While raising two children as a single mom, fitness was the last thing on Ohio-based nail tech Kelly Rogacki’s mind. But as her daughters grew up and needed less care, she decided it was time to start caring more for herself.
by Staff
October 24, 2017
3 min to read
Tell us about yourself and your career.
My name is Kelly “Kiki” Rogacki. I’ve been doing nails for over 31 years and have owned my salon, Kiki and Company Salon, for 30 years in Toledo, Ohio.
What are your health challenges?
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I never lost my pregnancy weight from my second daughter more than 24 years ago and I kind of gave up on it. As a single mom, I cared more about raising my daughters. When it got to the point that I couldn’t fit into rollercoaster rides and I couldn’t buckle my airplane seatbelt, I decided something needed to change. Plus, I wanted to start dating again since my kids were now adults, living their own lives.
What was your plan of action?
In June 2014, my older daughter Mariah introduced me to this local shake shop, UR Way Nutrition, and I fell in love with all the flavors. I was losing weight without starving or cutting out any food I love. I also started to walk around my neighborhood and every week, I would add another block, keeping track of my progression with an app. My younger daughter Mackenzie would take me through a workout at the local gym as well, and I learned the hard way never to tell her if I wasn’t sore! By November of that same year, I had already lost 65 pounds.
How does life as nail tech affect your plan?
As a nail technician, we’re always sitting, so I decided to carry tennis shoes in my car for those unexpected breaks when I can walk around in the salon’s neighborhood. It’s also hard because in our profession, we don’t schedule a regular lunch and sometimes we have to quickly eat while a client is in the nail dryer. That’s why I always make sure to prepare my lunch ahead of time. I have two shakes a day, along with one meal and two snacks.
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What have been your results? What are your health and fitness goals for the future?
In the past three years, I’ve lost 77 pounds and I would like to lose 23 more. I’m extremely happy with how far I’ve come and love the compliments I’ve received. I actually won a 31-day challenge at the shake shop and took home $260! The best part is that in November 2014, I met the most wonderful loving man, John. We married two years later. He likes to be active as well, and last August we took a vacation to New Mexico and Utah. We did a lot of hiking in the Arches National Park and even climbed up a 140-foot ladder at the Bandelier National Monument.
What’s your advice for other techs?
I’ve tried every diet on the planet. You just have to find one that’s right for you and your lifestyle. If I’m craving chocolate, I’ll make a s’mores, Snickers, or tiramisu shake. The recipes are endless but healthy. And with my first granddaughter, Naomi, being born in February, family is another great way to stay motivated.
Are you a healthy nail tech? Every month, NAILS will feature one nail tech in a monthly column devoted to shining the spotlight on your health and fitness success! If you would like to share your success story (overcoming health issues, weight loss — any health-related triumph) with NAILS readers, email nancy.kirk@bobit.com to find out more about how YOU can be featured as a NAILS Healthy Tech.
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