We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tashay McDowell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tashay, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When deciding a name for my business I wanted it to resonate with nails without me actually using the word “nails”. I stayed up all night researching different words that I thought would sound great for my business . I eventually narrowed it down to the word polish then “polished” by Shay. When you hear polish you obviously think of nail polish which was perfect !

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?

My name is Tashay McDowell. I’m twenty-six years old. I’m from Atlanta, Ga . I now reside in the state of Indiana. I love all things art. I’ve always loved expressing myself through drawing. During covid I decided to pick up a skill , which was nails . I fell in love instantly due to the capability of displaying my art on the nails. I took to social media with my work to gain clientele which has been a successful journey for four years now. I offer classes every Saturday for inspiring nail technicians. I’m most known for my long nail sets where I have complete creative control. I’ve had the opportunity to also service celebrities. This business has not only open doors for me but it has also help me gain many supporters in my community. During my service, I not only give you a fabulous set but also a safe space to express yourself . Sort of like a free therapy session. My clients are my true supports and have made my business what it is today!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Stay active on social media. Try to post a least once a day. The more you promote your business the more people will likely book with you or see what services you have to offer. Create business cards a pass them out as much as you can . Offer sales where clients will receive referral bonuses. Staying consistent is the key to success.

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

Yes , when I first started doing nails it was for fun. It instantly turned into a side hustle after I offered services. I then started to be fully booked to where now it’s a full time business. During covid I just wanted to know how to do my own nails and after doing my own nails for so long it sparked the attention of others who wanted me to also do their nails which is how it became a side hustle. I created a instagram to start displaying my work which help me reach even more clients in my area to where now I’m fully booked every month.

Contact Info:

• Website: polishedbyshayy.as.me
• Instagram: polishedbyshayy
• Facebook: Polished By Shay
• Youtube: Tashay McDowell

Image Credits
Tashay McDowell