10 Questions, Shoot!

Q: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Everything! I’m really interested in so many things and always thought doing nails was just a fun thing to do on the side. In fifth grade I wanted to be a primatologist, by high school I wanted to be a women’s counselor and journalist, as well as a plumber (which still interests me), I still think of being a dermatologist, podiatrist, or other medical professional, but I’m not sure I could ever give up nails.

Q: How does your personality play into your business?

I’m pretty intense, I guess, and that plays into it for sure. We’re very different than other salons. Often people inquire about our services and say something like, “I’m just looking for a regular pedicure,” and I tease back, “We don’t do anything regular.” We specialize in advanced care of the foot and our services are designed for healthy, lasting results, unlike the quick-fix mentality of the average salon on the Cape.  Plus, we strive for a great spa experience at the same time, constantly coming up with new unique ways to spoil and pamper with regularly changing service themes. Our services aren’t “normal,” because neither am I.

Q: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

After working at a couple other nail salons as a teenager, I realized that I couldn’t work for other people. I was frustrated with the standards in salons on the Cape; I cared about every detail in the salon and wanted to do it right.  It’s when my husband and I first started dating though that I realized that I would own my own salon. We’re a great team and I wouldn’t want to do this without him.

Q: What inspired you?

Insanity! I’m possessed with this intense passion for what I do. I couldn’t work for people who weren’t going to put the same passion into every aspect of the salon, and I just couldn’t give up doing nails, so it really wasn’t a choice for me.

Q: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the town of Barnstable?

Probably the seasonality of the cape. It’s too slow in the winter, and then insane in the summer. It’s really hard to balance that- to really feel prepared in the summer and have enough qualified staff for our crazy summers, but then keep them all happy in our sleepy winters.

Q: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Barnstable?

I love the visitors. People come from all over to vacation on Cape Cod and I really enjoy meeting so many diverse people.

Q: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

I try to never say never. I hope to always be doing nails on the table myself because I truly love it, but who knows… if ever I am no longer loving it, I hope to move on before that. I think it’s important to feel fulfilled in your work and to give it your all.

Q: What is your business’ greatest asset?

Probably my passion for my work. You can tell when someone really loves what they do, and when that is what drives them. It’s what makes me strive for perfection and give attention to each detail. It’s what keeps me up at night dreaming up my next service theme, or inventing a new treatment mask to cure chronic cuticle conditions. We’re different that other salons in a lot of ways, but I think it’s my love for my work that brings forth all of those attributes that make us stand apart.

Q: What is your favorite spot in town?

Like most small business owners, I am not sure I know what the town looks like outside my walls. I’m usually at work, but if I could pick anywhere else to be, it would be wherever my little girls are.

Q: What’s one thing the community should know about you?

I don’t know. Who likes describing themselves? I feel really blessed that I can do what I love, and I hope to positively impact the lives of those around me.

Jessica opened Painted Red Nails in May 2005.  Find them at 845 Main Street, Osterville.