Meet Breonna Ray | Licensed Nail Technician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Breonna Ray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Breonna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was to do what makes ME happy! After high school, I wanted to be that one in the family where everybody was proud of me. I went to college and worked a full time job and everyone was happy for me, but I hated everything I was doing. I had over 12 jobs in my life and I’m only 22. I then decided to take a nail class because I was getting my nails done faithfully every 2 weeks. Thought if I learned, I could save money and do my own nails, but it became something I loved doing! I never gave up, kept grinding to get better and better! Now, I’m a licensed nail technician, doing nails full time, and about to start teaching other young ladies on how to be their own boss!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The name of my business is Royal Nailed It! I offer quality lasting nail services at a black owned nail salon located in Smyrna, Ga. I must say I’m a hustler by any means, no matter how hard it is, I got to go and get it! When I entered the nail game, I saw a lot of talent and it just pushed me to go harder. Nails are more than just gel polish, It’s how girls express themselves!

What sets me aside from others is that this is something I actually love to do. Im not one of those business owners who’s in it for the quick money! I build a bond with my clients, I have fun while doing what I love, and I also put my all into my business!

One thing I’m proud about is my GROWTH! I came a long way. Being a business owner was not easy at all. It’s been times where nobody was booking me at all or I would have like 1 or 2 clients every couple weeks. It was times where I could never get my sets to last and I would lose the little clientele I did have. But, throughout all my downfalls I kept going! One thing about it, if you keep practicing, you’re only going to get better!

For all my future entrepreneurs/business owners/ artists etc. just keep going. Don’t get discouraged because your friends or family aren’t supporting you because your most support will come from strangers!! Don’t get discouraged because someone your age is doing the same thing as you but better! It takes time to perfect your craft! Keep your head up and keep practicing, I promise people are watching!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m very adventurous and picky! I don’t get out much, but when I do, it’s not the clubs! Hang out spots I would want to take my bff will be a karaoke spot! Never done it, but I know its super fun. It’s a taco place in the city (black owned) called Pretty Little Tacos that’s a must try! I heard they’re the bomb! I don’t drink unless it’s some wine, so whatever sip and paint is near I will attend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shout out to my boyfriend and my WHOLE entire Walton Family! They have been with me from the very beginning, never discouraged me and ALWAYS kept pushing me to continue doing what I love. Being an entrepreneur is not easy at all! We all had that time where we wanted to give up and I must say without my people I wouldn’t be where Im at today! Also, my manager Shakita plays a huge role as well! She’s been pushing me since we met in July and I can’t thank her enough!!!

Instagram: @royalnailedit_