We were lucky to catch up with Diana Michelle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Diana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

When my fascination with nail art sparked, I was caught in the grind of a regular 9-5 job, barely scraping by. Money was tight, and investing in nail supplies seemed like a luxury. Initially, I didn’t have a clear vision—taking on clients or owning a salon wasn’t on my radar. What drove me was the joy of capturing nail processes and creating content around them.

Sharing my nail journey on Instagram led to an unexpected influx of requests for nail services. Despite the interest, I hesitated. I didn’t feel confident enough to take on clients yet, so I turned them down. Balancing two jobs while perfecting my nail skills left me drained and questioning my purpose. Deep down, I knew there was more I could offer to the world.

The turning point came when I made the daunting decision to leave my job and dive into building a business centered around nail art. Obtaining my nail license in October 2022 was a pivotal step. Relying solely on nail services for income wasn’t easy, but I persevered.

Reflecting on this journey, I’m astounded by where it has taken me. I never imagined I’d be immersed in the world of nails, let alone find joy and financial stability doing what I love. I’m grateful for the freedom I’ve gained while pursuing my passion.

Diana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a 24-year-old nail technician from Franklin, New Jersey, with a journey that began in a different world—makeup. Back in high school, I was all about makeup, creating videos, and even doing prom makeup for my schoolmates. The passion for content creation and video-making was always a part of me.

Transitioning to nails was a pivot that felt incredibly natural. I kicked off my nail journey in November 2021, taking clients, and here’s what makes me especially proud—I’ve remained consistently committed since day one. See, I’ll admit, I sometimes start new projects and struggle to see them through, but nails have been different. I’ve stayed dedicated and focused, never missing a beat.

What sets me apart is my journey. I began from scratch and worked my way up in this industry, learning and growing every step of the way. I believe in the power of starting, even if it feels like the timing isn’t perfect. Time never waits, so whether it’s chasing a dream or diving into something new, my advice is simple: start today. That’s where the magic begins.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In today’s world, creating content is more accessible than ever before. The tools are right in our hands, waiting for us to seize the opportunity. With just a phone and good lighting, the possibilities are endless. When I started building my social media presence, I began by diving into research on audience growth strategies. It’s incredible how much free knowledge is available—YouTube, TikTok, and more are treasure troves of insights waiting to be explored.

My first advice for anyone starting out is to pick a niche that resonates with you and stick to it. Consistency is key—delivering high-quality content consistently works wonders, especially on platforms like TikTok, where rapid growth is possible. Consider what people within your niche are seeking. For instance, in the cooking niche, trending recipes might be a hit; in fitness, advice on weight-loss foods; in the dog niche, the best products for furry companions. Focus on addressing what your audience is searching for or eager to learn.

While it’s tempting to create content based solely on personal interests, remember, the magic lies in aligning your content with what others are actively seeking. By tapping into the needs and curiosities of your audience, you’re laying the foundation for organic growth.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

As I mentioned earlier, I never envisioned nails becoming a major business or envisioned myself taking clients or owning a salon. It all began quite organically when I started sharing my journey of learning nail techniques, and unexpectedly, people began asking for nail services. Initially, I lacked confidence, doubting my abilities. Yet, as I dedicated time to practice and improve, I realized I couldn’t let fear hold me back from at least attempting to take on clients.

I hustled hard to promote myself. From creating stickers plastered on drive-thru windows to distributing flyers around my neighborhood. Online platforms became my canvas—I consistently showcased my work, building an online presence that gradually started to yield results.

With consistency, these efforts began to pay off.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsbydianamichelle?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nailsbydianamichelle?_t=8inYn4jAmD5&_r=1