Meet Dunni Olaiya | Licensed Master Cosmetologist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Dunni, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make was betting on myself and choosing the path of entrepreneurship. It’s not the “norm” where I come from—many people opt for traditional career routes that offer more stability and certainty. But I’ve always felt this pull to create something of my own, to build a business that reflects my passion for the beauty industry. Taking that leap was daunting. I knew the risks were high, and the road wasn’t going to be easy, but I also knew I had to trust my vision.

Every step of the journey, from growing my brand to learning how to navigate the challenges of business ownership, has been filled with risks. There’s been no safety net, no guarantee of success, but I’ve pushed forward because I believe in what I’m building. Choosing to step outside of what’s comfortable, especially when it goes against the expectations of your environment, was a defining moment for me. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding.

What should our readers know about your business?
I stand out because I’m both a licensed cosmetologist and a business owner with four years of experience, all of which I’ve spent working for myself. I’ve built my business and clientele from the ground up as a mobile and home-based nail tech. Over the years, I’ve specialized in various nail enhancement services, including Acrylic, Gel, Polygel, Gel-X, and Press-Ons. To set myself apart even further, I’ve expanded my skillset to offer special add-on services like Acrylic toes and Russian manicures.

What I’m most proud of is how I’ve grown my business beyond just doing nails. I’ve been able to create and sell digital products online, which has given me the opportunity to generate residual income. This success has allowed me to focus more on the things I’m passionate about, like continuing to refine my craft and expanding my influence within the beauty industry.

It definitely has not been easy, but I never thought it would be. I just knew it would be worth it. When I first started, I was aware of a lot of the challenges that come with building a business from the ground up, especially in a field as competitive as the beauty industry. But I’ve always believed in the value of hard work and perseverance.

One of the ways I’ve been able to overcome the obstacles is by having an incredible support system at home. Knowing I have people who believe in me and are there when I need encouragement has made all the difference. In the toughest moments, I also rely on prayer to guide me and keep me grounded. Faith and perseverance are what get me through when the challenges seem overwhelming. Every hurdle has been a lesson, and each step forward, no matter how difficult, has proven to be worth it.

I’ve learned so many valuable lessons along the way, but a few that have truly stuck with me are: no one is coming to save you, consistency is crucial, and building strong relationships can open doors to new opportunities. I’ve also learned that not everyone will agree with what you’re doing, but that’s okay. You have to be confident enough to stand firmly in what you believe because, at the end of the day, it’s your vision and your journey.

What I want the world to know about my brand, Olaiya Beauty, is that I understand what it feels like to not always be heard or seen. That’s why I created this space for women—so they know their support is appreciated, and they deserve nothing less than the best quality. My goal has always been to make sure they feel valued in every interaction, because that’s the core of what I stand for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a best friend visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d want to give them the perfect mix of adventure, local eats, and some city fun! We’d start by exploring some of the beautiful trails around the area. The Beltline is a popular spot for people-watching and city views, but I’d also take them to Arabia Mountain for a more rugged, nature-filled hike with waterfalls and mountains.

Next, we’d grab some Lime or Bird scooters and zip around the city, which is such a fun and affordable way to get around. For food, we’d keep it casual but delicious—starting with a sandwich from the Publix Deli or a burger from Grindhouse Burger. Atlanta has some fantastic cheap eats, but you’ve got to be willing to explore and keep an open mind. One of my favorite restaurants is The Greatest of The Plates, where we’d definitely have to stop for a meal.

For a bit of tourism, we’d check out the Coca-Cola Museum, the Atlanta State Fair, or Lenox Mall. And when it comes to nightlife, a rooftop lounge like Spaceman in Buckhead would be the perfect spot to wind down, enjoy great views, and sip on cocktails. The best part of Atlanta is that if you know people, you’ll never run out of things to do!

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’d like to give a special shoutout to my amazing clients! From the day one clients who took a chance on me when I was just starting out, to those who have continued to trust me with their nails, they all played a crucial role in my journey. I’ve had the honor of meeting inspiring women from different ages and backgrounds, which has made my work that much more fulfilling.

I also wanted to thank my online community. I’ve been able to use my content to extend my reach and allow me to connect with many upcoming and seasoned nail techs worldwide. Their support, in various forms, has helped me grow and evolve in ways I never could have imagined, and I am deeply grateful for each and every one of them.

Website: https://www.olaiyabeauty.com

Instagram: @Olaiyabeauty

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