Staci Garrett: Creative Illlusions

Whether you’re young or old, finding your way, or setting off on a new business venture, Staci Garrett, owner of Creative Illusions Nail Salon in Grandview has advice: “Follow your dreams. Take huge leaps of faith. Don’t let anything stop you. Always stay prayerful first.” She knows the power of her words; she has walked her talk and Creative Illusions is a growing success because of it. Staci’s shop is across the street from our own Hard Bean Café. We love having such a creative neighbor!

Staci didn’t always dream of a nail salon but she did know a few things about herself. “I wanted to own my own business and because I’ve always been a people person, I knew I wanted to work with the public,” she said. So she got her BS in Business Marketing/Management from Park College (now Park University). To help pay for her books, and eventually her tuition, she began doing the nails of friends. She said, “The more creative I got, the more talent I realized I had. I just took the ball and ran with it.” During her last semester at Park, her mother helped with nail school tuition. Staci graduated from both schools months apart.

After college Garrett had two job offers in Atlanta. She was heading there in spite of having a huge client base by this time. Her future husband, Carl, helped her think through the situation. She remembered growing up how her friends always recognized her eye for color even in their little girl playtimes. Staci told me, “My clientele grew overnight and I realized that I do nails and I have my degree in business. I have found my business niche.” She stayed in Kansas City and let her business grow out of the basement of the home she shared with her mother for the next seven years.

Staci and Carl were married in September of ’07 and it was he who encouraged her to rent commercial space. She said, “It was a huge leap of faith” when Creative Illusions Nail Salon opened in a small space adjacent to their current spot in December 2007. But by now Garrett had a dream, and she wouldn’t let anything stop her. And it was here that her full inner creativity began to blossom. And here when her mother realized that Staci possessed much of the same talent and interests as her late grandfather who passed before she was born. He was a painter, he was known for his creativity, he was fascinated with butterflies.

Once the shop was established downtown, with Staci and one other nail technician, the business quickly outgrew that tiny spot. They moved next door where Creative Illusions now offers the services of five nail techs. Creative Illusions, is a full service nail salon offering acrylic nails, spa pedicures, manicures, nail art, toenail enhancement, lash extensions, and eyebrow waxing. Business is still expanding. They are taking back the small space next door to offer the services of total body waxing and massage therapy.

Staci’s gift is her creative design. Nail art is a step past French nails which, as Garrett said, ‘anybody can do.” She said, “When I got tired of doing the French nails, I decided it was time to do nail art.” Nail art adds mystique to nails. It draws attention and jazzes up beautiful hands. Staci is sought after for her art and application.

Do what I’ve done: treat yourself by making an appointment with Staci or one of her specialized nail technicians. Creative Illusions is at 818 Main Street in Grandview, MO and the hours are Tuesday thru Friday 7 am to 7 pm or Saturdays 7 am to 4 pm. They’ll even set special appointments on Sundays and Mondays because they know that hands tell a story and they want yours to be one of beauty.