A small business can be a hard operation to start up, but two sophmores brought their vision to life and are the perfect example of creativity and determination. They had an idea and have worked hard to start their very own small business.
Marla Brandt and Rhaya Bastyr have created a nail business named “B Nails”, they started this business to create a more affordable option for students looking to get their nails done.
The nail business idea began when both girls wanted to get their nails done, but did not want to pay a large amount just to have them. They decided to order supplies to do their own nails but quickly realized they could make money by doing others nails. The girls already had an idea of how to do acrylic nails because they had gotten them done professionally a handful of times.
The girls watched tutorials on YouTube and learned how to create nail designs, they started by only doing each others nails but soon students started to notice their talent and began asking for the girls to do their nails as well.
While other nail business may charge $50-100 for a set of acrylic nails, while B nails is only charging around $30 for a full set of nails.
These young entrepreneurs have only just began their journey, but have already gained a small following on Instagram. Sophomore Zach Cody is their personal media manager in charge of scheduling appointments and creating feed for the girls social media.
B nails got their name because both founders have last names that begin with the letter B, both students had other options for the name of the business but settled on B nails as it felt fitting.
B nails began around 2 months ago, they have worked on several students all with great reviews back.
“I like working on students nails and making them happy,” Bastyr explained.
B nails is not the only student-run business at the high school. There are a handful of students who have started a company and earned profit just by showcasing their work at school. High school teaches students to thrive and dive deeper into their hobbies and passions.
We provide a fun time and the nails are good quality.”
— Marla Brandt
“My goal for the business is to gain more clients and to grow as a business,” Brandt said. B Nails has already increased in following and has had many potential new clients to further grow their business.
“We provide a fun time and the nails are good quality,” Brandt added.
Social media also plays a large role in growing small businesses, Instagram posts can generate a lot of attention and even clients. B nails social media has three posts so far but their work does not disappoint. They have their business email in their bio of their Instagram for potential clients to reach out and make appointments.
“In the future we want to expand to Tik Tok, YouTube Shorts and even Snapchat Spotlights,” Cody explained.
Word gets around fast because B nails has been the talk of the school these past few weeks, students have been reaching out to the girls scheduling appointments and spreading word of the work they do. For only starting their business a couple weeks ago they have gained quite an image at school.
Their nail studio is set up at Brandt’s home, with comfortable chairs for clients, and even music which clients can choose to personalize their experience more. They are open to any clients but mainly are known by younger audiences.
“Anybody that wants their nails done and is looking for a silly, fun and safe environment to get them,” Bastyr said.
By creating a more affordable option for nails, these students are not only giving others equal opportunities to be in with the trends, but also getting experience and feedback for the future if they decide this is a career they want to pursue later in life. B nails is a great example of what can happen if you put your mind to something.
“I want to give everybody a chance to have cheaper nails because I know what its like to not have the money,” Brandt said.
