Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Patterson.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into the beauty industry started in 2021, after COVID, when I was struggling to find a career that worked with my multiple chronic health conditions. I briefly found a customer service job, but my health declined to the point that I eventually had to leave. I reached out to vocational rehabilitation for help figuring out a path forward, and they helped me secure funding for my education at Elegant Design Beauty Academy, a local private cosmetology school in Lawrence, Kansas.
I originally enrolled in the full cosmetology program, but about seven months into my education, I found out the school would be closing in just two months. I tried to find another school where I could continue, but between financial limitations, transportation barriers, and the options available locally, that wasn’t possible. Instead of giving up on my education, I made the difficult decision to switch to nail technology. I worked incredibly hard to complete all my required hours before the school closed, and I passed both of my state licensing exams on my first try.
I started my first salon job in January 2022, where I spent the next few years learning the ins and outs of the nail industry. I learned a lot during that time, both about the technical side of the work and about the kind of environment I wanted to create for myself and my clients. Like any career, there were good experiences and difficult ones, but they all helped shape the professional I am today.
In May 2025, I took the leap into business ownership and opened my own nail business with two business partners. Making that transition was a huge milestone for me. As someone who has had to navigate working with chronic health conditions, building a career that allows me to pursue my creativity while creating something of my own has meant a lot.
Today, I’m proud to be a nail technician and small business owner in Lawrence, Kansas. My business has an alternative, gothic, spooky, and whimsical aesthetic that reflects my own personality and interests. I love working with clients who want to express themselves through their nails, whether that means dark, dramatic designs, quirky and colorful art, or something completely unique. More than anything, I want my space to feel welcoming and judgment-free, where people can feel comfortable being themselves and expressing their individuality. For me, nails are about so much more than beauty; they’re a form of art, self-expression, and confidence.
My path into this industry wasn’t exactly what I originally planned, but looking back, every unexpected change taught me something and brought me to where I am today. I’m proud that I didn’t let those setbacks stop me from pursuing a career, and I’m excited to keep growing, developing my skills, and seeing where this industry takes me next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, both personally and professionally. Beyond navigating my own health challenges, starting a career in the nail industry came with its own set of obstacles. Unlike some other areas of cosmetology, where structured training and mentorship can be more common in salons, nail technicians are often expected to learn a lot on the job. I had to figure out a lot as I went, from improving my technical skills to learning how to manage clients and build a clientele.
Starting out can also be difficult because not every client is going to be patient while you’re still developing your speed and skills. You’re learning a craft while also trying to meet people’s expectations, and that can be intimidating when you’re first starting out. I had to learn how to take constructive criticism, build confidence in my work, and remind myself that becoming good at something takes time and practice.
Working in a larger salon environment also taught me a lot about workplace dynamics. When you have multiple artists working together, there can sometimes be drama, tension, and differences in personalities. Those experiences helped me understand the importance of having a positive work environment and surrounding yourself with people who support your growth rather than make the job harder.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is Nails In The Coffin, a nail business based in Lawrence, Kansas, that combines my love of nail art with my alternative and whimsical style. I specialize in nail enhancements, including Gel-X, acrylic, and hard gel, as well as gel manicures and nail art. I love working with clients to create designs that reflect their personalities, whether that’s something dark and gothic, cute and quirky, seasonal, or completely out of the box.
What sets my business apart is that I want nails to be about more than following trends or having a pretty manicure. For me, they’re a form of self-expression. I love helping people bring their ideas to life, even when they’re unusual or a little unconventional. I want my clients to feel like they can come to me with their weirdest, most creative ideas and know that I’ll be excited to explore them with them.
I’m also really proud of the personality behind my brand. The name, aesthetic, and overall vibe reflect who I am, rather than trying to fit into a traditional beauty industry mold. I want my business to feel welcoming and comfortable for people who might not always feel represented in conventional beauty spaces. Whether someone is heavily tattooed, alternative, obsessed with all things spooky, or simply loves a unique set of nails, I want them to feel like they belong.
Another thing that’s important to me is the relationships I build with my clients. Over time, they become familiar faces, and appointments become an opportunity to connect, catch up, laugh, and be creative together. I’m proud that I’ve been able to build a business around not only a skill I love but also a community of people who trust me with their nails and feel comfortable in my space.
As a small business owner, I’m proud of how far I’ve come since starting in the industry in 2022 and opening my own business in 2025. I’m still growing, learning, and figuring things out, but I’m excited to keep developing my craft and building a brand that feels authentic to me. Ultimately, I want Nails In The Coffin to be known for creative personalized nail art, a little whimsy, and a space where individuality is celebrated rather than toned down.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck has played a role in my journey, but so has making the most of the opportunities I’m given. Some of the biggest turning points in my career came from situations I never planned for, like my cosmetology school closing and having to switch to nail technology. At the time, it felt like a major setback, but it ended up leading me to a career I genuinely love.
I’ve also had challenges with my health that have made traditional employment difficult, so finding a path that allowed me to build a career around my circumstances has been incredibly important. I was fortunate to have vocational rehabilitation help me access my education, but I still had to put in the work to finish school, build my skills, and eventually open my own business.
I don’t necessarily think everything happens for a reason, but I do think unexpected situations can lead you somewhere you never imagined. Luck may open a door or close one unexpectedly, but persistence is what helps you figure out where to go next.
Pricing:
- Extensions start at $75
- Structured overlays start at $60
- Manicures start at $40
- Fill start at $60
- Pedicures start at $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kitschynailsbyjess.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsinthecoffin1910?cplk=MW0zdG1jZmdrZWp1bw==
