INTRODUCTION

Nkem is a university student with a bold spirit and a knack for creating beautiful nail designs. She started her nail business while navigating school life with no long-term plan in mind, just a desire to do something different. What began as an impulsive decision has grown into a steady side hustle fueled by creativity, word of mouth, and faith. In this interview, she shares her journey the highs, the challenges, and the heart behind her craft.

ARTIST BIO

Nkem is a self-taught nail technician and university student with a passion for creative expression through nail art. Known for her clean acrylics and attention to detail, she has built a loyal client base through word of mouth and social media. When she’s not doing nails, Nkem is focused on her studies and figuring out her next big step one polished hand at a time.

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Q AND A SEGMENT WITH NKEM OCHULOR

Q1. What inspired you to start a nail business?

“Nothing actually. It was very impulsive. I just felt like doing something a few weeks before we resumed the first semester of Year 2 and I just did it. I didn’t overthink anything.”

Q2. How did you learn how to do nails? Was it self-taught or through training?

“Mostly self-taught. I just went through two weeks of training.”

Q3. What services do you offer, and how do you attract new customers?

“I offer only acrylics and gel services. I don’t do manicures or pedicures, and I’m quite particular about the lengths I accept. I genuinely don’t know how I attract customers, but I believe it’s mostly through referrals and my Snapchat story.”

Q4. What’s your favourite part about running your business?

“Meeting new people and seeing my clients happy. I love when they appreciate my work and have nice things to say about it .”

Q5. What challenges have you faced so far and how did you overcome them?

“Balancing my business with schoolwork. I try to plan ahead and avoid overloading myself by not taking more clients than I can handle.”

Q6. How has social media helped your business?

“It’s helped me push my business further by letting people know more about it.”

Q7. Where do you see your nail business in the next few years?

“Honestly, I probably would have stopped it and focused on other things. I’m still contemplating if I’ll continue in the coming school year.”

Q8. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their nail business in school?

“Just plan yourself properly, have God by your side, and if you feel overwhelmed, please and please take a break. Also, don’t focus too much on the money because you’ll definitely get carried away.”

CONCLUSION

Nkem’s story is a great reminder that not every business starts with a detailed plan sometimes, all it takes is a spark of courage. Her journey is a balance of creativity, trial and error, and trusting God through it all. Whether or not she continues with nails long-term, the experience she’s gained is already shaping her into someone who can face anything with confidence and care.