Maria Ortiz

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”—Maya Angelou

How fitting are the words of Dr. Maya Angelou when we think of this beauty! Born in Newark, NJ on November 26, 1976, she would later make personal decisions and life changes that would influence the lives of thousands. Maria Ortiz, foster and adoptive mother of three and a full-time nail technician, has placed Newark, NJ on the map for her unique clientele. She is a self proclaimed ‘Jersey-Rican’ and this issue’s ‘Mega X’Treme Nailz Diva’, and it is truly an honor to call her a friend!

X’Treme Nailz: Hey Maria! Finally, right? It is a pleasure to sit

down with you for an interview! “Jersey-Rican”? Where did that come from?

Maria: It’s a ‘new’ word! (laughing) People always mention my strong accent and wonder how I have it since I was born here and have lived here for most of my life. My parents were both born and raised in Puerto Rico before coming to New Jersey in the seventies. Both of them were pastors, and we traveled back and forth to Puerto Rico during my childhood until we finally settled here for good when I was in the eleventh grade. My mother still carries a heavy accent and where I live is heavily Spanish influenced, so I left with the accent and it has never gone away even though I only speak English! So, it’s the ‘Jersey-Rican’ thing! (laughing)

X’Treme Nailz: You are a ‘veteran’ in the nail industry now! How long have you been in the game?

Maria: I’m forty-five years old now and I actually started doing nails when I was around seventeen or eighteen years old. So, almost thirty years professionally!

X’Treme Nailz: Almost thirty years definitely gives you ‘veteran’ bragging rights in this industry! So tell us, how did it all begin?

Maria: Well, I remember coming in from high school one day, and they filled the apartment with the heavy acrylic smell from my aunt practicing on my sister’s nails. It drew me to the table and I just remember her reaching into a little black box with all of her supplies and tools that they issued from the beauty school back then and I was like, “God, what is this?” I was go-

ing on and on about the smells, the buffing blocks, trinkets and acrylic powders, totally in love with everything! It was so intriguing and the most amazing thing I had ever seen! So I got introduced to the whole nail world at that exact moment! I told my aunt that I really loved this and was interested in doing nails! She told me I would be eighteen in two months and had to graduate high school before I could register for classes, but she would take me to the school and pre-register me. After begging, I got my parents’ permission and could visit the school and let everyone use me as their guinea pig for class credits and I fell more in love with the industry. As soon as I graduated, the rest was history. Three months later, I was doing the principal of the school’s nails! I had picked up the techniques so fast and I was so fascinated with wanting to know more. It became a passion that I discovered in myself!

X’Treme Nailz: This brings back so many amazing memories of cosmetology school for me. You know you’re a veteran when you remember the cosmetology ‘black box’! We carried all of our supplies in that heavy case and you had to carry it every day! (laughing) We didn’t have drills then either. Everything was done by hand!

Maria: Yes! It was so heavy, right? That box opened in two sections and tilted trays like the professional make-up kits do today! Loved it! Right, we didn’t have drills then, and we sculpted those nails and smoothed them with our files. I remember and I still have techniques I can only use with a file and no drill could ever achieve that finished perfection. X’Treme Nailz: Exactly! Even though I am now longer active, I still keep my files on hand to clean up any imperfections that I may ‘feel’ after leaving the salon! So, tell us about your unique clientele!

Maria: I cater to the long and extreme nail goddesses. I mean, I do short nails because I've been in the field for so long and have clients with shorter nails. I can’t bend them and they've been my clients for about nineteen or more years! (laughing) I love them like family, so I will not abandon them, but I cater and specialize more in the longer nails. The reason I fell in love with long nails was because of the discrimination that other nail techs hide. You know, for some reason, when you talk to someone about long nails, something that's different, there’s usually something negative to say. They don't see the beauty in them.

X’Treme Nailz: How did you designate your techniques mainly to our long nailed divas?

