We recently connected with Anaia Ward and have shared our conversation below.

Anaia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I started my business in 2018, I was a sophomore in college when I got the urge to start doing nails seriously. I initially started doing nails for fun in elementary school on myself and my friends would pay me to do their nails as well but back then I did not see nor have the push to pursue this professionally. I wish then my family saw the true potential I had when doing nails and they would have helped me continue to grow my skill when I was a lot younger. I do think if I started sooner I would be further ahead however I don’t let that stop me from the growth I am still able to achieve today and in the future

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The biggest problem a lot of people have is time or “timing”. I strive to solve that problem at least in the beauty industry! I offer 24/7 nail services and I specialize in press on nails, acrylic nails & pedicures. I am proud to serve the Atlanta, GA area however I will come wherever my services are needed. I have been perfecting my craft for several years & I continue to grow my knowledge and build my own nail supply store that not only will have all nail products but as well as all beauticians needs. I love building a connection with my clients while boosting their confidence by giving them flawless nails!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Moving from VA to ATL alone at 21 years old with only a degree & a dream definitely is something that illustrates my resilience. I had a consistent clientele & a great support system that I left behind for something new and better. Starting over from scratch only made me pour into my business harder. I perfected my craft, networked with different people and businesses and promoted my business wherever I went. If it wasn’t for my resilience I would not have grown to be the nail tech & person I am today and I do not regret my decision it was honestly one of the best things I’ve done and it really showed me I can overcome all things through God who strengthens me!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Being a 18 year old college student I didn’t have much capital to invest especially only working part time. I took a nail class & invested $350 to get the basic essentials I needed. I then continued to add to my supplies on a per case basis until I built a decent inventory of nail supplies. It did not happen over night but I did not rush or over pressure myself & I am glad I didn’t because a lot of things I have now I don’t even use so imagine if I had invested $1,000 in supplies like I was originally going to do using my college refund check I would have more things sitting than actually being put to use causing it to be a bad investment. So i suggest to anyone starting a new business you should start small then expand as your business and demand grows.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theenailguru.com
• Instagram: thernailguru.llc