’m gonna be honest. This is transparent. I have no push right now. I just need a time that where I get settled in because everything has been so busy right now for me, which is a blessing and I’m grateful. And then. Yeah. But I did actually post a video of me doing an actual artwork. So I think that was one step right of me did a flower, a 3D flower.

Meg
So, yeah. And you said something that’s really important, which is to keep navigating people back to your booking page, back to the disruptor in the nail world. And why people will come to you is that you’re making it personal. You’re showing how personable you are, your artistic talents are out there, but you got to get them to the booking page.

Natasha
Yeah, that’s the biggest thing. So I would say, like, when I did see the increase, I was like, okay, let me just start keep posting on my story. You know, here’s my work. Here’s the link. You know what I mean? Here’s the link. Here’s the link. Click the link. Click the link. And I have gloss. Genius. So I’ve definitely also seen an increase in the views on my page too. So people are looking, people are seeing.

And they’ll also, you know, as much followers I have, I know my. My sis said, like, you will also wean out the ones who are serious and not because if you look at the comment section, it’s everybody, I’m a book, I’m a book, I’m a book, I’m a book. And then I’m just like, nobody book it. All of these 100 comments and no one’s booking. But people are booking and looking. It’s just the right people will be booking and looking for you.

So it’s like, you know, don’t get caught up on the numbers because the video got over a hundred thousand views and 20,000 plus likes comments out the galore. But, you know, the numbers look good, but that doesn’t always translate. Now the ratio is different, right, So five customers, that’s big. You know what I mean? Like I had to look at that like that. It’s five is huge. Five consistent people. Yeah. That’s lit.

Meg
Yeah. And to your point, when you go viral, have other friends. I have yet to go viral. I’m waiting for my moment in the sun. I’m sure it’s going to happen, but this is a really good series of points for anybody who’s listening and wants to do what you’ve done is to keep circling back to those comments. Okay. I want to book. All right, well, here’s a booking link.

Natasha
Exactly.

Meg
And there are a lot. There are obviously people who hang out there waiting for their moment to strike down or strike. Strike up and add a positive comment. But that doesn’t always translate into business. But to your point, gosh, a direct mail piece that goes into someone’s actual mailbox. We used to say 3%. If you can get 3% reaction. And people booking, whether it’s cleaning your home or getting your windows cleaned or coming in for nail, 3% is a really strong number. And I think you’re there, girl.

Natasha
No, yeah, that’s. And that’s what this. The viral part. I want people to understand, too. Like, the numbers are huge. They’re big. But yeah, it’s that 3%. Like, that’s what we focus on. That’s who’s important. And that’s who I’m grateful for. I’m grateful for all the people, honestly, who commented their positive, you know, encouragements and also just engage with the posts. And I’m grateful for my sister because she also. Because it was her post. She was the one commenting a lot like, hey, you could find her here. This is what you do. And I was just in the background, like.

Meg
I’m. I would be so excited if I drove over to the studios, parked my car and saw a line out the door around the corner for people waiting, waiting for Thasia. This is so inspiring. I know that. So I had mentioned earlier, Tamra, Tamara Burkett is one of the three of us who is there to work with you and the other 40 beauty professionals who are moving in. Tamara, in particular handles my personal branding. My. I’m sorry, my professional branding. But a big part of what she talks to me about is that personal side of things, because there are other people who do what you do, other people who do what I do. But you really have to make it personal so people kind of know who you are.

So I want to talk about that for a couple of minutes because you are such an interesting human being. The things that you do outside of work, so tell me things that people would never know about you. Give me three things that you do in your spare time that people would never know about you.

Natasha
In my spare time.

Meg
Or historically.

Natasha
Historically. Okay. I mean, I’m gonna just give them. I play euphonium, which is a like a bigger baritone shout out to the brass players out there. I used to be in a church band, and that was my form of ministry and, like, my form of praise and worship. So. And I love music. Like, if you come into the gru, like, we’re playing music, I’m seeing what you’re listening to. We’re vibing out hard.

