We recently connected with Jessica Cervero and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The idea for my business probably started the first time I got a full set of acrylic nails at 15 or 16 years old. I’ve loved getting my nails done ever since. Fast forward to 2018, a year that completely transformed me. I was experiencing so many losses, fighting for my brother who was wrongfully imprisoned, and struggling with my mental health. That’s when I took a big step—I started therapy.

One of the first questions my therapist asked was, What makes you happy? And I couldn’t answer. I knew I loved making other people happy, but when it came to myself, I drew a blank. So, I thought about something simple—something I always looked forward to: getting my nails done. I was faithfully getting gel manicures and pedicures every two weeks, and I realized it was more than just maintenance—it was self-care.

As I progressed in therapy and watched The Secret on Netflix, something just clicked. I wanted to start doing nails. I loved getting mine done, I had a creative side, and I thrived on seeing the end result of my work—so why not? My best friend, Shanice, gave me her old nail kit from cosmetology school, and I turned on YouTube to start learning. Once I felt comfortable, I turned my spare bedroom into a nail room and began taking clients in the evenings and on weekends while working full-time as a sales rep.

Then, in March 2020, the world shut down due to the pandemic. Since all the nail salons had to close, I kept my books open just in case anyone wanted to book an appointment. That first week, my books were completely full for the first time ever. Before that, I was only getting one or two appointments every other week. I expected these new clients to return to their regular nail salons once they reopened, but the opposite happened—I still have some of those clients today.

With the money I saved, I quit my full-time job in January 2021 and enrolled in nail school. I received my license in April 2022, and my business continued to grow. In 2023, I moved into my own nail shop, became a mother, and got engaged—a beautiful whirlwind that manifested everything I had worked and prayed for since 2018.

Now, in 2024, I’m balancing motherhood and a fully booked schedule every month with the most amazing clients. I’ve turned my passion into a full-time career, and more importantly, I’ve created a space where people can prioritize their self-care—just like I did when I needed it most.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Jess Nails is more than just a place to get beautiful nails—it’s a safe space for self-care in every sense. My goal is to create an environment where my clients feel comfortable, unrushed, and truly taken care of. In our busy day-to-day lives, we rarely get a moment to slow down, and I want Jess Nails to be that space where self-care is prioritized.

I focus not only on healthy nail care but also on mental well-being. Whether you want to chat or simply decompress in silence, my studio offers a one-on-one experience where you can fully relax without the distractions of a busy salon. It’s about more than just nails—it’s about taking time for yourself.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my business started as a side hustle. In the beginning, I took appointments in the evenings after work and on weekends, charging minimal rates as I built my skills. Over time, as my client base grew, I was able to save enough to cover at least six months’ worth of expenses, allowing me to confidently transition out of my full-time job.

A key financial milestone was my investment in a share-save program with my previous employer. When I cashed out, that money funded my nail school tuition, making it possible for me to take the next big step in my career. Since then, my business has continued to grow, and I’ve been able to turn what started as a passion project into a thriving full-time career.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

In the very beginning, I relied on my tax refund to purchase equipment and supplies. As my income grew, I reinvested into my business, expanding my services to include pedicures and adding more gel and acrylic products.

When it was time to move out of my nail room and into a salon space, I knew I needed additional capital. Fortunately, my network had grown significantly through my client base. One of my longtime clients and friends, Fair, introduced me to Operation Hope. I had heard of the program before, but once I looked into it, I realized how valuable it was. The program provided weekly business classes and one-on-one coaching to help me develop a business plan tailored to my goals.

After completing the program, I qualified for a small business loan, which helped cover the renovations for my new shop and provided financial support during my maternity leave. That funding was a crucial stepping stone in turning my vision into reality, allowing me to create the space I had always envisioned for my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessnailstn.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessnails_tn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessnails.tn
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/jessica-cervero-34a4bb49

Image Credits

Bodiedbybre Photography (Instagram: @bodiedbybre_)