Side Hustle Scholars: Balancing The Books

LAS VEGAS — In Las Vegas, nail salons are everywhere. People who care a lot about their appearance often keep their nails done because hands can also be a way to express themselves. 

However, some people don’t enjoy getting their nails done because they find it uncomfortable or difficult to do everyday activities with long nails. Others only get their nails done for special occasions, such as birthday parties, weddings, trips, or photoshoots. 

Jaslyn Palacio is a beginner nail tech. She started doing nails three years ago after deciding to try something new. “A few summers ago, I wanted to try something different and started doing nails on my own. It was difficult at first because I'm right-handed, and when it comes to my right hand, it gets complicated,” Jaslyn said.

Being patient and creative is important for a nail technician because every client has a different personality and style. Clients may request different colors, shapes, designs, and lengths, so nail technicians need to be able to adapt to their preferences.

Another thing is that nail technicians should understand that every client is different. 

"Not everyone will be friendly, and not everyone will be difficult. Working with many clients can sometimes be frustrating, especially when someone is rude."

However, nail technicians still need to remain professional and provide good service.

Being a nail technician is more than just painting nails. It requires practice, patience, creativity, and the ability to interact with different types of people. For beginners like Jazlyn, practicing constantly and not giving up can help them improve their skills and become more confident. 

In conclusion, starting out can be challenging, but learning from mistakes and continuing to practice can help aspiring nail technicians grow their skills and build experience in the nail industry.

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But what about those who create nails for students who may not have the convenience of going to the nail salon? 

For small business owners like Faith, there is a clear line between the nail salon and homemade claws specialized by her.

LAS VEGAS — For many sophomores at South CTA, entering the workforce is right on the horizon, and the pressure to earn money is starting to feel real. But how can high schoolers actually make an income before stepping out into the adult world? For upperclassman Faith Suhr, the answer came through entrepreneurship. She successfully runs her own press-on nail business, crafting custom sets for fellow students, student body, and family, all while navigating the heavy workload of the Biomedical program. 

In a school environment with multiple student entrepreneurs, how does a creator like Faith distinguish herself from a similar business on campus? The answer comes down to an artistic voice. Reflecting on her classmate, Suhr notes,  

“Since me and Koko both make press-on nails, I think our styles and personalities really separate us, considering we have different skill sets and general style preferences. When it comes to nails, it sort of reflects who we are as our own people!”

While Faith and Kokoro share a passion for nails, their individual artistic choices naturally attract different clients. Ultimately, their unique identities shine through their work, proving that even within the same market, there is plenty of room for both to succeed without feeling like it's a “competition.”

Although Suhr loves seeing her work boost people's confidence and receiving warm feedback from her clients, stepping into an innovative realm as a high schooler isn't without its hurdles. Balancing a high workload, school clubs, and business orders requires constant effort, and Faith is open about the fact that it isn't always easy. Reflecting on her day-to-day struggles, she shares, “An everyday annoyance I face would be keeping up with my schoolwork while still balancing my outside activities.”' Her journey shows that running a business involves real sacrifices and careful time management, but for Faith, the reward outweighs the stress because creating press-on nails remains something she truly enjoys!

For both freshmen AND sophomores nervous about stepping into the workforce, Faith’s story is a reminder that traditional jobs aren't the only path forward. By carving out her own space in the student business world, she demonstrates that finding success and doing what you love can begin long before graduation.