Hi! My name is Kendra Johnston and I am the owner of The Nail Room Toledo. I was born and raised in Sylvania and still currently reside. I have been in the nail industry for 15 years and specialize in nail art. I originally opened TNR in 2020 and have outgrown spaces and moved til we finally found our home in Mayberry Square. I love everything about my career. I have got to meet and grow to love so many people that have sat down and held my hand and chose me for their nail girl. I have made life long friends and built a team that I believe in and paint the best of the best nail art and take such great care of their clients. I have been nominated for Best of Toledo twice, most recently winning runner up in 2023. When I am not painting nails, I am spending as much time as possible with my daughters, Izzy, 14 and Lenny, 1. They are the light of my life and what keeps me going, no matter what.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I absolutely love teaching and sharing my knowledge with fellow artists. I have participated in the Sylvania Cosmetology internship program for the last 4 years and taught pop up nail art classes and love helping other artists perfect their skill and grow.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dan Cummins from WTOL Toledo! He came into the salon for a news segment where he tried different local jobs & it was one of my most memorable days of my 15 year career. He was absolutely hilarious and so kind.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Denver, Colorado would be the first flight I would book if life wasn’t so busy. My brother and his family have lived in Denver since 2007, he owns a very successful business as well so we don’t get to see each other as often as I would like to. & I really miss my neice, Parker Rose!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t give up. The obstacles are what makes it all worth the risk. Always look for the solution instead of the problem. Stay humble and work HARD! Every lesson learned along the way will make the really cool successful moments even sweeter.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Convert an RV into a mobile nail salon and travel the country popping up at different art shows and festivals.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with my high school cosmetology instructor, Christine Jude. She has become my mentor on this business owner journey and has answered every single phone call and always knows the answer to everything, literally. She knows every single code, law, rule, regulation to a tee for Ohio’s state board guidelines- it is impressive. I would want to take her to lunch to show my true gratitude and appreciation for her, she is one of a kind. We definitely would have to grab Inside the Five for lunch and a celebratory cheers.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how ‘small’ the Toledo area can be. The clients at the salon always end up knowing each other somehow and it makes for a great ‘family like’ atmosphere at the salon.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Any nail service provided at The Nail Room! Our nail artists & talent are a 10/10 without a doubt! Also anything Barry Bagel!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughters, Isabella and Lennyn and my long time employee, Macy Bartko. No matter what she has stuck by my side through every challenge on this wild ride of entrepreneurship. I truly would have given up at least 10 times without their support and trust in me.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Ohio, Family, The salon!
