Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia Williams-Young.
Hi Nakia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Nakia Williams-Young, a veteran licensed nail technician, nail instructor, and owner of Perfect Accessorys: A Natural Nail Boutique. In 1996, I began my career in Little Rock, Arkansas where I built an extremely loyal clientele. Before I started my career, I always wondered why the manicurist had only a little corner space in the hair salon. Why was manicuring always an afterthought? This had to change and I had to be part of the solution. I wanted to create a clean, beautiful space that I was thrilled to come into every day and for clients to enjoy and unwind without having to share their pampering time with others. When I started doing nails, I thought that I wanted to specialize in artificial nails but quickly discovered that wasn’t my thing. I figured that I could build a loyal clientele by perfecting a basic, natural manicure and pedicure. Natural nails are beautiful and I take developing and maintaining their strength to heart. I moved to Georgia in 2003 and worked for several spas while continuing to travel back to Little Rock.Before COVID-19, I was still traveling and servicing my clients in Little Rock as well as Memphis. The summer months are particularly busy for those of us in the nail industry but the summer of 2020 was a different story. My business was closed for several months due to COVID-19 restrictions, so I had to reopen with a slightly different approach. I understood if clients weren’t ready to come into the boutique, so I wanted them to experience the boutique at home. During that time, I decided to expand my inventory. In addition to selling sugar scrub, I started selling homemade bath bombs and soy candles from a local candle company named Himalayan Handmade Candles.
While giving a pedicure, clients would always say that the sugar scrub was coarse or uncomfortable. Being that I couldn’t find a sugar scrub that was gentle on the skin, I decided to make my own; a Whipped Body Buffer that gently polishes and moisturizes your skin, removing dead skin cells. Since 2007, Perfect Accessorys: A Natural Nail Boutique has been committed to uncompromising cleanliness and personalized one-on-one customer service. Not only have I refined an old tradition; I offer a refreshing approach to manicures and pedicures. Grooming is a must and your nails are a must-have accessory for your look. Nice, manicured hands speak volumes about you, no matter who you are. From unique services, a curated shopping experience, and free internet access, I provide the options that make your choices easier. Think of a mani/pedi as the perfect accessory, just as important as your handbag or your shoes. Come and make the experience your own. It’s all about you!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening a business is never easy, especially when you’re not familiar with the area you’re in. I wasn’t a native of Atlanta, so essentially I had to start from the ground up. I partnered with LivingSocial and Groupon to gain exposure in the city. Unfortunately, those deals only allowed me to receive a percentage of my earnings. I had to have the confidence to know that once I got the clients in, they would come back and pay full price. Before becoming independent, I had a business partner for about a year and a half. Due to creative differences, I was compelled to dissolve the relationship, therefore branching off to create Perfect Accessorys.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Perfect Accessorys A Natural Nail Boutique?
I think what sets me apart from others is my cleanliness and attention to detail. I feel it’s necessary to personalize the service to meet each of my clients’ needs individually, and maintain a space that guarantees safety and comfort. What I’m most proud of is upholding the concept of natural nails. It’s not very common in the nail industry and I feel that I’m able to provide that service for clients who are looking to try something new.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
One of my most important characteristics is my ability to be perseverant and adapt to every personality that I encounter.
Contact Info:
- Email: Nakia@perfectaccessorys.com
- Website: https://www.perfectaccessorys.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectaccessorys/
- Facebook: https://twitter.com/nakianailsit?s=11
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nakianailsit?s=11
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