Meet Madison Casanova

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

Hi Madison, what role has risk played in your life or career?
One phrase that has always stuck with me is: “Whatever you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” That mindset has shaped the way I think about risk. Starting a business at 16 was a huge risk in itself, and as I grew older, the risks only got bigger. By 2022, I was juggling nail school, college, and two jobs. When I heard that phrase, it really clicked. I realized that if I wanted my business to succeed, I had to fully commit.

So I made the leap and put all of my focus into Madi Nailed It. It wasn’t easy. I hustled harder than ever, sometimes to the point of burnout, but it taught me how much I was capable of. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I know this is only the beginning. Every stage of growth requires new risks, and I welcome them, because risk is where growth happens.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that, as cheesy as it may sound, you can truly do whatever you desire if you have the right mindset and motivation. My journey hasn’t been easy—there were plenty of moments of weakness—but those challenges only made me stronger.

What really sets me apart is how much I genuinely care about my clients, not only in the work I create but also in how I educate them. There’s so much misinformation in the nail industry, and I make it a priority to teach my clients the truth about nail health and proper care. I want them to not just leave with beautiful nails, but with knowledge they can trust.

Over the years, I’ve also built amazing friendships with my clients. They come to me because they know they’ll be taken care of, treated with honesty, and always leave happy. My favorite part of this career is seeing their reaction at the end of an appointment, or hearing later about all the compliments they received. Those moments remind me why I love what I do.

Getting to this point took hard work and sacrifice, and I know the road ahead will come with even bigger challenges. But I’m excited for that growth. The nail community has been such a source of creativity and support—it’s pushed me to grow up fast, to connect deeply with people, and to keep learning every single day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting San Diego for a week, I’d want to give them the full experience of what makes this area so special. Since I live in North County, I’d start by taking them to some of my favorite local spots—like grabbing coffee at Coffee Coffee in Leucadia and walking around the beach towns. We’d spend time at the beaches in Encinitas, Carlsbad, and of course take a trip to La Jolla to see the seals.

For a fun night out, I’d take them to The Cardiff Office or Shelter for drinks. When it comes to food, a must-visit is Campfire in Carlsbad and Jeune et Jolie for an incredible dining experience. I’d also make sure we spend some time in Leucadia to explore the shops, art, and laid-back vibe.

Beyond North County, I’d plan a day in downtown San Diego to check out Little Italy for amazing food, the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife, and maybe a Padres game at Petco Park. Balboa Park is another must-see—it’s not just beautiful, but filled with museums and gardens. To wrap it up, a sunset at Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach is one of the most magical experiences San Diego has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my dad. He’s the biggest reason I have this business today. From the very beginning, he’s been my biggest supporter, helping me brainstorm creative ideas, encouraging me to take risks, and even investing in my business when I was just starting out. He’s an entrepreneur himself, so I’ve always looked up to his drive and work ethic. He constantly pushes me to work harder and believe in myself, and I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance and support.

Website: https://Madinailedit.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madinaileditt/

Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@madinailedit?_t=ZT-8zeXE9T02IZ&_r=1

Image Credits
Photo credit – Alicia Rostomily