Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nay’Quan Joshua. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nay’Quan , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My move from Louisiana to Houston in 2019 led me to a new role as a CNA during the pandemic. The challenges were immense, with the fear of the unknown and the constant pressure of providing care in such a critical time. However, I’ve always had a passion for helping others. I noticed the beauticians stopped coming to the facility I worked at because of the pandemic, so I took it upon myself to help with nails, hair dying, and anything else I could. I love making people feel beautiful. Little did I know, this act of kindness would lead to an unexpected turn of events. During this time, I made a friend who appreciated what I was doing. She saw something more and said, “You should attend cosmetology school. “ I laughed at her comment, not realizing it would be the spark that forever changed my life.
Nay’Quan , 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?
Hello! My name is Nay’Quan Joshua, and I’m originally from Louisiana. I’ve always been creative for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always had a passion for all things art and freedom of expression. I was working as a CNA during the pandemic here in Houston, and because of the COVID-19 restrictions, the beauticians weren’t allowed inside the facility for safety reasons. I love making people feel beautiful, so I took it upon myself to go around to all the residents who would allow me to paint their nails, dye their hair, help them choose outfits, etc . I worked with a woman who noticed what I was doing, and she was super proud; she mentioned that I should pursue cosmetology school because she felt I had a ” gift. ” I brushed it off at first, but little did I know that was the start of a life-changing career, and I’m forever grateful. I invested in a small business where I offer manicures, pedicures, acrylic nail extensions, and more. My true passion and attention to detail set me apart from others. I take great pride in my work and ensure that every detail is perfect. I love the money, but doing nails is a mental relief. I love the process and seeing the outcome. All good things take time in life and the nail studio. Rest assured, I take all necessary safety measures in my studio to ensure a comfortable and worry-free experience for my clients.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Social media marketing, creating reels, and keeping up with trends have been my primary tools for attracting new clients. Thanks to my consistency, I was able to grow my page from 99 followers to nearly 800 in a month. Overcoming my shyness and reluctance to show my face on camera was a significant hurdle. In this vast digital world, it’s essential to advocate for yourself and show everyone why you belong.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
In December, while at a stop sign, I was rear-ended by a drunk driver who was operating a truck. The impact caused my car to collide with another vehicle from the front. I was in so much pain; however, I had clients the following day. The collision occurred before the Christmas holiday. I was devastated; I lost my car but refused to lose one of the only things that brought me joy. Despite the pain, I was determined to continue my work. I serviced clients all day after the wreck. I was so exhausted that I passed out at the end of my shift. I went to the emergency room later that day. Even while feeling ill, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment by servicing clients, a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://naydoesnailss.square.site
- Instagram: naydoesnailss_
- Facebook: NayQuan Joshua
Image Credits
NA