Photos Provided by Slayed By Yaya’s Instagram. Graphic made by Marlee Flores.
Araceli Mariscal ‘27 is a student at South Salem High School and runs her own nail and lash business. She started her business in early 2024 and has only grown since then. Despite starting her business in 2024, Mariscal has been doing nails for years.
“I started nails because I was bored during COVID-19. I never really took nails seriously. I remember I gave up after doing two nails because I hated the way my application looked. I had all my things just sitting in my closet for about two years up until I entered eighth grade and I saw a lot of girls who were getting into nails, so I decided to give it a try again. That is when I really locked in and practiced everyday,” Mariscal said.
Happy Work Space
Mariscal enjoys her job because she gets to work at her own pace and control her schedule, choosing times best for her, and her clients.
“I love my job because I get to work for myself so I just get to choose my own schedule and I decide the days I work. I also just love getting to meet new people and seeing how they react once they see their nails,” Mariscal said.
Bonding With Clients
Mariscal has made her business a safe space and has made many friends throughout the years of her business.
“I once had this client who came in, it was also her first time seeing me. We started getting along really fast. We talked about her quince that was coming up. She is now a regular client who comes in often. Most of my clients are super sweet and we get along,” Mariscal said.
Prices
Mariscal does many different nail lengths. She bases the price of the set on the length a client gets. This is a common method for nail technicians and has worked best for Mariscal as her business has grown.
“I charge based on the length and sometimes based on the design. For overlays I charge $35 for short nails, $45 for a medium/ long set and $55-$75 if the set is full of rhinestones,” Mariscal said.
Current Trends
Mariscal has done many different designs and is always willing to experiment with new ones. As a nail technician, every artist has a favorite trend and style they enjoy doing most.
“I have been really liking duck nails. They are slowly coming back. They are just so cute and I feel like there is just so much more space to work with them. I also really love fully blinged XL nails. They are personally my favorite,” Mariscal said.
Application Process
When preparing to apply nails, the weather plays a big factor into the process. During the summer, the weather affects the drying times and application.
“Lately, I have been taking about 2 hours for most sets. In the summer I take a bit longer because of the weather. The weather affects the monomer and my application,” Mariscal said.
Client Camera
South Salem High School student Marlen Martinez ‘27 is a loyal client to Mariscal and has been getting her nails done by her since the very beginning of her business.
“I have been going to Slayed By Yaya ever since she started doing nails. I have been supporting her since day one. I love the way she does my nails. My favorite set that she has ever done for me is a blue medium french tip with 3d flowers. I would not be able to get the results I like from any other nail tech,” Martinez said.
Mariscal wants to create a calm and welcoming space for her clients.
“Her nail room is calm. She does not mind what you do. Just do not bother her by moving around a lot. She needs to focus to make your nails perfect,” Martinez said.
Booking
Booking Mariscal has an instagram page,_slayedbyyayaa, where people can directly message her to book appointments.
