We were lucky to catch up with Kia Parchment recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

From a young age, I was taught that image is crucial – it’s the first thing people see and the foundation of a lasting first impression. As I entered the workforce in 2014, I became very aware of the importance of appearance, from my hairstyle to my nails. I was always captivated by women who wore long, pointy stiletto nails, and I wanted to emulate that look.

In October 2019, while celebrating a friend’s birthday in Washington, D.C., I decided to try something new. Instead of heading to a salon for my usual nail treatment, I visited the local drug store to explore their press-on nail options. Disappointed with the selection, I had an epiphany – I could create my own brand!

In January 2020, I attended a class hosted by a talented woman who taught the art of crafting press-on nails from scratch. Fueled by passion and determination, I invested in myself, taking the class and immersing myself in the world of nail art. I honed my skills by practicing on 20 friends, setting a goal to perfect my craft and launching my business by March 2020.

On March 8th, 2020, I launched my first business, and the response was overwhelming. However, the pandemic soon struck, forcing me to adapt and evolve. Undeterred, I continued to grow the business, receiving an outpouring of love and support from customers who adored my creations.

Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of my friends and fellow business owners in Oklahoma, I decided to take my business to new heights. I paused the custom side of my business and partnered with a manufacturer to launch Definition Nails, a venture that would bring my passion for press-on nails to a broader audience.

The press-on nail market skyrocketed after the pandemic, and I knew I was in the right place at the right time. Passionate about empowering others, I wanted to give women the freedom to switch between short nails for weekdays and long nails for weekends or provide busy women with a convenient alternative. I knew my product was perfect for anyone looking to redefine their style, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My brand empowers women to achieve an instant manicure look with our stylish and versatile press-on nails. I’ve taken pride in offering a wide range of designs, from cute and fun to classy and sophisticated, catering to the diverse tastes of Definition Nails customers.

What truly sets my brand apart is the commitment to uplifting and inspiring women. Each nail set is paired with a unique affirmation, reminding customers of their worth and strength every time they glance at their hands. I am dedicated to creating an uplifting experience for everyone interacting with the brand, leaving them confident and elevated.

The quality and convenience of Definition Nails have attracted a loyal and enthusiastic following, and I am incredibly proud of the community built so far. I celebrate the customers who have sometimes felt unworthy or mistreated at traditional nail salons and I am SO honored to offer them a do-it-yourself alternative that delivers exceptional results. Hearing from customers who have worn my nails for up to three weeks and shared their gratitude is a true testament to the value Definition Nails provide.

I am not only proud of the products I’ve provided but also immensely grateful for each customer who has reached out to tell me how our brand has positively impacted their lives. By contributing to their self-care journey, I know I’m making a difference, which inspires me to continue creating and innovating. Definition Nails’ goal is to make every customer feel seen, appreciated, and empowered on their journey to self-expression and confidence.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

To fund my current business, I embarked on an unconventional journey – I took up pet sitting as a side hustle to support my entrepreneurial dreams. The fun part of how I started pet sitting is tied to my decision to take a break from my first business as I pivoted to my next venture. I needed a way to fund my new business without taking away from my day job.

One day, while discussing my interest in getting a pet with a friend, she suggested I watch her two dogs to see if I’d enjoy having one. Since I never had any pets growing up, this opportunity allowed me to fulfill a childhood desire. As it turned out, I was a natural at pet sitting, and my friend was so impressed that she asked me to watch her dogs again. From there, word spread among her friends, and my pet-sitting business took off, all thanks to a glowing review from one satisfied client.

I used the income from pet sitting to build my capital, purchase inventory, and cover all the expenses related to starting and growing a business. It was a testament to my belief in my press-on nail business, as I could have easily used that money for student loan debt or a vacation. The fact that my product contributes to a person’s self-care journey made the sacrifice all the more worthwhile.

Today, I still pet sit because I genuinely love it, and it adds a fun and exciting element to my days. While I don’t see myself doing it forever, I have treated these pets as my own and have grown to love them deeply. This entire experience has been advantageous and has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, with every step taken intentionally toward success.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of the most influential books I’ve read is “Profit First.” It significantly impacted me, primarily as I reflected on my early business experiences. Initially, I found myself juggling finances, and when I reviewed my year-end numbers while filing taxes, I was astonished at where all the money had gone.

Determined to create a stronger foundation for my second business venture, I implemented the lessons I learned from “Profit First” before scaling up. A solid foundation is essential for any successful business; otherwise, it’s prone to crumble.

There are three key takeaways from the book that I’ve applied to my business:

1. Establish a separate business account that isn’t tied to your personal account.
2. Allocate expenses effectively, including operational fees, rent, and other costs.
3. Incorporate tithing, bonuses, and payroll into your financial plan.

Overall, “Profit First” provided me with invaluable insights that have greatly contributed to the success and stability of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.definitionnails.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/definitionnails/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefinitionNails
• Other: tiktok: @DefinitionNails

Image Credits
She took a picture of the first photo IG @thenikkigomez Website: www.thenikkigomez.com The rest of the photos are from my Definition Nals website done by me