Meet Tokena Wells | Nail Tech Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tokena Wells and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tokena, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up I was surrounded around creativity my father ran a landscaping business that him and my mother work together. So daily I experienced art being created around me rather it was manicuring, designed the yard it was always something involved with making something look better. When it came to projects in elementary and middle school I was always very hands-on about it and extremely particular about how it looked and how it was presented. As I got older I try different career jobs And I always noticed that me being creative and creating things that other people could appreciate was my true passion and it took me a while but once I locked in on excepting what I love and what my career was going to be, I think art really chose me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is my uniqueness, being in tune with my client wants and needs for their nail care, but most importantly, my perfectionist it’s a gift and a curse

I am most proud of my growth as a woman, and as an artist continuing to gain more knowledge in this industry growth is always a good thing and I’m excited about what’s in store for The
Goldenfile this year 2023. It’s going to showcase the true definition of a rose growing from concrete.

I got to where I am today, professionally with years of hard work and experience. I will credit every salon that I have worked in as a key contributor to my knowledge good and bad over the years. It showed me what I wanted and did not want for my own brand Product wise services, wise and businesswise

It wasn’t easy at all, being a black woman in a predominately Asian industry I kept my head, held high, and continue to show up and be present. I’ve definitely learned that it’s not personal it’s business and in order to overcome these challenges, you have to take your emotions out of it. Now I’m human they were still there, but it wasn’t personal. It was a business.

My story is real. My story started out like many, a kid with a dream. I’m living that kid’s dream. This brand is one of the most delicate thing that I have dealt with. It’s like my first child watching it grow and pouring into it my energy, blood, sweat, and tears. My brand, it’s built around the heart. My brand is an extension of myself when I look at my brand I see myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The itinerary for the trip would start with Mondays at Harry’s. We’d be thrifting by noon ending the night at a rooftop cinema. Tuesday night if there’s a basketball game we are definitely checking out the Rockets. Yeah, they’re not doing the best right now but we have to support the Home team. Fine dining after the game at one of the many spots here in Houston, Liberty kitchen, Willie G‘s, ending the night at Moxie’s.
For hump day, we would definitely hit up Wild either location Richmond or Westheimer. Activities that evening would either be putt-putt golf or walking through the park to see the Houston city skyline.
Thursday we would be checking out one of the new hotspots here in Houston which is the post. It has a little bit of everything food, shopping, and scenery off of the rooftop.
Friday night would consist of riding scooters around downtown that’s a huge thing here. There are multiple vendors here that you could pick from you can even go Mario kart riding around the city. It’s pretty cool. After riding scooters it’s time to bar hop and check out any live music that may be happening. There are so many hidden gyms around the city that only are known by true Houstonian like myself.

Rounding out the week on Sunday with a great sermon by Pastor Sloan at the Luke Church in Humble. One thing you have to do before you leave Houston is experience brunch on Sunday, one of the spots is going to be Little Hen or Urban Social.

With all that H-Town has to offer, our week would be jampacked with multiple activities however, it’s all depending on the weather lol

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sandra Villiareal, she was very influential and encouraging me to chase my passion of creativity through nails.

Website: www.thegoldenfile.net

Instagram: @nailbosskena