We were lucky to catch up with Donisha Andrews recently and have shared our conversation below.
Donisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Standards in the nail industry for a long time have been about getting someone in and out so that you can move onto the next person quickly and make more money. Your service is not personal, and that was some thing that I never cared for. when I got into this business, I decided the client would always come first, and every service would be personalized to their needs, and their wants. I devote myself to staying up on the latest trends and new technologies so that my clients can have the best of the best. New clients tell me all the time how different of an experience it is versus your typical nail salon. And it’s not just me, I’m seeing this change within other nail techs that I know and I love that for our industry.!
Donisha, 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?
My name is Donisha Andrews owner of Niche Nails salon. I have been in the industry for eight years and I have been a business owner for one year and a couple of months. Now owning my own salon has been a little bit challenging, but way more rewarding and I love it. I got into this industry when I seen a need for a more skilled technician who is willing to do art work and use new products and I wasn’t able to find that as a customer so I thought I could provide it as a service provider. I have a background in art , so that helped a lot . Now my specialty is providing intricate artwork and designs on nails.
As a brand niche Nails represents women, poc, and equality in the service that is provided to everyone. When you are getting a service with me, you are in a safe space and I truly care for all my clients. Being a transplant to Cincinnati Ohio it wasn’t easy to meet new people but my clients have become more like family and I hope they feel that as well!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy to growing my clientele has been me, just putting my all into my craft and providing the best customer service I can. Once I did that my current clients do the rest by spreading the word. I always tell people if you’re in the service industry you need to give good service. Understanding your clients wants and needs, apologizing when you’ve done something wrong, showing them that you care about their concerns or their issues, and being fairly priced all these things I believe helped me grow my desired clientele. I know from experience that even if the work wasn’t that great, but the customer service was, you will get a returning customer.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My nail journey was a huge pivot from what I was doing previously. I have a degree in fashion, which I never truly tapped in to. Once I graduated college as a young mother I stayed at home with my children for 2 years then me and my husband started our own business. I worked with him for a few years, but as it was his dream, it wasn’t fulfilling me the way I wanted it to so I began a journey of finding out what I wanted out of life and I landed on Nails . I wish I would’ve known this earlier, because I could be so much more advanced in the industry than I am now! I truly love doing nails! It is my passion, and I’m thankful that I was able to discover that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nichenails.square.site/
- Instagram: Nichenailscincy