KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Black beauty pros like Kendra Ellison are sweeping the industry, changing everything we know about the nail tech world. As a pedicure specialist and educator, Kendra is on a mission to teach other pros how to niche down and find their space in an industry overflowing with opportunity. 

It’s Black History Month, and we’re celebrating like we do every year–by setting aside time to acknowledge and highlight some of the inspiring Black beauty pros who also happen to be Elite Beauty Society Members.

As a way of honoring these incredible Black beauty pros, we’re turning over our platform to them in the form of interviews. From the bold and beautiful to the persistent and brilliant, these beauty pros demonstrate excellence in all that they do.

Each exclusive interview provides a unique look behind the scenes of a successful Black beauty pro, shines a spotlight on their positive impact, and gives them a platform to share their message. In other words, you don’t want to miss a single entry in this series of Q and A interviews!

Meet Elite Medical Nail Tech, Pedicure Specialist, & Educator Kendra Ellison

Following your passion can have a profound impact not only on the trajectory of your life but also on your community and those that surround you. Kendra Ellison knows from first-hand experience just how powerful pursuing your passion can be, even if that dream started when you were a child.

When Kendra’s love for the nail industry and interest in the medical field intersected, she felt inspired to create a safe, clean environment where those with health conditions and foot issues–including members of her own family–could receive the services they needed.

Kendra’s story is one of not only finding what you love but helping those you love. That passion and desire to do good has led to multiple certifications in wellness and nail care (including one from our renowned partner, Nail Care Academy), as well as specialization in toenail correction and reconstruction. By combining her medical background and beauty pro training, she has created a unique opportunity to serve those who need innovative foot care techniques.

If you’d like to learn more about Kendra and her work, you can find her on Instagram or visit her website. Of course, we recommend starting right here with her exclusive Elite Beauty Society interview, where we celebrate her incredible accomplishments as a Black beauty pro.

Our Exclusive Q&A with Kendra Ellison

How Did You Get Started in the Beauty Industry?

I always wanted to do something in the nail industry, even from childhood. I would go around doing my mom’s nails, my little sister’s nails, and even my dad’s. He would sit on the couch and just let me polish his nails.

I wanted to do something that helped people medically. At first, I didn’t know I could combine the two. So, I was medical at first, and then my plan B was going to do nails.

I attended Tennessee State University and received my cardio-respiratory care science degree. I worked in a level 2 trauma center for a bit, and that began to take a toll on me and affect me to the point where my husband suggested I go to school for nails.

So, my husband found a beauty school for me, enrolled me, and even paid for it (I can't even begin to say how lucky I am). I finished in June of 2020, and then I worked in a natural nail care salon where I did manicures and pedicures.

I’ve seen a lot of people come in with toenail issues and skin issues that we could not service and that I was not trained on how to help them.

So I was like, you know what? I want to create a safe, professional environment where people can go and get all the types of services and care that they need.

What Has Been Your Most Impactful Moment in the Beauty Industry?

It’s two things: creating my physician partnerships and changing people’s lives.

I have a team of doctors that supports what I do–and I support what they do–so creating my physician relationships is one.

I’ve had clients sit in my chair, and they’ve been married for 14 years, and their spouses have never seen their feet. They haven’t worn sandals in years, and when they come to get a pedicure for the first time, I’ve seen them leave and go across the parking lot and buy their first pair of sandals.

I’ve had them hug me and cry and tell me they didn’t think they would ever put sandals on again. That’s a big achievement for me. It’s very rewarding to see and hear that I am needed in people's lives and that they’re thankful for me.

Where Have You Seen Growth in the Beauty World for Black Beauty Pros?

I’ve seen a lot of Black beauty pros get into foot care, and I’m seeing them grow–from servicing celebrities to hiring employees. It has just fueled me to continue on this road because it’s possible to be as successful as they are.

I’ve seen people start to get into the advanced foot care industry and take an interest in their education.

How Do You Think the Beauty Industry Can Better Support Black Beauty Pros?

Not holding back information. Share what you know, help people coming into the industry grow, and help the next generation of nail techs grow.

I’m an open book–you ask me a question, and I’m here to help. I’m here to spread knowledge because I wish I had someone there to guide me when I started.

There are girls in nail school who are 18 years old. They should have access to information I didn’t know until I was almost 30. Share the information. There’s enough on the table for everyone to eat.

What Advice Would You Give to Someone Who is Just Starting Out in the Industry?

Don’t give up. It gets hard. There are highs and lows in entrepreneurship, and when the lows hit, they can hit bad–don’t give up.

Find people you want to be like and learn from them. Surround yourself with those people, learn their ways, and take advice from them.

Be a sponge, and always be willing to learn. You can learn something new every day. Continue to invest in your education because it doesn’t stop at nail school or beauty school. Continue your education, and you’ll be successful.

If you enjoyed this interview with Kendra, we know you’ll love the other interviews in this series, too! Be sure to check them out, and remember to subscribe to Elite Beauty Society!