Nyah’s Nail Journey: Doing It Scared & Dreaming Big

When you meet Nyah, you quickly realize she’s not just a middle schooler with a hobby, she’s a young entrepreneur in the making. Inspired by her great-grandmother, who always had her nails done, Nyah found herself drawn to the creativity and beauty of nail design. What began as painting her own nails has grown into a dream: to build her own nail business.

“I like being creative and doing new stuff,” Nyah shared. “I really love painting, and that’s how I got into nails.”

From Idea to Action

Nyah first stepped into the spotlight during the Boss Babe Academy Pitch Contest, where girls were challenged to share their business ideas in front of peers, mentors, and community leaders. Though nervous, she decided to do it scared—and walked away with not only applause but also opportunities.

“I just wanted to do something different,” Nyah said. “I’m not really good at talking in front of a big audience, but I wanted to practice. It was scary, but it opened doors for me.”

That courage set the tone for her entrepreneurial journey. Since then, Nyah has been practicing designs, collecting supplies, and learning from experienced nail artists. Her vision is still forming—whether acrylics, press-ons, or unique hand-painted designs—but one thing is certain: she wants to create a business that reflects her creativity and independence.

Building a Network

Through the Academy, Nyah has been connected with other nail artists like Breezy (“Love by Breezy”), Izzy, a high school student enrolled in cosmetology school, and Renee, a stylist who also does nails. These women represent the steps ahead on Nyah’s journey, offering her examples, advice, and inspiration for where her passion could take her.

For Nyah, mentorship isn’t about copying—it’s about learning what works, what doesn’t, and creating her own blueprint. “Talking to people who have experience is really helpful,” she said. “I can learn a lot from them.”

The Boss Babe Academy Experience

The Boss Babe Academy has been a big part of Nyah’s growth. Designed to empower middle and high school girls, the Academy combines workshops, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities that prepare young women to dream boldly and build confidently.

For Nyah, the community stood out most. “Everybody was so welcoming and supportive of what I want to do,” she reflected. “It made me feel comfortable and encouraged to keep going.”

From budgeting workshops to confidence-building sessions, the Academy gave Nyah both practical skills and lifelong connections. She’s already thinking about how to use those tools to grow her business—starting with grassroots marketing, peer feedback, and social media presence.

Doing It Scared

When asked what advice she would give to other girls who might be afraid to pitch their ideas, Nyah’s response was simple:

“Do it even if you’re scared—because it could open a lot of doors for you.”

It’s a lesson that extends beyond nails and business. For Nyah, “doing it scared” has become a mindset—one that pushes her to keep trying new designs, meeting new mentors, and stepping onto new stages.

What’s Next for Nyah

Nyah’s dream is to attend cosmetology school one day, but for now, she’s experimenting with press-ons, painting practice hands, and developing her style. She hopes to start selling her creations closer to Christmas, building her brand step by step.

For anyone wondering how to support this rising Boss Babe, Nyah says: “Definitely connections—and sharing my work on social media.”

Her story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage, a paintbrush, and the willingness to do it scared.