With Antoinette

Some people are visionaries. Some are leaders. Some are artists. Antoinette is all three.

She’s the owner of Illustrated Nail Art Studio, a space she built from the ground up with no savings, just belief. Belief in her artistry, in her people, and in herself.

In our conversation, Antoinette shared what it was like to take a risk and open a salon before she had everything figured out. Someone saw something in her, offered her a space, and she ran with it. She trusted her gut. And now, three years later, she leads a team of seven and has created a community rooted in connection, creativity, and care.

But what I loved most about this conversation was how honest she was about the realities of running a business as a creative. The balance it takes. The sacrifice. The love. She spoke about how owning a salon means less time to just sit and create for the joy of it, and how important it is for artists to have space for creative rest outside of their work.

She also reflected on what this current season feels like. How she knows she’ll look back and see it as transformative. She’s learning to hold both: pride for how far she’s come, and trust in where she’s going.

Antoinette is grounded, self-aware, and incredibly resilient. She talked about her ability to step back, see the bigger picture, and release control when things feel heavy. That’s leadership. That’s artistry. That’s what it means to build something with heart.

Illustrated isn’t just a salon.

It’s her baby. Her mirror. Her offering.

And it’s clear she’s just getting started.

Thank you for being here.

– T