Paragon Nails

par·a·gon /ˈperəˌɡän/

noun: paragon; plural noun: paragons

a person or thing viewed as a model of excellence

Just like my last feature, I met Aline through church. I’m not sure how the conversation started, I think I noticed she was new. And most likely I loved her outfit. We said our hellos and our hellos lead to a conversation —I found out she was a blogger, also. It was refreshing getting to know Aline because I saw a little of her in me. She was outwardly creative, outwardly fashionable, outwardly passionate, and had this genuine desire to follow God.

I didn’t know a lot of ppl like her in the church during that time. I knew as a baby blogger, I wanted to be surrounded by all of that! So of course, I searched for her through the crowds after service lol. We exchanged numbers, scheduled our first shoot together, and we’ve been dear friends ever since.

I have to say, you didn’t start your creative venture doing nails. I met you first as a blogger. In addition, you also were doing hair and makeup (you made me over a few times). You dabbled in photography. You did calligraphy and you also painted. How in the world did you “settle” or make the decision to focus on nails?

All the other things I did were avenues to get to where I am now. It was trial and error. When I started makeup, it was fun until I started doing it on other people. Not that I didn’t like doing their makeup, I just didn’t like the idea of being so close and personal in someone’s face lol. However, with nails, I love always creating something new, and I’m still interacting with people, bonding, and having good talks! That has always been the focus!

Where you always a creative person? And did you ever think growing up that this can become a livelihood for you?

Yes, I’ve always been creative. I actually use to design dresses when I was younger and have them professionally made. I started my own clothing line, but it didn’t work out.

I didn’t really think I could make a living by pursuing my creative passions, simply because I didn’t think I was good enough.

I know your life hasn’t been Instagram perfect. Life has thrown some curve balls and you’ve made mistakes (like the best of us). It’s so easy to allow shame, insecurities, and past traumas to hold us back, right? What keeps you standing and thriving?

I’ve always been a mind over matter kind of person — “if you don’t control your mind, your mind will control you.” With that being said, I believe we all go through storms. But if you constantly complain and cry about it, you’ll miss the rainbow. Personally, I would go through the storm just to see the rainbow. I have my kids that I live for, and I want to show them that you can do anything you set your mind to. And I also want to show the world that when people counted me out, God counted me in, and anything is possible through Christ.

What is your ultimate goal for Paragon Nails?

I have a lot of things I got up my sleeves for Paragon right now. My biggest goal is to expand and create an atmosphere for women to empower and be empowered while getting beautified.

Any last words or advice?

Lastly, I just wanna say that even though I do nails, I am discovering every day that my favorite part of it all is when people share their dreams with me. Especially when they are afraid to step out. I love encouraging and supporting people’s vision, pushing them to go achieve what is set on their heart to do! So if you are a dreamer, if you have goals and things you want to accomplish, go for it! Don’t be afraid to fail. The beauty of failure is that if you fail, you can try again and get it right! Failure breeds success!

-mal