For Iris, being bold means daring to follow your heart,
even when you don't know the outcome yet. That's how The Nail Art Club was born—not your typical nail salon, but a place where women feel safe, find happiness, and can truly connect.
In Celebrating the Bold , she shares how zero experience and 1000% determination turned out to be enough, how she experiences success as peace and balance, and why the path of most resistance always brings her something.
What does "being bold" mean to you personally? For me, "being bold" is more of an emotional thing! The feeling you get from doing something you don't know if you can do, but you do it anyway. Trusting your gut without knowing the outcome.
When do you feel most powerful? Feeling powerful really takes many different forms. For me, it really involves standing my ground in situations where it's absolutely necessary. And in certain situations, choosing the path of most resistance. I know, it's not the most pleasant choice. But it always brings me magic.
How do you stay true to yourself in a world full of expectations? Honestly? Try not to try to be liked by everyone. You could translate this into not conforming to other people's standards. And that's difficult in a world where opinions are constantly being bombarded! I think my age helps a bit too!
You worked in various places before starting The Nail Art Club. What was the moment you knew: now's the time to choose my own path? When I was 8? Haha. I was always such a stubborn child who didn't really apply the advice she received. Later in life, I made sure I surrounded myself with people I could learn from, people I admired for their knowledge and skills!
What brought you into the world of nail art? Was this always your dream, or did it develop gradually? I always got my nails done at a salon. One day I thought: is this a service? I'm missing out on so much here. I think I can do this better. Then I thought... CAN I DO THIS BETTER? And so I did. With zero experience and 1000% determination. I can't shake that entrepreneurial mindset.
Was there a moment when you thought: yes, this is why I do this, that confirmed you were on the right track? Yes. Every single day I do this work. Here's the thing. Getting my nails done is a superficial (not profound) beauty treatment that makes women really happy! As in: VERY happy. In a sometimes difficult world, creating a little bit of happiness is truly wonderful. Life is tough enough. As long as those nails are good, I can handle it.
You call The Nail Art Club "not your typical nail salon." What makes your salon different, and did you consciously want to create a place that feels like more than just a salon? The Nail Art Club is a wonderful place with the sweetest nail techs. Everyone is welcome to chill, vent, take a moment of silence, or just let loose. Breakups, new loves, personal losses, dirty jokes, laughter until the tears roll down your cheeks, crying with sadness... So much is shared with us. The fact that we're a place where women feel so comfortable truly fills my heart.
What are you most proud of considering what you've accomplished so far with The Nail Art Club—big or small? The nail techs. The girls. Really. I owe everything to them. They make The Nail Art Club what it is.
Do you dream of growth—for example, a second salon, or perhaps something completely different—or are you happy with what you have now? I dream of growth. Let's be honest, haha. But I'm also busy wondering how we can grow the business in other ways, rather than just expanding with multiple salons.
Who's a woman you admire for her courage, and why? Do you have a minute? My friends. I said it recently in a speech at my birthday party. These women are so strong, they stand tall, through all kinds of weather. They remain gentle, sweet, yet strong and protective. I'm so lucky to have them in my life.
What advice would you give to women who dream of more but are unsure? Step 1. Breathe. Step 2. Do it. You've got it. You can do it. Give it everything you've got.
What does success mean to you – and how do you celebrate when it happens? I was just talking about this the other day! I know the answer exactly, haha. Success for me is being able to sleep at night with peace of mind. For me, this means prioritizing and getting things done every day. Or planning, and cutting out everything else. Don't get me wrong, prioritizing can also mean hitting the brakes and chilling with the kids all day. It's all about balance. But that peace of mind, for me, is true success. Getting your shit together.
Sometimes being bold is all about the little things. What's a small but courageous decision you've made recently? Oh, it's difficult... Okay, yes. Going to Cape Town by myself (sadly, without the family). I still really don't want to. But the ticket is booked.
Finally: What's your favorite piece of Eline Rosina jewelry? (And why?) Well, you might not believe this, but I was there when the idea for the Atelier Collection was born! Hanna told me about it, and my heart leaped. I got SO excited (read: completely crazy) that I think Hanna drove me crazy. So my heart truly belongs to the Atelier collection. Although I'm also a huge fan of the statement hoops... The bigger the hoop... 
