From scrolling through nail art pages on Instagram to posting her own work on the app, Oxford Academy sophomore Julia Cayabyab has come a long way in the first year of her nail technician business, Color for Juli.
On the path toward becoming a business owner, Cayabyab sought a new way to express her creativity, settling on the art of nail design. Launching her entrepreneurial journey in January 2024, Cayabyab would go on to practice on friends with the purpose of expressing herself artistically.
“What sparked my interest in nail art was I saw it all over social media. Then, it made me realize that I could do this myself, and I could also do it for other people while also making a profit out of it,” Cayabyab said.
While she was able to build a decent clientele within the first month of Color for Juli, business unfortunately ran dry throughout the summer. Seeking help to rebuild her clientele, Cayabyab and her friends began resposting her work on social media to promote her services.
“That way, it could branch out to more people. And so, that has been working out for me pretty well; those connections have led me up to this point.”
Overcoming this challenge in October of that same year, she gained even more clients than she had previously — now she’s almost fully booked every month.
Starting up a small business is never easy — much less while attending high school and balancing school work with nail appointments for four days a week. Cayabyab’s advice for keeping yourself afloat during moments you may feel like drowning include managing time, as she focuses diligently on homework before her 5 p.m. appointment.
Cayabyab specializes in press-on nails, gel x, and gel manicures, with a set price for each, only charging more for the complexity of the client’s chosen design. Although pre-appointment price consultations usually involve reference photos for the design, the actual nail design isn’t finalized until the appointment, adding in an unknown factor that Cayabyab has to be prepared for at all times.
“I like to do almond nails a lot, and I like to work with intricate designs because it just allows me to see what I can do. It allows me to see what challenges I can overcome,” Cayabyab said when explaining her favorite nail styles to do for clients.
Learning through experience, Cayabyab notes the influence her business has had on her.
“I’ve learned to not be afraid of what you’re getting yourself into. Because at the end of the day, as long as you’re satisfied and as long as the client is satisfied, then everything is okay.”
Through struggles and success, Cayabyab is ready to continue her adoration for nail art through her work as a nail tech, and shares advice for others who may be thinking about starting their own passion-filled business.
“Just [put] yourself out there more. You are your own entrepreneur that is trying to push that business out. So, it all begins with you.”
With prom season close by, check her out on Instagram (@colorforjuli). But hurry — her bookings fill up fast!
