From social media channels to car detailing businesses to in-house barbershops, the WJ entrepreneurial pulse is pounding. But one business run by WJ student Alexis Hinds stood out both for the scale of its operation and for the unique service it provides. Hinds runs a nail painting business called Nailsxxlex.
The operation of her business is run through a platform called Acuity Scheduling, a website designed specifically to help businesses locate and schedule client appointments. Hinds books eight clients a week and charges $35-100 per manicure, depending on the service. Part of what makes Hind’s business successful is the versatility of services that she offers.
“I offer acrylic, gel X, gel manicures, henna, and male manicures,” Hinds said. “I’ve gotten a few male clients.”
Although Hinds’ business is profitable, she did not start it to generate money. Painting nails came from a place of passion, not profit.
“I didn’t start it for the money,” Hinds said.“I started doing it because I really loved art, and the idea of people wearing my art was really cool. I thought of nails as mini canvases where I could work. I still do it just because I love it.”
WJ businesses are important because they provide services to students within their own community, and are often more affordable than “professional” businesses. Although some student-run businesses are started for profit, many, like Hinds’, are started out of a passion or hobby.
Hinds first discovered her passion for nail art in 9th grade, but she didn’t launch Nailsxxlex until halfway through her sophomore year. Painting nails has been a passion of hers throughout high school, but she only launched her business relatively recently in her high school career.
“I first started practicing nails in my freshman year, but I didn’t turn it into a business or take on clients until November of my sophomore year,” Hinds said. “So my business has been running for about two years now.”
The process of doing nails itself can be tedious and time-consuming. Hinds thinks of it as an art rather than a simple service.
“I take about an hour and a half to complete a service,” Hinds said. “I know other nail techs can take up to 4 hours, depending on what the client asks for.”
Being a nail technician isn’t just about patience and dexterity. Hinds’ work is a form of art, multitasking by designing and conversing with clients. As an artist, Hinds has her own unique process for her craft.
“I really vibe well with every girl I’ve served, so I just let my hands do what they know [how] to do,” Hinds said. “The creative part comes naturally when I’m in the zone.”
Student-run businesses are an essential part of the WJ community. Nail technicians offer an important service to WJ students, and Nailsxxlex is a great example of how passion can drive ingenuity.
