A nail tech herself, Nicole j knew exactly what she wanted out of a set of nail brushes. So, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to create her own. The result? Nailz By Nicole j Brush Collection.
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A nail tech herself, Nicole j knew exactly what she wanted out of a set of nail brushes. So, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to create her own. The result? Nailz By Nicole j Brush Collection.
Offering a variety of brushes, including The Blender, The Mini Striper, The Gel Queen and The Ombre Brush (just to name a few!), the collection was created to be flexible, easy to handle and used in a nail tech’s arsenal for years to come.
Nailpro caught up with Nicole to learn more about her business, the tips she has for other entrepreneurs of color and what she feels are the biggest challenges facing minority-owned businesses today.
Nailpro: Tell us about your business, Nicole J Collection. What inspired you to create your own nail brush brand?
Nicole j (NJ): Well, where do I begin? The Nailz By Nicole j Collection is a line of customized quality nail brushes that I created with the nail tech and artists in mind, “No Haircut Needed.” I always wanted to create something of my own, but during the pandemic in 2020, I did not know how that was going to happen. My husband and I were having a conversation, and he asked me, “What do you want to do or create?” I used to want my own polish line, but everyone was doing that, and I like to do different things. I started thinking about how particular I am about my nail brushes, and I realized that was the business I wanted to build. I was going to create my own line of brushes. And the journey began.
Nailpro: Do you have tips for other minority-owned businesses about getting started? What do you wish you would have known?
NJ: First and foremost, I want to say: You have got this. Do not wait until everything is in order. Start your business no matter who is telling you that you cannot. Often, we are not surrounded by entrepreneurs or people who are financially set, but that should not matter. It is all about your will and your drive to do and be better.
I wish I would have known more of the business side of having my business at the time, but I am a risk taker when I have a good feeling about things; that is what life’s about, right? Sometimes you just have to bet on yourself.
Nailpro: What are the most important lessons you have learned throughout this process?
NJ: Do your research. Test your products or services, and look at it from a customer’s perspective. Do not expect to make a lot when you first start, because success takes time.
Nailpro: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing minority-owned businesses today within the nail industry and beyond?
NJ: I think minorities just want people to see us for the people we are, not by the color of our skin. We all should be treated the same and given a fair chance like those not in minority groups. At the end of the day, we are brilliant, talented, funny and beautiful people.
This article was originally published in the May 2022 issue of Nailpro magazine.
