One hour. That’s the time it takes to have a fresh manicure and nails that are set to impress. Some see it as a waste of time, something for girls that have extra time and can just spare the hour to get your nails done because they have nothing better to do. I, however, disagree.Â
Imagine you walk into a meeting and a woman is leading. She’s prepared. She’s smart. She can answer any question. You think, wow she must be married to her job, she must be so determined, she must not make any time for herself. Then, you notice she has her nails done.Â
This is a sign that even with everything impressive she is doing at work, and maybe she even has kids at home, she still has the time to get her nails done. She was able to carve out that one hour for herself. Now, every outfit she wears is elevated. Her beautifully done nails make her more impressive than she even was before. Every little thing she does in the workplace is quite frankly more impressive, because she did the same amount, if not more, then everyone else while missing at least an hour to get her nails done.Â
To me, seeing women in high positions with their nails manicured to perfection with a dark red, light pink, nude, blue, or any color, is a business strategy. She is not afraid to show her feminine side, specifically women in male dominated rooms. Men judge. There’s no doubt about it. I myself have experienced being in groups with boys and they ignore my opinions and what I have to say, because I am a girl. Some men, especially in the business world, automatically respect women less in any room. Having your nails done is like a slap in the face to them, not only do you not care about their predispositions, you also do not care about what they will think about you tapping deeper into your feminine side by having your nails done. Â
Being a woman in a business setting can be intimidating. There is no point in ignoring your feminine side and things you like to do because of a fear of seeming too “girly.” It’s a power move. A way of expressing that you take time for yourself. A way of expressing you don’t care what they think. A way of expressing who you fully are. In fact, showing every side of you, the serious, the feminine is the most intimidating thing you can do. People can feel confidence that you radiate and they will respect you for it, especially the people you work with. When people feel that confidence, they trust you more. You will be seen as a reliable and trustworthy person in all parts of life.Â
So my advice to you is: get the manicure. Take the hour for yourself. It is one of the best things you can do. It leads to confidence, respect, trust, and so many other things. Especially in the business world, and things that are professional and serious, having a manicure and showing your feminine side is the best thing you can do, for yourself, and your career.