#MomCrushMonday Series: Meet Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of NYC-based nail studio GLOSSLAB
1.) Your company GLOSSLAB is on the cutting edge of manicures. What makes GLOSSLAB different? Glosslab is modernizing the manicure experience. Our locations are focused on hygiene (waterless services + completely cashless checkout) and efficiency, and we have an unprecedented unlimited membership model ($125/month for unlimited manicures + pedicures). We have a true passion for empowering our employees with safe and fair working conditions and a true path to success. We have two locations with plans to open 5+ more locations in 2021. In addition to our in-person manicure and pedicure offerings, we launched three proprietary nail kits and we are launching a full line of products this year.
2.) At what point did you realize, “Hey, I’ve got a really great idea here”? How did you pursue taking it to market? I worked in hedge fund fundraising for 10 years. I was always in search of a quick, clean manicure as part of my busy work schedule and then as part of my even busier lifestyle as a working mom. I always felt like manicures were errands; a very joyless and inefficient experience. I talked about recreating the nail space for years. After having my second daughter and ultimately leaving the world of finance, I worked with a team of experts to open and then scale Glosslab.
3.) You are the mom of two little girls. Describe how you juggle being a mom boss and a mom. My girls are my inspiration – I love that, especially being home so much right now, they get to see this work side of what I do all day. Juggling is always the hardest question because I never feel that I’m truly managing the juggle. And yet, somehow, I am! I have never worked harder in my life, including when I was traveling to several cities each month raising money for hedge funds. They say entrepreneurs are the crazy people who work 100 hours a week so they don’t have to work 40 hours – so true! However, my time is my own now and I’m able to spend real time with my kids everyday. I believe that my kids are happiest when I’m happiest, and I’m so lucky to love what I do!
4.) What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? Take the first step of action, even if it seems small. So many people have great ideas and just need to take action! Do the work on yourself first, and keep doing that work. It’s so easy to get in your own way.
5.) Aside from getting manicures, how do you take time for yourself? Why do you feel it’s important to have this carved out time? I take time for myself (or try to!) everyday. It’s SO important to take this time and it’s not selfish- it makes me a much better (nicer!) mom, wife and person. For me, this time is spent doing yoga or a sweaty workout, practicing meditation and/or just spending time alone or with friends.
