Texas nail tech: Clients have walked away from my services because I’m transgender
By Lilly Delmage | 18 November 2024 | Feature, Health & wellbeing, Tech Talk
Texas-based nail technician, Dylan Michaud, shares how she refuses to let gender discrimination stand in the way of her career success…
Having faced multiple clients refusing her services due to her gender, Dylan reveals her outlook on those experiences. She says: “Fortunately, I am very understanding that not everyone agrees with my lifestyle. That does not stop me from achieving my goals, as I have great clients who know my value.
“The excitement and confidence they have after I’ve finished their nail, make-up or brow services bring me so much joy.”
This is a confidence which also resonates with her, having medically transitioned three years ago and socially transitioned two years prior to that. “I was always very happy with how feminine I looked, but felt something was missing. When expressing these emotions to my family, they showed the support that I needed to come out as trans, for which I am extremely grateful,” shares the tech.
Having always been a nail enthusiast, it was the pandemic that launched Dylan’s nail career: “I dabbled in nails as a hobby, but really became invested during the pandemic, after I lost my job with MAC Cosmetics. I was used to wearing four-inch L&P acrylic enhancements, and when nail salons were forced to close, I undertook training to learn how to do my nails myself.”
Dylan emphasises the importance of finding like-minded peers in the industry, which she has often found online. She says: “Trans-friendly online communities are so important, and I love to share Facebook beauty communities I’ve found. Through these groups, I have connected my LGBTQ friends with pros for their other beauty needs.”
