Nail Technology Student Success Story: Xochitl Solarte-Pan

About Xochitl Solarte-Pan

For Xochitl Solarte-Pan, nails have never just been nails. They are something much more personal than that. Now a Nail Technology student at EBC’s Renton campus, Xochitl brings a story that is equal parts bold, honest, and inspiring.

Nail Art by Xochitl

Before EBC, Xochitl spent about five years working in tech, doing social media marketing and influencer management. When a layoff hit, the already difficult job market made it even harder to find a clear path forward. “I was fortunate enough to have the support of my partner during that time, which gave me the space to figure things out,” she shares. That space led her somewhere she had not fully expected: back to herself. She realized she was craving creativity, hands-on work, and something that actually lit her up. Nail technology kept coming to mind, and eventually she stopped brushing it off.

The roots of that pull go back years. When Xochitl moved away from small-town Illinois, she was a young person figuring out who she was. At 20, she came out as a transgender woman, and not long after, she got her first acrylic set with a group of friends. “That experience changed my life,” she says. Since then, she has almost always had a full set of nails. For Xochitl, nails are a source of gender affirmation, confidence, and connection to herself. Becoming a nail tech is a way to give that same feeling to others.

She chose EBC after hearing great things from nail techs she had met throughout the years. When she reached out, the enrollment experience only confirmed it was the right call. “The recruiters were helpful, supportive, and made the entire experience feel approachable and anxiety-free, which made a huge difference for me.” From the very first interaction, EBC felt like a place that would have her back.

The Evergreen Experience

Nail Art by Xochitl

Xochitl’s favorite service is doing full sets, preferably in gel, though she can do both. What draws her to the work is the creative process of starting with a plain nail and turning it into something entirely unique. “Being able to bring a client’s vision to life is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do,” she says. Nail art, in particular, is where her artist side really gets to shine, and she has embraced every opportunity to develop that skill.

The community inside EBC has been just as meaningful as the technical training. “My classmates are incredibly supportive and are always willing to help each other learn and grow,” she says. Her educator has packed a tremendous amount of knowledge into the months they have worked together, and Phase 2, with its real spa and clinic experience, has helped her build the kind of confidence that only comes from actually working with clients.

When someone sits in Xochitl’s chair, they can expect to feel at ease right away. She is energetic, welcoming, and easy to talk to. Her goal is simple: create an environment where clients can relax, have fun, and be completely themselves. “When someone sits in my chair, I want them to feel comfortable, cared for, and confident that they’re in good hands.”

The Next Step

Nail Art by Xochitl

After graduation, Xochitl plans to start working out of a home studio while continuing to grow her clientele. Her long-term vision is to open her own private nail studio, whether that is in a salon suite or a creative warehouse-style space. She especially wants to build an environment that is genuinely welcoming for queer and transgender clients. “As a trans woman, I know how powerful beauty services can be in helping someone feel seen, affirmed, and comfortable in their body, and I want my work to provide that experience for others.” It is a mission that makes everything she is doing here feel even more purposeful.

Her advice for anyone thinking about enrolling is something worth holding onto: “Show up as much as you can. Some days you’re going to feel motivated and excited, and other days you might not be at your best, and that’s okay.” She also encourages future students to let go of the pressure to be perfect from the start. “You’re in school to learn, make mistakes, and grow. Give yourself grace, trust the process, and remember that everyone starts somewhere.”

Xochitl Solarte-Pan is expected to graduate from EBC’s Renton campus in September 2026. Follow her nail work on Instagram at @nailsbytsxochitl and on TikTok at @tsxochitl. We are so proud of everything she is building and cannot wait to see her studio come to life!

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry, check out our different programs or Schedule a Virtual Tour at one of our campuses: Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, Olympia, and Yakima.