Closing My Home-Based Nail Studio: My Journey & What’s Next
Today, I want to share something deeply personal and important with you. After one and a half years of running my home-based nail studio, That Pretty Nail, I’ve made the difficult decision to close my business. It’s bittersweet, but I feel strongly it’s the right decision for my journey right now.
This blog marks the first entry in my new series, The Nail Files, where I’ll share my experiences of building and running a home-based nail studio, as well as tips and insights I’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re here for advice, inspiration, or practical tips, I hope you’ll find something valuable and come back often. In my next post, I’ll share exactly how I built my home-based business from scratch. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss it!
My Journey with Nails
My nail journey began in 2017 when I was attending college full-time and working part-time at a nail salon. Seeing the joy on clients’ faces after they received a fresh set of nails brought me so much happiness—I genuinely loved the way nails could uplift someone’s confidence. Even after graduating and entering a full-time job, I continued doing nails on the side because it brought me joy and fulfillment.
Why I Opened My Home-Based Studio
Balancing a full-time job with part-time shifts at a salon was challenging, especially with a difficult commute that sometimes took over an hour during harsh winters. I enjoyed doing nails, but the salon environment felt rushed, often leaving clients (and myself) uncomfortable.
I realized there was an opportunity here, a chance to create a space that felt safe, comfortable, and welcoming. So, I took a leap of faith and transformed a room in my home into a cozy nail and lash studio. I remember how excited I was renovating and decorating the space to make it something I was truly proud of.
In the nail industry, it’s common for technicians to take their clients along when moving to another salon or opening their own studio. However, in my case, I built my clientele completely from scratch through ads, social media, and a lot of hard work.
Over the last 1.5 years, I’ve met incredible clients, built meaningful relationships, and grown immensely, both personally and professionally. Every conversation, every new nail design challenged me and helped me evolve.
The Reality of Running My Nail Business
Running a home-based nail studio while juggling a 9-to-5 and other responsibilities was a constant balancing act. It taught me discipline, time management, customer service, and the importance of setting boundaries. There were overwhelming days filled with exhaustion, but moments of joy kept me going, like clients sharing my work on Instagram or coming back repeatedly because they loved their nails.
One of my favorite things was practicing new designs in my downtime. I would create sample sets and display them on a ring, making it easier for clients to pick their favorite designs.
This experience taught me so much:
- Excellent customer service is key to building a loyal clientele.
- Social media is a powerful tool to attract clients.
- Entrepreneurship comes with ups and downs—embracing both is essential.
- Letting go is not failure; it’s growth.
I’ve learned that it’s perfectly okay to close one chapter and start another. It doesn’t mean I’ve failed; it means I’m evolving.
The Decision to Close
Closing my business wasn’t easy. When you’ve put your heart into something, it’s hard to walk away. But I recognized this step was necessary for my personal and professional growth. Rather than focusing on sadness, I’m choosing gratitude for every lesson, every client, every happy moment.
What’s Next for Me
Even though I’m closing my in-person studio, I’m not stepping away from nails entirely. I’m excited to announce that I’m exploring the world of press-on nails! Press-ons are entirely new to me, but I love a good challenge. My goal is to transfer my nail art skills into beautiful press-on designs.
I’m inviting you to follow my journey as I start from scratch, learn new techniques, and hopefully launch my press-on collection this summer. I’ll be documenting the entire process, the successes, mistakes, and everything in between.
If you’ve experienced something similar, or if you’re considering starting or closing a small business, please share your story or questions in the comments. I’m here to help, support, and offer advice based on what I’ve learned. Remember, it’s okay to make big changes and take new paths.
Thank you for being here with me as I navigate this bittersweet but exciting time. Stay tuned for what’s next!
Warmly,
Tanny 