Today we’d like to introduce you to Leota Peterson.
Leota, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Maarten. At eleven years of age, I became interested in nails; however, there was no one to teach me how to do them. I inquired with a nail tech on the island to see if she would allow me to watch her work, and that’s when the journey began. I practiced until I felt confident enough to start accepting clients, and it began to pay off by the time I was twelve years old.
My mother, then, decided to relocate our family to Houston, TX, which was absolutely devastating for me. However, it wasn’t long after starting high school and making friends that I continued my passion for doing nails. I had begun a business from home, and after school, I would do nails until my mother complained I had too many people coming into her house. I found a hair salon and started working on the weekends until I was able to get licensed at 18.
I attended The University of Houston and Cosmetology school at the same time. I always knew that I would be an entrepreneur. Still, I wanted my degree so that I would have something to fall back on. I never took out any student loans, financial aid and doing nails allowed me to pay my way through college. It was extremely difficult, and it took a little longer, but I did it. After obtaining my Bachelor’s in Business Administration, I took a leap of faith and decided to pursue nails full-time. It was the best decision I have ever made. I have a loyal clientele who continue to support me and I am forever grateful.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has definitely not been an easy road; being a black woman in an Asian dominated industry, means that I don’t get the kind of respect that matches my expertise. They try to undervalue my work and complain about prices and policies. When I started my business and would go to purchase supplies, I was treated unfairly – I paid more than my Asian counterparts for the same materials.
There was one point in my career that I wanted to purchase a nail salon from an Asian owner with whom I had become good friends. When she informed her staff that I was going to take over the salon, they said they would not work for me because I was black, and they would rather work for “their own people.” This was a huge disappointment but I didn’t let that stop me.
My biggest struggle thus far for me was losing my mother and becoming a mother within a year. We found out I was pregnant one week after finding out my mother was diagnosed with stage four cancer. I had a very difficult pregnancy and a traumatizing delivery. However, my mom lived to see her first and only grandchild turn one, which meant the world to me.
Learning to balance being a mother when I have always been a workaholic is something I still struggle with. It is even more difficult now that I don’t have that one person I could always call on for anything. The one thing that helps me through it all is my mother’s strength and resilience. She instilled a very hard work ethic in me, which pushes me to keep going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about 721 Nail Studio – what should we know?
721 Nail Studio is a safe sanctuary where you can be relaxed, get your nails and feet done while having a genuine conversation with someone who truly cares. I offer everything from long-lasting gel manicures to spa pedicures and nail enhancements.
I specialize in Everything Nails if you would like your natural nails to grow healthy and strong or you would like to add length and durability to your nails with enhancements – I can do it all. I also offer the safest cleanest pedicure services you can receive in Houston.
I am definitely most proud of my charitable work. I have visited Texas Children’s Hospital on several occasions and conducted mini-spa parties for the girls. I have a client who’s a social worker, and I asked her to bring in a few of her girls for a spa day. I have also done a spa event with Dress for Success to help get women ready for their interviews. I truly enjoy giving back, which led me to start a mentorship program to assist other black women in the nail industry.
Providing a safe, clean, and professional salon that offers the best quality of nail services is what sets me apart from the rest. There are nail salons on every corner in Houston, and I never worry about what they are doing because I don’t consider them competition. I work hard to offer my clients the absolute best. I am 36 years old and I have clients that have been with me over 20 years. It is truly a blessing to do what I love everyday.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The level of attention to detail that I put into my business, my sanitation procedures and the relationships that I’ve established over the years, set me apart from the rest. I am a perfectionist in everything I do and I offer the best quality of work to my clients. I live, eat, sleep and breathe nails and I am always open to learning what’s new in my industry.
I have always had a strong personality and the continuous love and support that I receive from my clients pushes me to always give them my best. I am a professional black businesswoman who loves nails and I will continue to elevate myself by investing in my business, pursuing my goals, and making my dreams a reality.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11693 Westheimer Road
Houston Texas 77077 - Website: www.721nailstudio.genbook.com
- Phone: 832-496-1393
- Email: 721nailstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/721nailstudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/721nailstudio
- Other: www.721nailstudio.company.site
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