We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Britney Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Britney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In 2019 while working as a Lead School Counselor, I decided to open up a mobile nail salon business, Klassy Koats Nail Lounge. The initial goal was to operate on the weekends to supplement my primary income. Everyday I consistently researched and taught myself about the nail business. I then decided instead of just hiring nail technicians and overseeing the business that I wanted to go to cosmetology school and learn the craft for myself. So I enrolled in cosmetology school while still working as a school counselor. Every evening after work and on weekends I attended class to learn more about the art of manicuring and pedicuring. During my studies, I discovered the lack of healthier, cleaner, and safer nail services. So I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my career in education and focus on building my nail business. It definitely was not easy leaving a secure job with benefits to become a full time entrepreneur. And I’ve had plenty of moments that made me doubt my decision. But a little over 3 years later I can honestly say it was the biggest and most rewarding risk I have ever taken.

Britney, 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?

Sure! I’m a native Houstonian and the oldest of three children. I graduated from Aldine High School and went on to complete my Bachelor’s degree from Lamar University. I later received my Master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in Counseling. Part of the reason I decided to start a nail business is that getting a mani/pedi has always been my favorite form of self care. And self-care is very important to me. There’s something about nicely groomed hands and feet that boost your confidence and make you feel like you can take on the world. When I envisioned my nail business, I wanted it to be a different type of nail experience than the typical nail salon. I wanted the vibe to be different. I wanted it to be more personalized, private, clean, and relaxing. Every component of my nail business and the Klassy Koats nail experience has a specific purpose. From the music, the aromatherapy, the healthier nail products, etc.

Klassy Koats is not your average nail salon. It is Houston’s One Stop Solution for Transformational Foot Care, Natural Nails, and Wellness. We are the 1st waterless, non-toxic, and vegan nail spa in the Houston area. We specialize in wellness/medical pedicures, toenail restoration (prosthetic toenails), luxury gel and natural nail manicures. All of our services are performed soak-less meaning we do not use the traditional pedicure or manicure bowls that require large amounts of water. By performing soak-less pedicures we eliminate the possibility of cross contamination from other clients, save large amounts of wasted water, and provide a better pedicure as we can see calluses and rough skin much better when the foot is not saturated with water. We are a certified Safe Salon that creates and maintains an aseptic salon/spa environment and utilizes aseptic professional practices. All of our services are diabetic friendly and safe for those with other at risk health conditions.

We help people who want to achieve and maintain healthier hands and feet. All of the nail products we use are non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. You will not smell the harsh chemical aroma that so many of us have become accustomed to. It’s a clean, safe and private nail spa. We offer private treatment rooms to provide privacy and to allow the experience to be more personalized. We help clients that have foot issues such as severe calluses, thick and/or discolored toenails, and those with toenail deformities.

But we don’t just stop at offering manicure or pedicure services. We offer home care products for our clients to achieve and maintain healthier hands and feet while at home. During the consultation, we will refer out to local Podiatrists or Dermatologists when necessary. All of our nail professionals are required to complete a very thorough and intense advanced training course where they learn how to provide safe and healthy hand and foot care.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social Media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook), referrals, and networking have been the best source for new clients.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I use text message and email marketing to keep in touch with my clients as well as to foster brand loyalty.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.klassykoats.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klassykoats/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KlassyKoats/
• Other: TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@klassykoats/video/6952906472774716678