Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Storlie
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began doing nails in 2004 and didn’t initially enjoy doing services because I am naturally introverted. I worked at only two salons for thirteen years of my career before branching out on my own and starting NAIL NINJA as a suite where I worked alone.
My first employee, Natalia Lerohl, approached me for training in my suite. I was reluctant to take on an apprentice because despite my many years of experience, I had no desire to have employees and had no training experience. However, she persisted and I decided to give teaching a try.
After two years in my suite, I opened NAIL NINJA as a storefront in Saint Louis Park in August 2019 with an initial team of six artists. We not only survived the pandemic but we thrived by offering at-home service kits that customers could purchase and receive through contactless pickup. We collected donations from the general public and we used those donations to build kits for healthcare workers, which we then delivered to local hospitals and clinics. Additionally, we created a custom quarantine NAIL NINJA tshirt and hand-painted custom press-on nails.
That team grew to thirteen over the next two and a half years and I made the decision to open the Northeast MPLS store in December 2023. NAIL NINJA, which started as a single-operator business grossing less than $100k (at one point) grew to 48 employees and grossed $2.2M in 2023.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not! The first couple of years was taken up by the pandemic and the financial stress and logistics of navigating such a situation. I’ve had many ebbs and flows in business, staffing and a variety of social issues such as dealing with cancel culture and online bullying from industry peers and strangers alike.
Managing a business is never easy. As a business owner, you forfeit many of your own freedoms so that you can create something special for others to enjoy and benefit from. It is a gift during the good times, but can be punishing during the hard times! It’s not for the weak of heart.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a nail artist who specializes in dry manicures and hand-painted nail art. I am known for my meticulous attention to detail, fierce work ethic and detailed cuticle care.
I am most proud of the longevity of my career. Many people in my industry do not make it this far, because it’s a lot more challenging than people give it credit for. What sets me apart from others is that you will never hear me say, “it’s just nails.” As a nail artist, I have a unique ability to influence someone’s entire day and I have held hands with people through some of the best and worst times in their lives. Many of my clients have been with me through marriages, divorces, births, deaths and everything in between. I’ve been with them when they hear they have cancer or their daughter is pregnant. It is truly such a magical role in life.
What separates me from others is that I am a consummate professional. I show up to work every single day dressed to kill and ready to work tirelessly for my team and my guests. I love who I am in this role and I absolutely love my job.
Any big plans?
I am currently working to get northeast fully staffed. I would love to see NAIL NINJA as a luxury franchise. I would like to open stores in other states. I’d like to see a branded and comprehensive product line, including gel polishes.
I truly think the sky is the limit for NAIL NINJA. It’s only up from here.
Pricing:
- Gel manicures starting at $50
- Pedicures starting at $65
- We do not offer dip manicures.
- BIAB / structured gel manicures starting at $75
- Artist pricing increase based on skill and experience level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nailninjampls.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailninjaminneapolis/
