Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ferlencia staten. Ferlencia was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Toju Sunmola.

Ferlencia, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ferlencia Staten is a native of Monroe, Louisiana, a small town in the northeastern bayous of Sportsman Paradise. As a child, Ferlencia spent her formative years exploring her interests and passions which eventually led to her current destiny. She always had a knack for learning and a natural love for literature and writing. After attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Ferlencia moved to Houston, TX to start her career in education. After serving as an English III and English IV instructor on the east side of Houston, Ferlencia realized that there was a significant need for more equitable opportunities for black and brown students in education. This ignited a fire within, helping her to find her passion and purpose. After receiving her masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading, Ferlencia became a Literacy Specialist in YES Prep Public Schools to tackle the issues head on. Today, Ferlencia continues to advocate for literacy and learning of all students. Ferlencia has worked with local advocacy groups such as ONEHouston to diminish the school-to-prison pipeline in HISD, as well as serving on multiple committees to impact the state of Texas curriculum and testing assessments. Ferlencia specializes in promoting fluency and literacy for Emergent Bilingual students, specifically beginner Spanish speaking natives. She has served as an instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, and as a literacy specialist on the district and school level. In her 7 years of service, her work has touched the lives of thousands of students, and it is just beginning. In her free time, Ferlencia enjoys traveling, volunteering and all things fitness.

She enjoys expressing herself through fashion, especially her nails. After a quick search on Instagram in 2021, Ferlencia found Toju and has not looked back since. She enjoys sharing design ideas with Toju, who makes every inspiration a reality. Over the years, a genuine friendship has blossomed as Toju uses her magical powers to continuously inspire and water those around her. Ferlencia foresees Toju being her nail-tech and friend for many years to come and is committed to always choosing Toju’s Fashion and Nails, first.

Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
After attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Ferlencia moved to Houston, TX to start her career in education. After serving as an English III and English IV instructor on the east side of Houston, Ferlencia realized that there was a significant need for more equitable opportunities for black and brown students in education. This ignited a fire within, helping her to find her passion and purpose. After receiving her masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading, Ferlencia became a Literacy Specialist in YES Prep Public Schools to tackle the issues head on. Today, Ferlencia continues to advocate for literacy and learning of all students. Ferlencia has worked with local advocacy groups such as ONEHouston to diminish the school-to-prison pipeline in HISD, as well as serving on multiple committees to impact the state of Texas curriculum and testing assessments. Ferlencia specializes in promoting fluency and literacy for Emergent Bilingual students, specifically beginner Spanish speaking natives. She has served as an instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, and as a literacy specialist on the district and school level. In her 7 years of service, her work has touched the lives of thousands of students, and it is just beginning.

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Toju Sunmola and Beauty and fashion and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Beauty and fashion.
My first visit with Toju was instantly magical. Upon immediate contact, she created a warm and welcoming environment that left a lasting impression on me. She was my first time experiencing a boutique nail salon, and unbeknownst to me at the time, this would change my trajectory in seeking out services for nails and the like. My first visit pushed me outside of comfort zone and drove me to seeking out something that I would have never tried before. Toju challenged me in ways to express myself and take risks in my expression, something a nail tech had never done before. In that moment, it was solidified for me that she would be my go-to person going forward.

I have been a client of Toju since the beginning of her journey. I have witnessed her expansion from the small shop she rented on the southwest side of Houston, to where she is currently. Toju has never strayed from meeting the needs of her clients and always seeking out opportunities to improve. She values client feedback and truly immerses herself into creating an atmosphere that simply allows you to breathe and be you.

Til this day, I look forward to my monthly “therapy sessions” with Toju, a nickname we call our appointments. Toju is not only my personal muse, but she is one of my closest friends as well. Her communication skills, sense of understanding and ability to cultivate relationships with each client is truly elite and no other customer service can compare.

If I had to describe Toju’s Nails in three words, I would say: collaboration, creation and serenity. Every chance that you have to visit Toju’s, you will be allowed to collaborate with someone who will bring your dreams to fruition through her trust and dedication to meet your needs. Secondly, her creativity will always inspire and bring to life whatever you desire. Expect compliments and many asks of “who did your nails” after a visit with her. Lastly, the overall ambiance and environment that Toju has created cannot be duplicated. Her warmness, comfort and overall climate is truly one that cannot be replicated, and it keeps bringing me back, time after time.

Image Credits
Toju’s Nails