Nails a true 'Destiny' for her

SANDUSKY — Using her two hands, Destiny Tatum-Jones can count how many serious life challenges she's faced. And when Tatum-Jones stretches out each finger — noticing how the end of each is immaculate, polished and sleek — it helps illustrate her growth, realizing she can overcome struggles where a brighter future awaits. Tatum-Jones recently opened Nails By Dez, located within Our Salon Suites, 912 W. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. It's in a building beside Scarlett O'Hair Salon & Spa along with The Brides World & Tux World near Taco Bell. The nail salon, of course, offers a place where people can get their nails done, which includes manicures, extensions and other services. But it also offers pedicures and detoxifying treatments. 2021 to 2023 Originally from Columbus, Tatum-Jones moved to the Sandusky area about five years ago. "I was going through a hard time back then," said Jones, noting she struggled with alcohol and drugs. But, upon moving to Ohio's north coast, she's maintained her sobriety. It's also in Sandusky where she met her husband, Greg Jones. "It's very peaceful here," Tatum-Jones said. "It's nice to be by the lake, and the people are also nice. I needed this change." While in recovery, she gained a deeper understanding of compassion and caring for others. "My passion for nails began about four years ago," Tatum-Jones said. She explained: "In recovery, you are taught to do something for other people because addiction is selfish. So I started thinking about other people and finding ways to make them feel better about themselves. I began ordering nail kits and would sit in a warehouse in Sandusky and (a local recovery house) and do people's nails. This gave me purpose. Making other people feel good made me feel good." Tatum-Jones also developed a deep skill set with nail art. "People say it's amazing," said Tatum-Jones, who, at this time, just did nails on the side while working a full-time job. "When people get it, they are shocked at how good it is. Plus my nails last for a while, about two months, which is really good retention. What I do is quality, and it's durable." 2024 to 2025 About two years ago, Tatum-Jones suffered another setback. "I almost lost my life," Tatum-Jones said. "I ended up with something like compartment syndrome." It's a serious, painful condition caused by excessive pressure building up within enclosed muscle groups, restricting blood flow while damaging nerves and muscles. "I fell asleep on the floor, and my legs were crossed, and I lost circulation," Tatum-Jones said. "I had to have four emergency surgeries. On my right leg, I was on dialysis and on life support." During the next six months, Tatum-Jones needed a wheelchair to get around. Then, for the following three months, she moved with a walker. She still experiences complications ever since then. "I still might have to have another surgery soon," Tatum-Jones said. "But that is what shifted me to open a business because I can't do what I did anymore: a lot of retail, fast food, the post office." 2026 Immensely grateful for her husband — who cared for her and their two children, London, 11 today, and Gianna, 3 today — Tatum-Jones knew she needed to step up for her family by actually sitting down. So she took a risk, opening her first business about a month ago: Nails By Dez. "It is a bit nerve-racking, but I'm doing it," she said. Now she can not only accommodate her personal health issues, which include setting her own schedule without placing great strain on her body, but also pursue a passion. "I actually have two rooms, and they are very girly," said Tatum-Jones, pointing out the pink covering a majority of her main space, such as her workstation. "I like to say I'm a girl's girl." Tatum-Jones then made a promise to any client seeing her. "I take my time with everything I do," said Tatum-Jones, crediting her friend salon suitemate Kay King, of Kings and Queens Nail Salon and Spa, for pushing her. "I pour myself into everything I do. If I get it wrong, I'm willing to fix it. Plus I'm big on infection control and keeping everything clean." People can book an appointment by calling 419-388-4152 or visiting Facebook and searching for "NAILS By Dez." "I felt this was my calling. This gives me great purpose," she said. "It fulfills me in every aspect that I can imagine. It's everything I could have wished for and prayed for, and it's literally a dream come true. I never thought in a million years that I could have this."