Today we’d like to introduce you to Dyshe Smith.
Hi Dyshe, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up as a child, I use to dance but I grew out of that. When I got to middle school, I began to play basketball. I continued that until 11th grade and then I went off to college at Howard University in the fall of 2018. At Howard they are big on having a “Howard Hustle” and as a kid I was always used to doing something; so being in college and not having a trade or something to do in my free time wasn’t fun.
I told my Mother I think I wanted to do nails. I bought all the items I needed and told my sisters at school what I had decided to do. December 1st, 2018 I did my first set of nails. From then on out I was doing nails at school out my college dorm. I had some long nights where I was doing nails until 1am and had class the next morning at 10am. I came home from college due to the pandemic in August 2019, by then I had built so much clientele it was crazy! December 2019, I signed up for VA Nail Academy so that I could be certified to take my state boards. Towards the end of January 2020, I was able to take the first portion of my state boards, but I was so busy with being a full time college student as well as doing nails full time; I just did not have time to put aside to study for my boards.
August 2021, I hosted my very first nail class with 6 participants.
December 17, 2021, I passed my written exam with an 83.
February 7, 2022, I passed my practical exam with a 96, 4 points shy from a perfect score.
February 22, 2022, I OPENED MY VERY OWN SALON. Giving a one stop shop! With services ranging from nails, hair and lashes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was a major bump in the road when I decided to stop going to college in March 2021 because I wanted to pursue my dreams with opening my own nail salon. Of course, my family did not like the decision I was making but they still stuck by my side.
Being a young black business owner, especially a woman, can be difficult. I had a major issue with overbooking myself. Taking too many clients in a day, can be very exhausting. Now I have a schedule of 9am-5pm, If I decide I would like to stay later I can.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nails Next Door is not your average next door neighbor or nail salon. Here, you can come and get multiple beauty services done at one location. A one stop shop! I bring you PREMIUM, TRENDING and AFFORDABLE nail services. I offer gel manicures, acrylic overlays and so much more extravagant acrylic nails. Also, here at my one stop shop, you can receive hair services and lash services. Come get everything done from head to toe.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
No matter how many times you get discouraged, keep following your dream. Also, nothing worth having, comes easy!!
Contact Info:
- Email: Nailsnxtdoor@gmail.com
- Website: www.nailsnextdoor.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsnxtdoor/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NailsNxtDoor
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nailsnxtdoor?lang=en
Image Credits
Boo Agee
