Meet Cuban | Nail Salon Owner & Artist

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

Hi Cuban, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from New York City but spent most of my life growing up in metro Atlanta. My roots are deeply connected to my Black-Caribbean heritage through both my mom and dad. When my parents moved my four siblings and me to Atlanta, we left behind the rest of our family in New York, which meant we had to rely on each other for support.

Both of my parents worked tirelessly to provide for us while also pursuing college degrees to better themselves and build careers. Watching their determination and resilience shaped who I am today. Growing up in such a hardworking, close-knit environment made me incredibly family-oriented and instilled in me the ambition to excel in everything I do. Their example taught me that success comes from dedication and perseverance, values I carry with me every day as I build my business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a nail artist specializing in acrylic & gel nails with intricate designs, bling, and details that reflect my clients’ individuality. What sets me apart is not just my creative vision and attention to detail but also my professionalism and personality. Since opening my salon suite in 2022, I’ve maintained 100% punctuality and attendance—I’ve never been late or canceled on a client! My clients also love the personable experience I provide; they appreciate my funny, charismatic personality, which helps create a warm and enjoyable atmosphere during their appointments.

I’m incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made since starting my journey. When I first opened my business, I had no clients, but through consistent marketing, engaging social media content, and delivering high-quality work, I’ve quickly grown my clientele to a point where I do this full time.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. It took many late nights, sacrifices, and a lot of self-discipline. There were moments of doubt and challenges along the way, but I’ve overcome them by staying focused, learning from my mistakes, and leaning on the support of my family. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that consistency and resilience are key to long-term success. Building strong relationships with my clients and staying authentic to my brand have been just as important as perfecting my craft.

What I want the world to know about Clawd by Cuban is that it’s more than just nails. It’s about self-expression, confidence, and creating an experience that makes my clients feel valued and beautiful. My story is a testament to the importance of keeping God first, taking risks, staying true to yourself, and striving to grow—no matter how tough the journey might be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so many things to do in the city. I’d definitely start with a fun, chill place like Ponce City Market— grab a drink, play some mini golf at Skyline Park, and enjoy the views of the city. Then, we’d head over to Chef Smokey ATL’s food truck for some of the best birria tacos in the city (my literal favorite food ever!). Somewhere in that week, I’d take them to Six Flags Over Georgia because I love roller coasters (I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky).

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?
My shoutout definitely starts with my younger sister, Nya. She was my rock during one of the darkest times in my life when I made the difficult decision to drop out of college halfway through my junior year. At the time, I was also grieving the sudden passing of my favorite cousin, which made that period even more overwhelming. Nya was there for me emotionally, providing the support and reassurance I needed when I felt lost.

When I first started exploring my passion for nails, she was the first person to let me practice on her, even when I was just a beginner. But she didn’t just encourage me—she actively pushed me to enroll in nail school and earn my state license, knowing I had the potential to turn my passion into something bigger. Fast forward to today, and she’s still one of my biggest supporters. Beyond cheering me on, she helps me navigate the business side of my career, using her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting to guide me through challenges I face as an entrepreneur. Her belief in me has been unwavering, and I’m so grateful to have her in my corner.

I also owe so much of my success to my mom. Even when she didn’t fully understand my vision, she supported me every step of the way. At first, she struggled to see why I would leave behind college and optometry after dedicating 3.5 years to it, but despite her uncertainty, she chose to trust my judgment. She played an active role in helping me transition into nail school, ensuring I had the resources I needed to pursue this new path. She even went with me on countless tours to find the perfect salon suite for my business, proving just how much she believed in me—even when my dream was still coming together.

Lastly, I have to give a huge shoutout to my Nana. She has always been one of the most important people in my life, offering me unconditional love, wisdom, and support. During my toughest moments, she’s been my source of guidance, always there to offer advice and encouragement. More than that, she has been a spiritual anchor for me, constantly praying for me and leading me to strengthen my relationship with God. She’s played a huge role in shaping the faith that has carried me through every challenge. I truly believe that without His guidance and her presence in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: http://www.clawdbycuban.as.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ClawdByCuban

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClawdByCuban

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClawdByCuban

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clawdbycuban