Nail salons are frequented before school dances, breaks, and special events for a new set of nails. Manicures are widespread among high school girls everywhere. One of the biggest drawbacks of going to the salon is the cost; the total charge for manicures ranges from $65 to $100.
Looking to avoid such high costs, students seek ways to do their nails themselves. Sometimes, doing so transforms into a successful small business, such as Snails by J, a nail business run by junior SJ Hobley.
It started with one comment about wanting to get her nails done.
“My mom said I should just learn how to do it myself, so I did,” Hobley said.
Hobley had a lot of influence and guidance from her mom, who works in the cosmetology field as a hairstylist and owns her salon. Her mom helped her find access to quality products and equipment to use for manicures.
Hobley had to do her research and work to start the process.
“I watched many videos online, read articles, and have asked other nail technicians,” Hobley said. “TikTok was honestly the biggest help,” Hobley said.
She began to promote Snails by J through Instagram and word of mouth around school and friends.
Seniors Ruthie Rosenberg and Reagan Green are frequent visitors to Snails by J. They were drawn to the business because of the reasonable prices, designs, helpful advice about nail care and chance to support a small business.
“They are so important to student life because they teach valuable skills and provide real-life experience,” Rosenberg said. “I would love to see more small businesses run by students.”
The importance of small business is growing. They also help with social skills.
“I love having a creative outlet,” Hobley said.
Hobley’s biggest tip for others aspiring to learn how to do nails is to have patience.
“I’ve been doing this for over 2 years and when I first started I couldn’t even hold a nail brush in my non-dominant hand,” Hobley said. “You have to trust yourself and the process.”
Small businesses provide students an outlet for their hobbies outside of school and a chance to make a profit off of doing said hobbies. Through hard work and belief, investing in a small business means investing in skills and future working experience.
