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

Hi Erin Janessa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, my thought process was to NOT WORK a 9-5 anymore lol! When i first started my business it was to get me out of corporate america and into becoming my own business/ boss. creating financial independence for myself was a huge push for me to keep going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d say what sets my work apart is my attention to detail and the personal experience I create for each client. As a private nail studio, The Grls Spot isn’t just about nails—it’s about building confidence, self-expression, and a sense of community. I specialize in acrylic toes and nails, which is a niche service that I’ve mastered through constant practice and innovation. Adding retail products and new beauty services like henna brows and lashes has allowed me to evolve the studio into a one-stop self-care destination.

One thing I’m most proud of is creating a safe, welcoming space for predominantly Black women to feel pampered and valued. I love that The Grls Spot goes beyond beauty—it’s about empowering women to feel like their best selves. Expanding into future services like specialized pedicures for pregnant women and chronically ill clients excites me because it combines beauty with wellness.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Building a business from scratch, especially as a private studio owner, required sacrifice, trial and error, and a lot of self-education in things like marketing, bookkeeping, and customer experience. One of the biggest challenges was finding my confidence and standing out in a saturated industry. I learned to overcome that by focusing on what makes me unique—my skills, vision, and passion for creating meaningful client relationships.

Some lessons I’ve learned? Be consistent. Listen to your clients. And don’t be afraid to invest in yourself—whether it’s new tools, classes, or taking a break to recharge.

Ultimately, The Grls Spot is more than just a nail studio. It’s the beginning of a bigger dream to create a full-service medical beauty spa that prioritizes women’s unique needs. I want the world to know that my brand is rooted in passion, creativity, and service—and I’m just getting started!

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 mother! She’s a strong and determined woman. Watching her gain strength during some of her darkest times has always made me admire her remarkable resilience to keep fighting no matter what. Being able to securely retire her and fully provide for her and my grandmother who’ll be 100 yrs old this November is one of my biggest goals i have set for myself, these two women in my life have stood by me throughout many obstacles and have always spoke life into me and over me and my business. I owe them everything i have!

Website: https://polishedbyjaae.as.me

Instagram: plabeautybar

Facebook: The Polished Way LLC

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