We had the good fortune of connecting with Matika “Madam MJ” Maple and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matika “Madam MJ”, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to leave a opening for future nail techs to grow and thrive within their true creative self. I hope those who know me will associate my name with joy, inspiration, and love.

I want people to remember that I was a risk taker, I went after any and everything I wanted. No matter how many times I had to try it over and over and over and over again. I want people to remember my smile, how I loved everyone around. Most importantly I want people to remember that I was true to myself, how blunt I was and I never sugar coated my thoughts. I took charge of who I was and embraced her.

That’s what I want people to remember!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is what I absolutely love… BEAUTY! I am the owner of the first nail technology school in Florence, SC. I opened Canvas Artistry in 2021. In 2023 we added the Esthetics Program and now we are Canvas Artistry Nail & Skin Academy.

The passion I have for the beauty industry is what sets me apart from others business- wise. I’m always looking for something to get my hands into.

My passion & sincerity has gotten me to this place I’m at today. Staying true to my world and always showing up for myself and others.

Running a beauty school is not for the weak. You have to be in it for the love of it, not what you think you’ll get out of it. Definitely don’t do it if you can’t be broke for a few years. Lol! .

I’ve learned that it’s always business and never personal! I’ve learned patience.

Never give up on yourself. Always do it, and believe it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother!

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer My 10th grade year. I originally wanted to do hair, but because of this diagnosis she had to stop working. Cosmetology wasn’t an option anymore. My mother cooked and sold dinners to get the money to enroll me in the nail technology program at the Sumter County Career Center.

My Aunt Joetta was a major support to me in my career over the years. Unfortunately she passed this year. But, I definitely want to shout out these two ladies.

Website: Www.canvasartistry.net

Instagram: @Ca_nailandskinacademy

Facebook: Canvas Artistry

Other: Tiktok @Ca_nailandskinacademy

Image Credits
Juana TheArtist

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