We recently connected with Jamie Gainey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, I believe it takes a combination of strong leadership, empathy, and a genuine commitment to quality. Success is not just about reaching goals or personal achievements; it’s about how we treat others along the way. Being kind, empathetic, and sympathetic helps build meaningful relationships and fosters trust. I also believe that being a quality leader means having the courage to make difficult decisions, even if it means losing friends or popularity. Success isn’t always about being liked; it’s about staying true to what’s right and leading with integrity.

Jamie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been an artist and a creative since a young age. I’ve always doodled and drawn, and I graduated with painting in middle school and throughout high school. I started getting my nails done when I was 16 for my first prom and instantly fell in love.

At 20, while in college, I took a job at Sally Beauty Supply and met a young lady with exquisite nails. She revealed that she did them herself, having gone to cosmetology school and gotten licensed. I was enamored with her talent and decided then that I would go to nail school, but life got in the way. After graduating with a B.A. in Public Administration and a minor in Business Administration, I worked full-time and later pursued a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

By 2016, I had earned my Master’s degree but still felt unfulfilled creatively. I moved to Oklahoma in 2017 to pursue PhD studies but didn’t complete the program due to family members’ illnesses back home. I moved back to be closer to them and took a job to earn money and benefits, but I was still unsatisfied creatively. The nail industry had exploded, with celebrities like Cardi B and Kylie Jenner popularizing extravagant nails, though African American women had been flaunting beautiful, hand-painted nails since the 80s and 90s, such as SWV and FloJo.

Back in NC, I searched for nail schools. It took two years to enroll due to scheduling conflicts. I worked until 5:30 PM, but evening classes started at 5 PM, and the school was 45 minutes away. In January 2020, I got a job near the nail school. I enrolled in the nail school, but COVID-19 hit. Fortunately, by July, classes resumed in person, and I completed the program by September. I studied hard and did practice study sessions with classmates, rotating each week, acting as the student and the instructor, and acing both my boards on the first try.

It took me until I was 32 to achieve my dream of becoming a nail technician. Despite the delays, I never gave up. Inspired by glamorous nails and a growing black-owned nail industry, I built a business delivering quality, upscale, and luxury nail services, making clients feel beautiful inside and out. Each nail artist is unique, and my niche is drawing on tiny surfaces. I offer acrylic, gel-x, and press-on nail systems.

Reflecting on my journey, I wish I had gone to nail school first right after high school and then pursued college directly after. But I believe everything happens in its own time. My preparation before nail school, practicing at home, and learning from online platforms made me the most advanced student in my class. An old college friend who gave me her nail supplies for free also helped immensely.

The obstacles I faced included timing, college, full-time work, pursuing a master’s degree, family illness, and a pandemic. Yet, I persevered and became a nail technician. The younger generation has many resources I didn’t have at 20, like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. I’m excited to see future technological advancements.

The joy of clients seeing their finished nails or feet and their excitement is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve restored confidence in clients with amazing personal stories, whether they are single moms, women reinventing themselves, or recent divorcees. My passion is elevating clients through eccentric, quality, upscale, and luxury nail services that make them feel beautiful inside and out.

Problems I solve for my clients:

I create a space where clients feel truly heard and understood, almost like a therapist. By actively listening to their concerns, I build trust, offering them the confidence that anything shared remains confidential. This safe environment allows them to open up without worry. I also go beyond just listening—I’ve helped clients with resources on a variety of topics, including job opportunities, networking connections, college information, community service initiatives, and even groups for their kids to join.

What sets me apart:

I pride myself on creating a warm, inviting, and comfortable experience for my clients. From offering beverages without them having to ask, to letting them choose the TV program or music they prefer, I make sure they feel at ease. I never overbook clients, ensuring privacy and dedicated time for each appointment. I also offer breaks whenever needed to maintain their comfort. One unique touch is that I often hand-draw and sketch their nail designs, bringing their vision to life on paper before transferring it onto their nails. This personal touch has become a favorite, and I love sharing the side-by-side comparison of the sketches and final designs on my social media pages.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of social media and word of mouth. The more consistently I post, the more bookings I receive. I also always carry business cards with me because my own nails serve as a conversation starter. Every time I get compliments on my nails, I take the opportunity to mention that I did them myself since I’m a nail tech. I hand them a card and say, “Thank you! I do them myself. Here’s my card—feel free to message me and set up an appointment. I’d love to hear from you soon!”

Additionally, my friends have been great about helping to spread the word by sharing my work on their social media pages and sending potential clients to my page. They also help by passing out my business cards, further expanding my reach.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I recently launched a loyalty program where clients receive a stamp or punch for each service. After completing 9 services, they get the 10th service at 50% off. I also keep my clients updated on policies, upcoming changes, and new offerings through social media, email, and text, ensuring they’re always informed about what’s happening in the business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gaineysbeautybar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaineysbeautybar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaineysbeautybar/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaineysbeautybar_

Image Credits

Image Credits
Scott McGregor of Vision 6 Productions, Jamie Gainey, and Gainey’s Beauty Bar