Manis for Smiles is an online educational platform that offers a membership-based experience with courses and resources for nail techniques in both English and Spanish. In addition to the courses already included on the platform, we add new classes and masterclasses each month, featuring special guests. We also have a community chat for members, monthly giveaways and group Zoom sessions to provide guidance and answer all business-related questions in the nail industry.
Items Needed:
Log in to view the full article
Manis for Smiles is an online educational platform that offers a membership-based experience with courses and resources for nail techniques in both English and Spanish. In addition to the courses already included on the platform, we add new classes and masterclasses each month, featuring special guests. We also have a community chat for members, monthly giveaways and group Zoom sessions to provide guidance and answer all business-related questions in the nail industry.
The Mission of Manis for Smiles
For me, doing nails is more than just a job; it carries a purpose. Listening to, loving and caring for each client touched my heart in many ways. It was no longer just about making money or having a 'successful' business, but about leaving a lasting impact on my clients' lives.
Over time, I got involved in education and became passionate about teaching other nail techs how to use their profession for a greater purpose. At the same time, I had been serving for over eight years with the organization Vision Global, participating in mission trips around the world, and now I have the opportunity to work full time on this organization. This organization conducts something called "Spa Experiences,” on each trip, where we aim to restore dignity, provide hope, love and comfort to women and girls globally. This project was born by combining my passion for education, the need for a close-knit community and the joy of spreading love to women through nail care. The ultimate goal and greatest reward is not only to see other nail techs grow in this profession but also to bring hope and support to women in need. Often, this is reflected in a smile when their manicure is done—hence the name: Manis for Smiles.
Benefits of Platform
Membership and Pricing: My dream is for every woman to be part of this project, without price being a barrier. Aware of the economic situation in many countries like Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, I wanted to offer a price that wouldn’t be a financial burden. That’s why I set the membership fee at just $9, allowing access to all content—like a Netflix for nail artists.
Special Guests: Manis for Smiles is not just about one person; it's about a whole community of women with dreams, aspirations, and challenges. Every month, our special guests not only provide a course full of their expertise but also share something of high value: an interview where they discuss everything behind the success they've achieved. For 40 minutes, each special guest answers questions related to their personal and professional life, sharing their highs and lows in their journey as nail techs and entrepreneurs.
The Cause: The heart of the project: One manicure for one smile. By being part of this community, part of the money collected helps us purchase everything needed to provide manicures and "spa experiences" along with Vision Global to places like: Sierra Tarahumara, Chiapas, the Amazon, Colombia, Turkey, Italy, France, Morocco, India, and local events in shelters and orphanages. In addition to nail products, we buy face paint and hair products to style the girls’ hair, along with personal hygiene products for each of them.
Manis for Smiles Industry Impact
As a Latina nail tech, at the beginning of my career, I couldn’t find much information in Spanish. I saw amazing platforms with courses I wanted to take, but many of them were only in English. Offering resources in both languages, English and Spanish, provides greater support to the next generation of nail techs in Latin America, Europe, and the United States. The second reason I believe this type of project is important is that it helps us look beyond ourselves. It makes us part of something bigger than just personal or financial success. It unites us as a community, allowing us to see the needs of others and use the gifts and talents that God has placed in our hands for a greater impact. This is where the phrase "community over competition" truly comes to life.
3 Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of this project.
Member: You’ll have access to all the content on the platform, and you’ll automatically be part of the cause: One mani = One smile!
Donate Products: Just like Mia Secret, you can become one of our sponsors. If you’d like to donate new or used products (in good condition), we would love to receive them for the kits we use for each woman and girl. If you’d like to donate monetarily, you can do so directly to Vision Global, and through them, we can buy what is needed with the money you donate.
Items Needed:
- Regular nail polishes
- Nail clippers
- Files (240 or 180 grit for natural nails)
- Buffers
- Cotton
- Nail Art decorations (nail decals, glitters, flowers)
- Top coat polish
- Cuticle sticks
- Sugar scrub
- Hand cream
Educator: Are you passionate about education and would like to offer a course on the platform? We’d love to have you as a special guest! If you’re interested in being part of this, please email me at [email protected] for more information.
Courses Offered
The platform offers over 20 courses given by different nail techs and female entrepreneurs, who share their knowledge on product application techniques, nail art techniques, branding and design, press-on nails course, wellness and social media content.
What's Next?
My short-term goal is to raise more awareness about Manis for Smiles and to grow the community along with the educational content. I would love to end 2024 with approximately 50 courses available on the platform. Next year, we have a big dream to provide manicures to over 500 girls and women in North Africa, Sierra Tarahumara, Colombia, France, Spain, Turkey, the Amazon and India. We also plan to launch our Education for Women initiative, focusing on women in extreme poverty and those with backgrounds of abuse and domestic violence. This project will start in Colombia, where we’ll begin educating women who have the desire to improve their lives and support their families but lack the resources to do so. Through Manis for Smiles, they will receive all the necessary products and education to start a career as nail techs. This will help restore their dignity, give them hope, and equip them to achieve their dreams.
Michelle Quiroz, also known as Miish (@ohchamomilenails), is a Mexican nail tech, graphic designer and entrepreneur based in El Paso, Texas. Her work is known for its minimalistic and clean designs, delicate floral art, and vibrant Mexican Talavera patterns.
