Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shabria Whitaker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shabria, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I hope my legacy will be one that reminds people — especially young Black women — that you don’t have to shrink yourself or leave parts of who you are behind to be successful. I’m a millennial woman who loves my culture, my people, and every part of my journey, and I’ve learned to embrace those things unapologetically and bring them into my profession and craft. Through nails, I’ve been able to tell stories, honor traditions, and create spaces where our beauty, creativity, and brilliance shine in a pampered environment. I want people to remember me as a business women who turned what she loves into something extraordinary, broke barriers in rooms not designed for us, and made space for the next generation of manicurists to be free, creative, feel seen, valued, and empowered to do the same.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not know me, I found my true calling in the nail industry by way of wardrobe styling. I actually started nail school about six months before the pandemic hit, not knowing it would completely redirect my life. One day, while assisting a stylist on set, a PR agent overheard I was a manicurist in training. She asked about my skills and invited me to join her glam team for celebrity clients and editorial shoots. From there, I stepped into the world of editorial and publication work fresh out of school, and it was the beginning of something extraordinary.
A year into balancing set life, loyal clients, and salon work, I made the leap to create my own business — Nails Unlimited Extraordinary, now known as The NUX Studio. In my first two years, I had the opportunity to create so many memorable nail looks and was blessed to find early success in an industry that isn’t always easy to navigate. I quickly learned that discipline is the foundation of being a business owner. There are good days and slow days, but the mission has always been to see it through and continue evolving.
At The NUX Studio, our mission is to revolutionize nail artistry by delivering exceptional, creative, and personalized experiences. We believe every nail is a canvas and every client deserves to feel like a celebrity. I specialize in custom, editorial-level designs that push the boundaries of traditional nail art while creating a warm, feel-good experience that leaves my clients glowing inside and out.
What sets me apart is my genuine passion for people — for my culture, my community, and the connection I build with every client who sits in my chair. I reinvest in myself and my business every year, whether it’s through advanced nail artistry education or the latest business tools to grow and scale The NUX Studio. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time and the way I’ve stayed true to myself every step of the way. I want future clients and followers to know that when you come to The NUX Studio, you’re not just getting a service — you’re getting a vibe, an experience, and a little piece of art made just for you.
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
One of my favorite marketing stories came in my very third year of business, when I decided to take a leap and market myself directly to celebrity glam teams and editorial stylists — even though I was fresh out of nail school and still finding my footing. I didn’t have a big agency backing me, no huge following, and barely any connections in those circles. But I believed in my work and knew my determination and craft was different.
I created a digital portfolio on Instagram and started DM’ing stylists, PR reps, and beauty directors whose work I admired. I customized every message so it didn’t feel like a copy-and-paste pitch. I’d stay up late, researching upcoming projects and shoots they were working on, and would send messages like, ‘Hey, if you ever need a manicurist with an eye for bold, editorial nails — I’d love to connect.’
It felt risky, especially because there were times I didn’t get responses, and self-doubt creeped in heavy. But one day, a stylist for a major TV show replied. She loved my work and asked if I was available the next day for a shoot. I remember my heart racing — I wasn’t even booked at the salon that day, but I dropped everything, grabbed my kit, and showed up ready. That one opportunity snowballed into repeat work, referrals, and eventually helped me land my first magazine feature.
What I felt then was a mix of fear and faith — but it taught me that sometimes the best marketing move is betting on yourself and not being afraid to personally advocate for your brand. No one will believe in you louder than you.”
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Consistency is key. consistency not just in my work, but in the full experience I provide. I make it a point to give my clients exactly what they need at the table, whether that’s a flawless, long-lasting nail set or a safe space to unwind, laugh, or vent. It’s about creating an experience that leaves an afterglow long after the appointment is over. Word of mouth has been powerful for me because people remember how you made them feel. When your service and energy are consistently good, your name travels. I stay tapped into what my clients want, keep my skills sharp, and always show up for them — and that’s what’s helped me build loyal relationships and grow The NUX Studio community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thenuxstudio.com
- Instagram: Thenuxstudio
- Facebook: Thenuxstudio
