Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey J Jefferson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am, Audrey J Jefferson aka @gotnailsuniversity on all social media outlets, and I have been a lifetime entrepreneur. I’ve been a licensed nail tech since the tender age of 17, however I have been practicing nails since a child, doing her grandmother’s press on nails. I dropped out of high school to work full time to start my career as a nail technician. I was making at least $1,000 weekly & of course at 17, you think you’re rich with the type of money (I eventually got my GED). Before that, I was just a kid (13/14 yrs old) hustling in my best friend’s mother’s kitchen doing nails while she did hair in my hometown of Nashville, Tn. I always had a dream to move to Houston, Tx & I did move to Houston with my two years old daughter. I hit the pavement running & began to start my nail business, Got Nails Nailtique. It started out slow. However, with consistent promoting, marketing, hard work, quality service, & dedication, my nail clientele for myself & other nail techs who worked with me, reach limits that I didn’t reach in Nashville. While in Houston, I have opened two salons, Got Nails Nailtique & Trust Thy Nail Tech Studios. I have also serviced celebrities such as Fantasia, Keyshia Cole, & Kim Burrell just to name a few.
During my time in Houston, I have developed so many relationships with amazing people who have assisted me along the way. My client, Chioma Anyadike, now business partner, saw my determination to become a nail instructor & school owner, that she gave me an offer I could not refuse. She told me, at her bi-weekly nail appointment that if “you write a business plan on Got Nails University & how much the business can potentially make. I will invest in you”. I did exactly that! The rest is history! Well HERSTORY!
Got Nails University opened up in January 2021. We have graduated over 20 students and we have a 100% passing rate on Texas State Exam (TDLR) for licensing. Such a major accomplishment for a very new school. Our students are such a joy! Each one of them brings so much life and creativity to the school’s atmosphere. Honestly, it’s like a family at school. We have tuition discounts & scholarships available. We want to assist & witness people’s success. It’s our pleasure to help our community to produce new entrepreneurs & 6 figure nail techs.
At Got Nails University, it takes just 600 hours (6/9 months) to complete. We will instruct you on how to pass TX state exam & how to be a successful nail tech. After completing your hours, you will then take TX state test for licensing. We also have job placement for our graduates as well at our nail salon, in the 3rd ward, Trust Thy Nail Tech Studios.
At Got Nails University, our mission is to educate, motivate, inspire & truly support new nail techs to be successful in their career & beyond.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road so far has been amazing. Now, of course, I’ve had some stomps along the way however I completely know that it’s all in God’s plan for the school. When opening up businesses, you will encounter mishaps & various disappointments, just stay consistent on giving out quality business practices. That’s my motto. Stay consistent, keep displaying quality instruction, & never stop giving my BEST! I feel that’s the best recipe in developing your business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Got Nails University?
Want to start a career as a professional nail technician but you don’t know where to begin? Start your journey towards your new career and financial freedom with Got Nails University.
We’re a Houston-based nail technician school that brings you the perfect mixture of nail salon life, on-the-job education and real-life information. The prime mission of our program is to set each of our students up for a flourishing career in the nail technician industry. We offer students the chance to train in a lively atmosphere that offers all the exciting and sometimes unexpected scenarios that occur at large, high-end salons. In addition, our school is designed to advance your business, service, and technical skills so that you’re fully prepared for long-term success after graduating our nail technician program.
GNU is a 600 hour course that is recommended for anyone interested in starting their career as a licensed nail technician in Texas. Every student will receive a certificate of completion after completing their full 600 hours. WE ARE HAPPY TO SAY WE HAVE A 100% PASSING RATE ON STATE EXAM!!!!
After your completion of passing the licensing test, you have an option to work at Trust Thy Nail Tech Studio for continued education & mentorship. This nail salon was created for our students to continually have mentorship after graduating from GNU. We will assist you with building your clientele, marketing your business, continuing education & more. We truly want to assist our students on their journey to success.
What sets GNU apart from other nail schools is our owner/instructor, Audrey J. Jefferson aka Coco, is a 30 years nail tech who not only loves to do nails but also loves & has the passion to instruct the whole spectrum of being a nail tech. Yes, we want our students to pass the state licensing exam but we also want them to be equipped in the workforce. That’s extremely hard to find in beauty schools that have nail tech programs. We have the passion to instruct our students to become one of the best in their targeted area.
We are so proud to be a part of a brand that’s able to assist the community with a lucrative trade such as manicuring. Wow. How amazing is that! Being able to really tap in & mentor individuals to their ultimate best is the best reward. Watching our students develop & execute new skills that will bring them more success & money is really amazing. We love to witness their growth.
Got Nails University is not only searching for students, we’re also searching for clients. Our students are ready to practice on your everyday nail services such as manicures, pedicures, acrylics, gels & more. I promise you will love them as much as we do!! Services start at $5.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Honestly, relatability. Yes, Got Nails University understands the insecurities of becoming a new nail tech & entrepreneur. We don’t hesitate to do what’s needed for our students to be successful. Our students are an extension of us. We really consider them family & we will always have open door policy on their journey to success.
Pricing:
- $5795 tuition (subject to change)
- $1000 scholarships available
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gotnailsuniversity.com
- Instagram: @gotnailsuniversity
- Facebook: Got Nails University
- Youtube: Got Nails University
