From Beauty Blogger to Business Owner, Taryn Granados Is Nailing It

“My mom always encouraged me to roll up my sleeves and tackle projects on my own through to the finish line, whether it was building something, tackling knots, or learning something new. I think fostering that independence early on empowered me as a young woman on my own.”

Taryn Granados is a nail art enthusiast, mom of two, and founder of Monday One Day, an integrated marketing and brand consulting agency that develops strategies for brands of all sizes. The Chicago-based beauty expert has worked for some of fashion and beauty’s biggest companies, and her perseverance and drive helped her become a successful (and self-taught!) entrepreneur. 

“My career trajectory is quite unorthodox, but something I am so proud of,” says the Hall of Femme honoree. 

Taryn studied at Syracuse University and the London College of Fashion, interned for W Magazine and Oscar de la Renta, and landed a job in Macy’s trend forecasting department after graduation. While attending New York Fashion Week shows on behalf of the company, she was inspired by creations coming down the runway—and decided to put her own spin on the trends. In 2011, Taryn developed Miss Ladyfinger, a blog dedicated to translating runway looks into high-fashion nail art. Within a year, she had contracts and deals with brands like Maybelline, H&M, 7 For all Mankind, and Sephora. 

“Everyone—my parents included—told me not to quit my day job, but I knew I had to explore where this opportunity would bring me," says Taryn. “It was terrifying, but oh-so-exhilarating.” She taught herself the ins and outs of building a successful business, and in 2015, Taryn was offered the job of a lifetime: Senior Social Media Manager for Essie nail polish at L’Oréal USA, the brand’s first-ever internal influencer hire. She eventually went from nails to hair, serving as Director of Brand Communications for Garnier. Taryn considers the five years spent at L’Oréal “truly the most invaluable corporate experience.”

In 2021, Taryn founded her consulting business, Monday One Day. She develops unique and targeted marketing campaigns for regional and national brands across industries, from beauty to men’s mental health to the wig industry. Now that she's on her second business venture, Taryn’s self-assurance has skyrocketed. “I feel so much more confident as an entrepreneur; I know the value of my time and expertise,” she says. “I can speak and advocate for the influencer-side as well as the brand-side, having experience in both.”

Below, Taryn talks about her unconventional career path, what she loves most about running a business, and the best beauty advice she’s ever received.  

You worked for major brands like Macy’s and L’Oréal before branching out on your own. What motivated you to take the leap, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

In 2011, I started my nail art blog, Miss Ladyfinger, translating runway trends into nail art at a time when beauty blogs were just on the rise. Within a year, I landed my first contract with Maybelline, and more brand opportunities, like [with] H&M, 7 for All Mankind, and Sephora, were rolling in. Everyone—my parents included—told me not to quit my day job, but I knew I had to explore where this opportunity would bring me. It was terrifying, but oh-so-exhilarating. I went from being at the bottom of the corporate totem pole to an entrepreneur overnight, and taught myself everything about building a business. 

From day one, I negotiated all my own contracts, put together content calendars, learned new software, created step-by-steps, attended Fashion Week, photographed, and blogged. I poured blood, sweat, and tears into establishing my brand and it finally paid off when, in 2015, I was offered my corporate dream job: Senior Social Media Manager for Essie nail polish at L’Oréal USA. 

L’Oréal USA trusted me to be the first-ever internal hire of an influencer well before other fashion and beauty companies jumped on the bandwagon. My five years at the biggest beauty company in the world, working across different brands in different verticals, was truly the most invaluable corporate experience. With a few more beauty brands under my belt since then, I knew I wanted to cast a wider net beyond beauty. I started my consulting business Monday One Day in the winter of 2021. My clients are a mix of national and regional brands, companies and individuals, and span across many industries from beauty to men’s mental health to the wig industry, empowering and guiding women through their hair loss journey. 

What is your favorite thing about running your own business? What would you change?

My favorite part about running my own business is having complete ownership of my time. As a mom of a 2.5 year old and a six-month old, flexibility has been critical in not only my want to be as present as possible, but also as a need when undoubtedly someone is sick. If I were to change something, it would be having that financial consistency. However, that’s what comes with entrepreneurial life, and I am better prepared having been through it before. I am exactly where I want to be in this season of my life and career and really happy.

When you were a young girl, what were the narratives you were exposed to about women and women's rights? 

I was always taught that if something is tough, to work through it myself with patience and perseverance. My mom always encouraged me to roll up my sleeves and tackle projects on my own through to the finish line, whether it was building something, tackling knots, or learning something new. I think fostering that independence early on empowered me as a young woman on my own.

Tell us about a woman who inspires you.

Kristen, my friend and former manager, is a big inspiration. She’s a total badass, effortlessly managing her role as a CMO and being a mom to three. Kristen is always committed to empowering women and fostering their success. She’s a genuine feminist in every sense. I am constantly learning from her and grateful to have her as an incredible mentor.

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Someone once told me “You can learn a lot about a person in the way they treat their nails.” While a little cliché—especially as a nail artist—it always resonated for me for a couple reasons: First, nail polish and nail art is a form of self-expression, and temporary, so playing around with your nails can be a fun and easy creative outlet. Second, how you treat your hands can be a good barometer for how much self-care we are prioritizing. We are all deserving of self-care, down to the tips of our nails. 

You’re a nail art connoisseur. Do you have a go-to design?

I’m all about simple designs, especially now that I am a mom of two! My go-to designs these days are an unexpected French-tip, whether it's tortoise shell or an assortment of colors. 

What's a ritual in your life that you swear by?

Therapy! I firmly believe that everyone should give themselves the gift of therapy. There is nothing more cathartic than a good cry to a person who doesn’t know you, and yet knows everything about you all at once. Even when everything in my life is status-quo, I carve out time for introspection and reflection. 

What's your favorite way to celebrate a win (big or small)? 

Any win, big or small, deserves ice cream! There’s really nothing quite like a good mocha chip topped with hot fudge. 

You can follow Taryn on Instagram.