Maria: Okay, this is how it began and I’ll try to make it short (laughing). This is how I met my first client. She was a walk-in and her nails were maybe ten inches long! When I saw them, I was blown away because I was used to working on really short French-manicures and creating designs, but never ever on extremes. I didn’t even know if I should have been disgusted, but I knew I wanted to touch them! So I told her that unfortunately I couldn’t do them because I didn’t even know where to start, but there were other techs in the back that would take her. She came back from the back and was crying. I asked what was wrong and found that no one wanted to do her nails because they were too long. She said that they wanted her to cut her nails in order to be serviced, and I saw the desperation on her face. She said that the salon came highly recommended, and I felt so bad for this lady. I told her I was good with designs and I would do her nails, but if I messed them up, I would cover them in some great 3D artwork! I would add vines, lines and whatever, but I had never done this before and I want to do them. I told her I only take appointments and if she could come in the next day, I would take care of her. I was like, what the hell did I just do! I started regretting it because I didn’t know what I was getting into. At the same time, I was relieved. The next day, she came in and I started working on her nails. They were lumpy in various areas and I smoothed them out real neat with my files and worked on her polish. I cleaned underneath them and I filled them in, which lifted in about three to four days, but she didn’t even care. I had stones and all kinds of art on her nails and she loved them! She had an enormous smile and was so happy! It took me seven hours to do them, and everyone around me was complimenting me on my work and afterwards she was receiving many compliments as well! I fell in love with the craft all over again and to see the happiness on this woman’s face was more than enough. It just blew my mind! I look back on that and it was a beautiful moment! I perfected my skills, and she became my walking billboard, recommending me to other people.

X’Treme Nailz: Amazing! I love it! You are truly respected in this

industry. I’ve interviewed a couple of your clients and they absolutely love you! I also interviewed a few prospective techs and extreme nail wearers and you are their inspiration to either pursue the field or wear the extremes.

Maria: Oh my God. You're going to make me cry!

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, there are so many other techs and influencers that they could follow, but your name was the first name mentioned! These ladies were on the west coast and the midwestern areas and beyond! It speaks volume for your personality and your character. You are admired for your compassion, sincerity and protectiveness that you have for your clientele and others that are shamed, and have provided a haven, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging where women with long nails can feel free and accepted for being themselves. You’ve become a trendsetter, and icon and have placed Newark, NJ on the map for our extreme nail divas internationally. For this, we say thank you!

Maria: I’m humbled and I thank you. The reason I’ve embraced this extreme nail world is being a transgender for over twenty-six years. I know discrimination firsthand. When I came out, it was the mid-eighties, and it was a huge taboo then. Today, everything is so liberal, and it’s no big deal. You know, being gay is one thing, but being a transgender, you’ve escalated things to a whole new level that people were not ready for, especially for someone like me! I was petite, tiny framed, out ‘tricking’ myself here and there. A lot of girls out there couldn’t stand that, and it was so complicated for me to come out because my parents were pastors and now they had to deal with this world. But it wasn’t cool. I walked the block of our city being discriminated against and bullied, so, yes, I know how it feels. After I met all the girls and I saw the discrimination on social media, I immediately embraced them. Sincerely, this is a no-no, and I decided to create a haven that they would never forget, and I did.

X’Treme Nailz: Is this when the Long Nail Goddesses of Newark were created? And how long does it take you to create those works of art?

Maria: It’s the reason it started, yes. The name came later, but it can take anywhere from one to six hours depending upon the repairs, length or the intricacy of the design. How were the ‘Goddesses’ formed? Well, I was working on a client and another long nail client came in for a repair. As she waited, I introduced them. They started talking about nail haters, and tricks of the trade with long nails amongst themselves, and I joined the conversation. We talked for minutes, that later turned into hours before we knew it, and at that moment I realized I wanted to get all of my long nail clients together for a regular gathering and I did! So every two to three months we kept on getting together and the group just got bigger and bigger as time passed. I make sure that it is catered to the max! We have these big, enjoyable parties where we wine and dine. We talk about nails and relationships or anything they want. It makes them forget about the real world for a few hours, the harshness and the cruel words regarding their nails. It’s their safe place, their haven! One day, someone inboxed me on Facebook and called me "Goddess Maria” and said, “Your nails look beautiful today!" I fell in love with the ‘goddess’ name and I gave it to the group! Twelve years later, we are the ‘Long Nail Goddesses of Newark’. There's so many of us now.

