Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisha Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my nail business when I was 15 years old. I was going through a lot and needed something to occupy my time. I had found out my dad was on drugs a few years prior and things at home were really rough dealing with abuse and watching my parents fight. So I decided to do something with my pain and anger rather than take it out at school. I started my nail salon/business but I fell off bad!
I recently started back 2018 and still wasn’t taking it serious. My grandmother passed in Oct of 2018 and again I needed somewhere to put my frustrations so I started doing nails again fully and today age 18 I am a nail tech and I start school January 8th, 2020 and I’ll be graduating in 6 months. And that’s basically my story.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Becoming a nail tech is not easy at all. I went through a lot from family issues such as abuse, my dad’s drug addiction, finding out my sister was doing drugs and my mom getting custody of my nephews. Then 2018, my close friend India was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Some other struggles were being able to afford products, my family wasn’t poor but we didn’t have money for nail supplies because bills needed to be paid.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in nails so that’s basically manicures, pedicures, and acrylics which is nail enhancements. I’m known for encapsulated nails which is adding like actual items and pictures in the nail. I’m proud that I even was able to start a business at such a young age and my business is unique because it’s a place where young girls and women can come relax, talk, vent, etc. because I didn’t have a place I could go when I needed to talk or just for space.
What were you like growing up?
I was very outgoing and caring. I was most definitely a leader. I was a very fun person to be around and I feel like those traits followed me and made me the young independent entrepreneur I am today.
Pricing:
- Full sets start at $35
- Freestyle sets $60 and Up
- Manicure $20
Contact Info:
- Website: Thegirlstrap.bigcartel.com
- Phone: 4707786530
- Email: thegirlztrap@gmail.com
- Instagram: @nailedbymarkia
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