We were lucky to catch up with L’Vasia Holloway recently and have shared our conversation below.
L’Vasia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I was two years in doing nails, still working my full-time corporate job wishing I could resign but at that time I didn’t feel confident going full time with the few clients that I did have. So I asked myself ‘how can you set yourself apart and create your own lane?’ That’s when it clicked, PEDICURES! A lot of clients would complain about nail techs not offering pedicures and how much they hated going to the salon. So I built a base for my nail room and started offering pedicures but it wasn’t my way out I was still stuck doing nails majority of the time. Fast forward to a few months later, an aspiring nail tech at the time mentioned waterless pedicures. That’s when the light bulb went off. I had never heard of such a thing but Google is my best friend and told me everything I needed to know. I researched day after day looking at the benefits of waterless services, salons or professionals in my area/state and I was shocked to see that it is pretty rare in North Carolina. I continued to research following multiple hashtags on Instagram and that’s when I came across Nufeet medical pedicures in Georgia. I saw that Erika Allison offered classes and I debated on taking it for about two months. I’m not going to lie spending 4k on a class plus traveling to take it I was uncertain of the outcome. It could’ve been a risk or reward. I finally gave in took the class. I was still uncertain because what if I made this investment and I didn’t obtain the clientele that I needed. After class, I started on my continuing education ans poured so much money into rebranding and purchasing equipment, materials and inventory to restructure my business.
In the beginning things started slow and I was still doing more nails than feet but it brought attention to the area and peaked curiosity. Things were going steady and without a solid plan I knew that I still wanted to open my salon. So I went on a search and looked at multiple locations. We were denied one, and the other was a disaster that I am thankful that I did not get. I reached out to a realtor friend of mine, asking if she could help me obtain a space at a very nice location that I have been looking into. At this time I was just looking to rent a room to share with a friend. I sent over my business plan explaining what type of services I offered. We received an email back from the landlord saying that they were interested in the concept of my business and that there was a project undergo, and they would love to have my salon in the building. So for the past year, I continue to work in my current space, as well as build more clientele, and finally left my full-time employer.
I’ve continued to work all while preparing to open the first waterless and low-toxic nail spa in the area and we are almost at the finish line. Had I not took the chance to learn something new and introduce this concept to my area, I would not have been given the opportunity that was presented to me. We are expected to open in May.
L’Vasia , 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?
Establishing new businesses is not something new for me. Since 2013 I have gained experience with businesses such as an online shoe boutique, selling customized treats, trucking and now nails.
After leaving multiple salons, there was something so captivating about Black Women slaying nails that I could not ignore. In 2018, I decided to act on my interest in nails by attending nail school. I gained my license while still working full time. Starting out with acrylic nails, I noticed clients would complain that “Black women don’t do feet”. That’s when it clicked. I soon realized exactly what the market was missing, pedicures.
The idea to create a pedicure only salon came into fruition. After speaking one day with a client, I was introduced to waterless pedicures. I then began to do research on why this procedure was a healthier choice and continued my education by obtaining certifications as an Advanced Nail Technician (ANT) and Certified Medical Nail Technician (CMNT). The purpose of Cure is to continuously help advance the dynamic of the nail industry. Clients and sometimes even nail professionals are blinded by the beauty of nails and forget the importance of nail health. Here at Cure we believe in making sure people not only look good, but feel good as well.
“I am passionate to bring Cure to North Carolina and help change people’s lives by providing healthy nails, knowledge and confidence!”
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Google! I ask my clients if they don’t mind to leave a nice review. Some, I don’t even have to ask and having a 5star rating has helped the business tremendously. When people say they Google healthy nails, waterless pedicure or medical pedicures, I pop up first
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I would say education. Showing the process and putting myself out there. I don’t know everything but I connect with other professionals in my market and constantly looking for new things to learn to help me improve and it shows within my business
Contact Info:
- Website: Curewaterlessnailspa.com
- Instagram: @curewaterlessnailspa
- Facebook: Cure waterless nail spa
Image Credits
@stillshotsphotography @29thand11