X’Treme Nailz: This, my friend, is one reason you are loved so much in this community.

Maria: Again, I’m humbled. I'm not saying this because I want to say that I'm all that. But I am all that. I mean, I worked hard for my empire, you know, and I think I just have to pat my back sometimes. There is a lot of sacrifice, a lot of family missed birthdays, picnics and so forth so that I can cater to my girls. People are traveling from five to six hours away and staying in hotels just to have their nails done by me. So it's like, I built an empire and I love it! I try to teach my employees how to be the same way. I can’t do everyone, I can’t, and I understand that. So I am here to share my success with anybody, whoever wants it. That prompted me to start my YouTube channel.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, this is where some of those that I have spoken to are following you. They are learning from you and have been inspired to not only wear the extremes but to attend school and achieve their licenses so that they too can cater to and encourage long nail goddesses to enjoy being themselves!

Maria: Amazing! There's many people that like getting their own nails done and there's also many that don't want to do them. So,

I taught them one-on-one. You know, I tell them, ‘This is how you have to put this’, ‘This is how you apply that’. I’ll teach anyone that wants to learn how to do long nails, period! I'm not selfish with giving of myself!

X’Treme Nailz: So tell me Maria, as a long nail diva yourself, what is the strangest thing they have ever asked you about your nails?

Maria: Oh yeah, man, they've been the most. The most awkward for me was, “Do you take your nails off to go to bed?” I was shopping, and was like, “Excuse me?” Um, yeah. I put them on my nightstand and put them back on in the morning. Are you kidding me? These are my nails. She was so amazed. There have been other questions like, “How do you pick your nose?” and, of course, “How do you wipe yourself?” Yeah, you get this all the time, but at the end of the day, you have to have patience. It just comes with the territory.

X’Treme Nailz: Now that was a first! Never heard of someone asking if you take your nails off to go to bed!

Maria: Exactly and of course, there are others.

I really want to thank Jonathan for making this platform for us to talk, allowing us to show that we are more than nails. This is not only about nails, this is a lifestyle.

X’Treme Nailz: I think that when some people are presented with things that they are unfamiliar with, they are unsure what to say or ask.

Maria: There you go! There you go! My nails are a part of me. It’s the same thing as dating for me. I’m a foster mom, I’m a transgender and I love my nails. All three are me. You can take it or leave it. I have a list of lines….” You are not the first...”, “I don’t want you to think...”, “I'm a...”, “No I don’t...” This is Maria, and this is who I am and this is what I come with. You take it or you leave it.

X’Treme Nailz: How long are your nails now?

Maria: I just cut them. They were just seven inches and I just cut them, so they are about three inches now. I have a toddler in my house, so it was very hard for me to change diapers. At one time, my nails were super long, like close to ten inches and I was so excited when I saw there was a foster available and they told me they had to go, and I did because they were getting in my way. Then I had a toddler and then another one and I thought there is no way I can be that fast with three children and a toddler, my nails were slowing me down. So they are now down to three inches. With the children in the house, I don’t believe I’ll let them grow that long anytime soon.

X’treme Nailz: So, what are the pros of wearing extreme nails?

Maria: I like to stand out. I definitely do! Everywhere I go, I'm the one being stopped. “Can I see your nails?” I always wear them colorful. I like it because I have so much space to put on rhinestones and use my nails as a canvas. So, for me, my pro is that I can draw whatever I want by expressing my feelings.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, this is our way of expressing ourselves.

Maria: Exactly

X’treme Nailz: What do you think about the platform that has now allowed the long nail divas to tell their back stories?

Maria: I really want to thank Jonathan for making this platform for us to talk, allowing us to show that we are more than nails. This is not only about nails, this is a lifestyle. These are mothers. We are grandmothers, aunties. We could be you or one of your family members, you know? It’s like people like cars, tattoos and piercings. We just like nails and it is going to be respected. So Jonathan has opened the doors to people who could actually read our stories and know we are human beings behind our nails and we deserve our respect. So I'm very grateful and now we will be known not only for our nails, but for our stories as well! I’ve told him I am proud of him and that I’m glad we have the same common quality.