I am a hype man. Honestly. I just. I told, you know, some people that I said, if you believe in yourself, and I see that 10 out of 10, I’m a gas you up. You know what I mean? If you’re coming authentically, you, I’m going to gas you up. I’m going to hype you up. Because it takes guts to just stand out and be different and be you. And I love that because I do that. I. That’s where I was came from. My parents are like that. So, yeah, I’m a professional hype man. Hype woman. Okay.

I like to be outdoors and I like to dance. I like to get my heart rate up. However, that looks more so, like, working out, like, physically challenging myself, like, that’s a big thing. Because if I’m in the gym or I’m doing a workout routine and I can push myself to, like, keep going, keep moving, control your breathing. Secured steps that translate into my business. And I. It’s like a tangible. Right. I’m physically seeing myself get strong. Mentally, I’m going to get strong, and it’s just going to trickle down to everything that’s here.

So I love to move. Okay. I love to move around. I like to just pivot and just be active the best way I can. I know I’m plus size and people will be like, you active? Yeah, I’m active. I am active. I’m very active. Okay.

Meg
So I remember when we were talking about a month or so ago, some of the outdoor activities.

Natasha
Put me outdoors ,Hike, give me outside, give me on a hike, a nice hike, on a walk, a nature walk. Like, let me see some running water. Let me hear the birds and the bees and the bugs. All of that I like to like. And I’ve recently. Not recently, but I’ve done it a couple years now. Yoga, they have a free Sunday service. Free Sunday for embody yoga. And I do that. And that is just a cool way of just grounding myself back, you know, to nature, to God, to myself.

And, yeah, I love to be outside. Hiking is Devil’s Lake. Oh, my gosh.

Meg
So all of this again, for anyone who’s listening, and you want to become your own boss, or you are your own boss and you’re struggling with some of those decisions. Maybe you’re not struggling, but you’re thinking, can I do it? We will. Yeah, we’ll hype you up. We’ll help you really fine tune you.

Natasha
Guys do and shout out to image. Because that. It was the. It was the, you know, everybody. You, Tamara and Bobby, like, all pushed. Like, I remember when I was getting my pricings in order, Tamara was, like, giving me a deadline, like, hey, we’re going to need this. And that helps so much because if it was just me, I would just sit on it. You know what I mean? I need the push.

And she helped me, like, get the gloss genius side up, help it get running. Like, told me, hey, you gonna have to raise these prices. Like, it was just all of that, the energy here, like, coming to visit the studio space, walking around with Bobby and being the first one to pick the one with the window. And she was like, yeah, I could see you here. What? You could see me here? This is your studio. I got the keys from her. She said, welcome to your studio. It was nothing in here.

And I just got. I’m getting goosebumps now because it was just like, y’ all believe in me. I believe in me, but it takes, like, community. You know what I mean? That’s important.

Meg
That’s my favorite thing about coming in on a Wednesday is the day that I’m usually there at the studios, and I get up in the morning. Well, I went to bed last night. It was Tuesday night. I thought, okay, tomorrow it’s Wednesday. I get to go and see. And it’s fun for me to go to each of the studios where y’ all are working and just check in for a minute and find out how are things going? What do you like? Anything that we’re missing? How can we make it better so that you’re always clear that we’re not just a landlord? We are your. We are your business mentors, not your business partner. But we’re your business mentors. We’ll be your biggest, loudest advocates to help you go and keep on going.

We’ve got a couple of people who are a little bit delicate, a bit fragile about their businesses, but we’re here to make your day go smoothly and so that you enjoy the space so that your clients say wow, we’re, we’re moving up in the world and they are what a great environment to be in.

So it’s been such a pleasure to have you from the beginning. You make me smile every time I come in. I, I’ve known a little bit more about you since our, our last interview and we were able to talk and it just gives me so much more perspective on how strong you are and how much fun you are, the talent that you have. I love following your page and looking at the nail creations that you make. It’s just gives me goosebumps to have you as one of our founding, as one of our founding beauty professionals to come on board with Image Studio. So thank you for spending some time with me today. I appreciate it. Thank you.

Natasha
Thank you so much, Meg. Honestly, all that you do, truly, thank you.

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