Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylen Benson.
Hi Rylen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Journey into Nails: From Academic Probation to Passion & Purpose
I started doing nails back in 2021, during my college years. At the time, I was really struggling—academically and personally. I didn’t have a lot of family or outside support to help me stay focused, and eventually, I stopped attending classes altogether. I ended up on academic probation, and I hit a point where I had to make a tough decision: was I going to let it all fall apart, or was I going to take control of my time and put it to good use?
That moment of reflection was a turning point. I realized college just wasn’t the route for me—and instead of seeing that as a failure, I chose to see it as an opportunity. I remembered how much I’d always loved nails. Since high school, it had been a passion of mine, but I never had the push or the resources to really start.
So I gave myself that push. I spent countless nights watching YouTube tutorials and TikToks—teaching myself everything from acrylic application to nail shaping and proper sanitation. I prayed on it, and I asked my mom and grandma to believe in me and invest in my dream. And they did. They got me my very first nail kit—and that’s when everything changed.
I started by doing free sets to build my skills and confidence, and within two months, I had made $4,000 as a self-taught nail tech. It was confirmation that I had found my lane. What started as a low point in college turned out to be the foundation of my purpose and my business today
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road building my clientele here in the city. I originally made a name for myself in Albany, GA—a more rural, close-knit area where word of mouth was everything. That kind of personal connection made it easier to grow quickly. But moving to Atlanta, where the beauty industry is much more saturated, has been a different challenge. Standing out and gaining consistent clientele takes a lot more strategy, patience, and persistence—but I’m embracing the journey and continuing to grow every step of the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in flawless nail extensions and acrylic applications for both hands and feet, mastering every step from prep to finish. My clients love that I combine precision and speed—when you sit in my chair, I guarantee you’ll be in and out within two hours, feeling brand-new and ready to hit the streets. My standout strengths are meticulous application skills, unbeatable time management, and throwback 2015 salon prices—affordable luxury you won’t find anywhere else.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in my journey as a nail tech—in the best way. From the timing of opportunities to the right people crossing my path, certain things just aligned when I needed them most. Whether it was a client recommending me to someone major, a viral post that brought in unexpected bookings, or even the simple blessing of my mom and grandma believing in my vision and investing in that first nail kit—those moments of luck helped push my business forward. But I always say: luck met preparation. I stayed ready, so when those lucky breaks came, I could fully take advantage of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thabeautylab.square.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad-lQs9NiJDg_JCHMXVrJcMCrPiakfHX84KJcTESLuA4coQeZElvSdy3RjCcA_aem__BCRkQZb4hRo4u2p8LZ_Rg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha.beautylab?igsh=ZGNmY3VuaXBlMnEx&utm_source=qr
