Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katerina Abourched. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Katerina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My journey in the nail industry began over 15 years ago, fueled by a passion for precision, artistry, and education. After working with top brands, celebrities, and high-end events, I realized something crucial—most aspiring nail technicians struggle to find quality education that prepares them for real-world success. That’s why I created The Nail Business Academy, an online platform designed to bridge the gap between traditional beauty schools and the actual skills needed to thrive in the industry.

The Mission:
My mission is simple: to make high-quality nail education affordable, accessible, and interactive. Many people dream of becoming a nail technician but hesitate due to the cost and commitment of beauty school. My platform gives them a chance to explore the profession, develop real skills, and determine if this career truly resonates with them—all before investing in licensing.

At the same time, licensed nail techs often leave school feeling unprepared for the real industry. Most beauty programs teach the bare minimum, leaving graduates struggling to build a clientele, master advanced techniques, or understand the business side of nails. That’s where The Nail Business Academy comes in. Unlike traditional online courses that leave students to figure things out alone, my academy provides full support—students can ask questions, receive feedback, and communicate directly with an educator under every lesson.

Beyond the online platform, my studio, Moka Nail Club, offers in-person workshops with highly affordable pricing and interest-free installment plans. I believe that quality education shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be accessible to anyone who is serious about mastering their craft and growing their career.

Why This Mission Matters to Me:
I built The Nail Business Academy from scratch because I know firsthand how hard it is to break into this industry without proper guidance. When I started, I had to learn through trial and error, investing in expensive courses that didn’t always deliver. I don’t want others to struggle the way I did.

I want aspiring and established nail techs to feel confident, skilled, and ready to succeed. My academy isn’t just about teaching techniques—it’s about empowering people to create a profitable and fulfilling career. Whether someone is exploring the nail world for the first time or looking to take their business to the next level, they deserve the right tools, education, and support to make it happen.

Katerina, 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?

Can you tell our readers about yourself and how you got into your industry?

My journey into the nail industry started over 15 years ago, driven by a love for beauty, precision, and creativity. What began as a passion quickly became a career as I honed my skills and pushed myself to master the craft. Over time, my dedication led me to incredible opportunities—working with luxury brands like Gucci and Giorgio Armani, collaborating with celebrities, and contributing to major fashion weeks and editorial shoots.

But it wasn’t always easy. Building a career in this industry required resilience, constant learning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I’ve always believed that nails are more than just beauty—they’re an art form, a statement, and a reflection of personal style. My journey has taken me from working in salons to creating high-end, customized nail looks for red carpets, fashion campaigns, and film productions.

Today, I continue to challenge myself, pushing boundaries in both creativity and technique. My goal is to inspire and elevate the industry, proving that nail artistry is just as sophisticated and impactful as any other beauty or fashion discipline.

What type of products and services do you provide?

Online Nail Education – My academy offers courses with real-time support, so students can ask questions and get feedback, not just watch videos. @nailbusinessacademy.online
In-Person Workshops – Through Moka Nail Club, I teach hands-on classes at accessible prices with interest-free payment options. @mokanailclub
Luxury Nail Services – I provide high-quality, customized manicures for everyday luxury, red carpet events, and editorials @nailcouturehub_la

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the journey I’ve built from the ground up—starting as a nail technician and growing into an artist, educator, and entrepreneur. Working with luxury brands, celebrities, and fashion shows has been incredible, but what truly fulfills me is knowing that my work has made an impact. Whether it’s creating stunning nail looks for major events or helping aspiring nail techs refine their skills, I take pride in setting a higher standard in this industry.
I’m also proud of my resilience—navigating immigration, challenges, evolving with the industry, and never settling for less than excellence. Every milestone, every student’s success, and every satisfied client reminds me why I love what I do. And the best part? I know this is just the beginning.

What do you want potential clients and followers to know?

✨ Education should be accessible – My academy makes high-quality training affordable.
✨ You don’t have to do it alone – I personally mentor and support my students.
✨ Your career can be limitless – Whether you want to work in a salon, start a business, or create nails for celebrities, I help you achieve your goals.

My brand isn’t just about nails—it’s about empowering nail techs to build successful, fulfilling careers.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

For my online academy, The Nail Business Academy, most new students find me through social media, word-of-mouth, and referrals from past students. Instagram has been a major platform for showcasing my work and sharing educational content, attracting nail techs who want to improve their skills. Many of my students also come through recommendations because they appreciate the hands-on support and mentorship my courses provide.

For my in-person services and workshops at Moka Nail Club, referrals and returning clients play a huge role. Many of my clients have been with me for years, and they trust my expertise. Additionally, my work in the fashion and entertainment industries has introduced me to new clients who are looking for high-quality, customized nail services.

At the end of the day, my focus on quality, education, and real connections keeps people coming back and recommending my services.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was launching The Nail Business Academy. When I first started, I had a clear vision: an interactive platform where nail techs could get real mentorship, not just watch pre-recorded videos. I hired developers who promised to build it from scratch in eight months—but what was supposed to be a smooth process turned into a two-year nightmare.

Every step felt like an uphill battle. There were endless delays, miscommunications, and technical issues. Just when I thought we were close, I’d find more bugs, more things that didn’t function properly. There were moments I wanted to give up completely, convinced that maybe I should just stick to teaching through social media. But every morning, I woke up and pushed forward—testing, fixing, troubleshooting. No one else was going to make this happen for me.

After two years of going back and forth, I finally had a functional platform. It wasn’t perfect at launch, but it was mine, built with persistence and an unshakable belief that this industry needed better education. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about adapting, learning, and refusing to settle. Now, seeing students thrive on my platform makes every struggle worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thenailbusinessacademy.online
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mokanailclub/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoKaNailClub
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/nailbusinessacademy.online/