Some people babysit. Some people lifeguard. Senior Maggie Gilleran? She spends her free time painting nails and building a brand, one customer at a time.
“Getting my nails done by Maggie is one of my favorite things because we can talk about anything or just sit and watch a movie,” Olivia Auriol said. “She’s so kind and always makes sure everything is perfect.”
When her good friend Sara Drowne bought a gel nail kit, it inspired her to get her own. With this new gadget, she would test intricate designs and techniques on her older sister just for fun. She quickly learned that she had a knack for nail art when her friends asked her to start doing theirs.
Maggie’s nail salon is not only so affordable, but her talent is beyond. Every time she does my nails I am in AWE they are always so perfect,” Kylie Dugan said. “My favorite part of getting my nails done with Maggie is just sitting with her while she works her magic, we always have the best time talking and catching up. There’s really nowhere I’d rather go to get my nails done.”
Everybody wants the perfect nails for prom, so who better to trust than Maggie? This week in particular she’s been her busiest yet, back to back appointments – some even before school.
“From then people would keep asking if I could do their nails, and at first I was just hesitant because I didn’t feel knowledgeable enough at that point yet. After doing a good amount of research and making sure I knew as much as it could about doing nails, I decided to open it up to everyone!” Gilleran said.
Maggie started off a little timid to make this hobby into a business and start posting photos on instagram, but her family and friends have been nothing but supportive. Through her experience, she’s grown into an experienced nail artist with regular customers and a growing reputation.
“Most of the time, people will show me a picture of what they want, and I will go directly from the picture to try to replicate that design. Sometimes that will result in me mixing a bunch of colors in order to mimic a color from a photo. Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error, but in the end I’m usually happy with it,” Gilleran said.
She doesn’t just do her friends’ nails now, you can go check out her instagram @mmg.nails8 to see the amazing designs she does for girls in all grades at LFHS.
“Sometimes getting your nails done at a salon can be really painful and scary, but it’s so comfortable getting your nails done by Maggie!! I definitely recommend everybody should go,” Lauren Hanson said.
If you think you have a talent that could benefit others, don’t be afraid to just go for it. It could be anything: custom embroidery, jewelry making, prom accessories, or even tutoring. Gilleran is living proof that if you can dream it, you can do it.
“I could’ve never imagined the amount of encouragement I’ve gotten from those around me. I’ve met so many new people and had cool opportunities, so I have never looked back on that decision.” Gilleran said.
Balancing being a second semester senior and running a full-blown nail business isn’t easy, but Maggie makes it look like a breeze.
“I try to stay really organized with my schedule, using a calendar to make sure I’m not double booking myself for anything,” Gilleran said, “I know how long a design will take me as soon as I see a picture of what someone wants, so I’m able to budget enough time for myself.”
Gilleran is heading off to the University of Kansas in the fall. There’s one thing about dorm life freshman year — knowing how to do nails will make you a campus celebrity. So, it will be no surprise when come august, Gillerans dorm becomes an impromptu nail salon every once in a while.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever do nails at a professional level, but I do see myself pursuing nails in college for sure. Because it’s my hobby, I’ll always want to make time to do nails. Doing nails it’s also kind of a creative outlet, so it’s also a fun kind of art for me to do,” Gilleran said.