X’treme Nailz: Yes, it has been amazing! There are so many stories that have been shared and so many more to be told.

Maria: Yes, and I thank you so much for that. You also have inspired me to keep going. I like the trendsetting that we're doing, and then I guess I needed somebody to tell me that and it’s been uplifting. Sometimes you need to hear it from other people, even though people think I know it all because of my reputation, but I don’t. I’m just a regular human being like everyone else. I just work hard for what I have, but I don’t know it all!

X’Treme Nailz: How did you do over the rough part of the pandemic?

Maria: I’ve been truly blessed! Absolutely! I moved and recently reopened my shop. I have nine employees. When this pandemic hit, I was working with all females who were all mothers. We didn't know what we were going to do. Eventually, they were the first to stay home, and I didn't blame them. My last shop was huge, and I was paying a good bit for the space. I did great for about a year, but then I couldn’t afford that. Then, of course, the government grants were out, but they gave them to companies like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A and other people who reported businesses in distress and they could remain open. I’m going crazy applying for these PPP loans and so forth to have them still pending. I continued to keep going and spent over $40K and my salon was hurting. I started doing nails out of my home and kept up with my employees. I called them for over a year, checking to see if they needed anything. If I didn’t have it, I borrowed so that they could have enough to go shopping, even if it was for just a day until I could get more to them. You know, they were loyal to me, so I felt I had to take care of them and we made it through the damage of the pandemic. Today, I’m in a partnership with this barber that has been working with me for years and all of my employees wanted

to come back. So, I can actually say that I lost, but I also gained. Today, I no longer have employees. They are my sisters and that is how we view each other. We went through the good and the bad and I know they are going to be there. We’re good, we’ve created a deeper bond. I’m glad the pandemic came because we realized who was who. I wanted to show them that this is WHO I am in the good and the bad. Because of this, business is booming and I am much stronger as a businesswoman.

X’Treme Nailz: It is often said that when you put positive karma into the atmosphere, you receive the same back. So you've been putting out good vibes. Your intentions are pure. You do things from your heart and not from a place of malice. To take care of not only you and your family, but to check on and give help to your employees and their families as well is a blessed feat, especially when no one knew when or how this pandemic would end. My heart is full!

Maria: I'm not perfect. I have my days, but then again, who doesn’t. I get on my knees every day and thank God for making me the person who I am. Even though I am a transgender, if I were to die and be reborn, I’d want the same heart and would go through the same turmoil, have my same family and everything. I hope to pass these same values on to my children.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, we are all human. But in the same breath, you are also honoring your aunt for her introduction of you to the world of nails decades ago. As one that has been in the field, and I say this often, we are servicers. That is our gift! It means that we enjoy being of service to others. That is what we do. We give from our hearts and talents and ask for nothing in return. We enjoy bringing joy to the lives of others. That brings us fulfillment and happiness.

Maria: I am so glad that you said that as I was talking about purpose. I always say that when I came out of the closet, and I’m not asking for anyone to feel sorry for me, it’s just my life’s story. But, you know, with my father being a pastor, I've always known the Bible verses and so on, but I knew He placed me here to help someone. I was always searching for my purpose. One day I looked back at all of those people in my shop and my adopted children and I just knew that I had found my purpose. This was it and I just started crying and my friend asked if I was okay. I told him these were happy tears because it was then that I knew I was somebody! I pay my taxes and I help those in need. I am just so humbled!

X’Treme Nailz: Again, you come from a place of genuineness. We all snap off or have bad days, some that you regret and others that you find joy, but when the day ends, we can say that we’ve tried to be the best version of ourselves. What is your favorite saying?

Maria: I’ve said this in an interview with CNN. “The sky is the limit.” I’ve said this to my nephew who is transitioning (and at one point tried to commit suicide). I also say this to my clients and my children. When you look up and into the infinity, you can be whoever and whatever you want to be, but be a decent human being and be good to people.

