I’ve always thought starting a small business sounds a little intimidating. Maintaining customer satisfaction, dealing with finances, and providing exemplary service all play a large role in making a business really stand out. Fortunately, I am lucky enough to have a friend who has just about managed every single aspect of perfecting her own small business.
In less than a year, Kayla Grasley, a 21-year-old nail technician from Danbury, CT has founded her own business called TalulaBeauty Beauty Salon, which specializes in nail care, and art. I had the lucky opportunity to sit down and talk about some of her own experiences and how she jump-started a business that is growing popular among Danbury, CT locals every day. Taking time out of her busy schedule, we discussed topics revolving around her interest in doing nails, some of her most memorable moments, and some of her hardest struggles.
the interview
We started off by discussing some of Kayla’s background, and how she began practicing her craft in nail design.
“Thank you so much again for doing this! So, how long have you been doing nails? Also, how long did it take you to perfect your craft enough that you felt you were ready to do it on a professional level?”
KG: “So, I’ve been doing nails for about 5 years now. I started by practicing on myself, friends, my boyfriend, my brother — really anyone who was okay with letting me practice on them. A lot of people really don’t let you practice on them at first because they are nervous, though I definitely had a few people that would lend a helping hand.”
(Get it? Helping hand?)
KG: “As far as perfecting my craft, I would say I am at my peak right now, but there is always room to grow. Even within the past few months, I have changed the way I’ve done my shaping and designs. There are always trends that are growing and going out of style — so learning new techniques and finding convenient ways to do things will constantly change. It’s all worth it because the result just gets better and better.”
She’s totally right. Looking back at 2021 nails, I would’ve picked short nails with a detailed sunflower design over my regular “bubble-bath X funny bunny” nail color any day.
“When did you start your business, and what lead you to make that decision?”
KG: “I originally opened my business back in 2021 right after high school. Since I went to a technical high school, I graduated with my cosmetology license, which allowed me the chance to start doing what I do right away. But, I was faced with the struggles of reality and what it is like to own a business at a young age — so I became super discouraged.”
KG: “I also feel like back in 2021, nails were not what they are today. People were not willing to pay what the nails were worth now, especially in terms of designs and the precision of the technique. Everyone wanted shorter nails and smaller designs, and the finances in keeping the business were surpassing what I was making off the work. Unfortunately, this led me to make the decision in closing the business.”
As if I wasn’t already on the edge of my seat, Kayla described that during the time she spent outside doing nails, she was working within the medical field. Although she adored it and made meaningful connections with some of her patients, she described how much she actually missed running her business.
KG: “I realized I wanted to go back to doing what I loved and I had tremendous support from my friends and family — especially from one coworker who recommended a space for me to run the business in. This really pushed me to start again as TalulaBeauty, and I love the idea that I get to be the boss of my own business.”
“I love that for you! So this leads me to my next question; what is your favorite part of owning your own business and doing nails?”
KG: “The short and obvious answer to this is — I love being my own boss! From creating my own personal schedule to abiding by my own rules and policies- it’s a good thing.”
At this point, I’m now fully convinced I need to run my own business.
KG: “I’m not so tired all the time, I get to spend time at home and being around my family — it’s truly one of the best aspects of it all. Another thing I really love about having my own business is that when you think about working for a corporation or a big company, you don’t really feel the appreciation as much as you do with your own business and personal clients. I get to form bonds and make strong connections with every person that comes to see me. I get to learn so much about my client’s lives and their preferences, and they’ll tell you so much about themselves which is truly a genuine experience that I wouldn’t have working somewhere else.”
“Of course there is always a downside, so what would you say is the most difficult part of having your own business?”
KG: “In my opinion, the most difficult part is that many people try to take advantage of me, and this does take a toll on my mental health. It could be anyone who is trying to gain something; automatically feeling like you need to cut them a deal because they are family or friends. What they don’t see is that it is still a business, and being guilt-tripped into making prices less doesn’t make me feel good. It’s almost like an inner battle with myself, where I have to ask, “Should I do them a favor because I know them personally? Or am I supposed to treat them how I treat any other client as a fair business owner?” I would love to treat my friends and family, but we must be realistic. I want to be loyal and equitable to all customers.”
Realizing that my time with Kayla was coming to it’s final terms, I decided to ask one last question:
“My final question to you is: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business? More specifically, what advice would you give to someone who wants to become a nail technician and specialize in nail art?”
KG: “The most important advice I could give is to start off by doing research. Make sure you know all the essentials in what it takes to open the business, obtain all the valid licensing, and research what is required and mandated by the state. Aside from that, research products that would be the right fit for not only yourself but for your clients as well.”
She also stressed the importance of disinfectants and health safety within businesses. This not only helps the business thrive but also keeps you and your clients safe from any illnesses or infections that are easily spread within the workplace.
KG: “Overall, be open to mistakes and open to change. Trends are constantly changing, so never get too comfortable with one singular trend or design because you always want to be up-to-date. Growth in your work will constantly happen!”
Kayla has continued to thrive within her business as more and more people discover her talented work every day. She has become one of many staple nail-tech artists in the greater Danbury area, and the TalulaBeauty name continues to shine as a favorite out of many flourishing nail salons in the city.
Final thoughts
On one final note, Kayla added that running her own business has become such an important part of her life, and she would not trade it for anything in the world.
KG: “My business has become my life, and I strive every day to have personal and business growth. There are even some nights when I can’t sleep because I am so excited about new ideas and what is to come. Even if there are some slower weeks with fewer clients, I know that I’ll never give up because I know this is what I want for myself, and I want to continue to grow and be successful. If there is one important thing to tell yourself, it’s “If you want it, you can have it with a little bit of hard work.”
Kayla is living proof that “girl-bossing” isn’t just a dream, it can be a reality. Hearing her story is not only inspiring but meaningful and genuine as we learn that owning a business is not just about making money. I couldn’t be more proud of Kayla, and I am eager to see where her entrepreneurship takes her next.