X’Treme Nailz: Maria, where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

Maria: I see myself doing the nails of Michelle Obama. I’m speaking it into the atmosphere. Yes, I’ll be doing Michelle Obama’s nails even if it’s one time. I want her to wear a set of my long nails! I’d love that! I see myself in my shop, hiring as many people as possible, teaching them how to do long and extreme nails. I want this fad to go away from people being disgusted by us! I want our nails to be liked and respected. I’m sorry, I get so excited about all of this! I want my shop again, giving it one more try! Absolutely, I need to be there!

X’Treme Nailz: The pandemic gave us all that minor hiccup. Sometimes, we just have to regroup and think of the things that are the most important to us, allowing us a time to be grateful and slow things down just for a moment. Is there anything you’d like to say to those that may want to grow their nails out and find themselves unsure or struggling with being different?

Maria: Wow, now that’s a good one! I would say that in order for you to be yourself, accept who and what you are and what you like? I remember when I came out, ummmm, here I go again, I have a story for everything! (laughing) But I remember I had attempted to commit suicide. Afterwards, I went to this psychiatrist, and I thought it was the end of the world

for me. My parents now knew I had tried to commit suicide because I came out and didn’t have the courage to tell them. I wanted to dress up like a girl and felt like a female trapped inside of this body. This is what the psychiatrist told me and I said the same thing to my nephew when he also tried to commit suicide while transitioning. (Psychiatrist) “Your parents took a path in their life where they met each other. They had children, they bought a home and had jobs they enjoyed. They chose their lives and are happy with it. They had you and now you are looking for the path towards your happiness. Sometimes in life you have to be selfish and not think about who’s thinking about you, parents, no one but yourself. Your parents are eventually going to pass away and you are still going to be living. Now, would you want to be like, I should have done this or that? No, you are going to get up from here and you are going to do it. Get up and be selfish! Don’t think about any buffers. Think about you. Be selfish!” To this day, I remember that and it made me the Maria I am today, with the sky being the limit!.

X’Treme Nailz: I love it! Because if we are not living in our truths, we are not being selfish enough. Yes, we must be selfish in achieving our own individual happiness!

Maria: In this life, we all have a path and it’s only one! We only have one life to live, so you can choose to do it or live it out in regrets! I didn’t want to live in regret so I got up and said, I’m doing it and that next day I started my hormone treatment. X’Treme Nailz: Yes, our own individual journeys are to be enjoyed. The good and the bad.

Maria: Yes, we only get this chance to do it ourselves. We can always turn back and walk by the social norms, but then we are not being ourselves. We are sitting back and allowing someone to decide what they feel is what we should do to be normal. Anything else, we are the outsiders. But the thing about it is when God created each one of us by ourselves, he didn't create us all in a bubble together. We are individuals destined to live our individual lives. So be who you are and be happy with your choices.

X’Treme Nailz: Absolutely! Are there any last words?

Maria: It’s been my pleasure and I just want to say thank you for everything! Again, I am so humbled and honored. This platform is everything! Also, if anyone wants to learn how to do long nails, or maintain their own or just need guidance, reach out to me. I receive so many letters and messages from people all over and it inspires me to be an inspiration to others. Remember the skys the limit!

It has truly been an honor sitting down with Maria where we have allowed you a ‘minute’ glimpse into her world. Her journey is amazing and proves that you can’t judge a book by its cover! Her advocacy for her clients, children in the foster care/adoption system, the transgender, and the LBGTQ community has been noted on a variety of social media platforms. She also has been interviewed by multiple magazines, newspapers, and television broadcastings. Each time, she speaks her truth, unapologetically, as only she can. Her haven for long nail goddesses has grown astronomically with people finally feeling inclusive, accepting that they are not ‘freaks’ or ‘disgusting’ for desires to sport the longer or the extreme nails! Yes, she is a trendsetter and the sacrifices that she has made to become one is the authentic version of what it means to give all of oneself for the sake of others! At X’Treme Nailz International, Goddess, the love and respect will always grace your footsteps!

You can find Maria at:

Facebook:

Ortiz Marianails

Instagram:

@ortizmarianails

YouTube:

Maria Ortiz long nails

TikTok:

ortizmarianails

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