A girl works in the cozy corner of her bedroom, surrounded by her favorite tools, colors and accessories. Her graceful fingers move efficiently, applying layer upon layer of polish, creating complex patterns that leave her clients eagerly awaiting their next appointment. 

Meet Myah Gutierrez (10), a student nail technician. Her journey into the world of beauty is as vibrant as the nail designs of her business, NailzByMyah, gives to her dedicated clients. 

 Gutierrez started her small business in November by promoting it on her Instagram account, @nailzby.myah.

“I started to do my own nails around last year, [in] November-ish,” Gutierrez said. “I did it for fun, and then I began to do it for friends, and it kind of took off from there. People just started finding out about me from word of mouth and my social media.” 

Gutierrez reflected on how her business is currently doing and how her schedule is packed.

“It is hard to manage at times, but since I do nails so often, pretty much on the daily, I think the fact that I enjoy what I am doing helps,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez explains what she believes attracts people to her nail art and designs.

“I have reasonable prices for my nails, and I try to be welcoming to all of my clients,” Gutierrez said. “I do care more, and I care a lot about my client’s nails compared to larger nail salons where their goal is to get your nails done quickly and get you out of the salon … they just look at you like a profit and that is it.”

With clients coming in for appointments on the daily, Gutierrez gets to connect with a variety of new people.

“I love to talk to all of my clients and really build a relationship and conversation with them during their sessions,” Gutierrez said. “Some friends that I have [now] are from them coming to me and getting their nails done which is really cool.”

Laramie Cramer (10), a close friend and client of Gutierrez, felt invited because of Gutierrez’s “affordable prices, inviting attitude, and desire to support her small business and witness its astonishing growth.”

“She makes you feel comfortable while you get your nails done and is super inviting,” Cramer said. “It was a great experience. It is so easy to talk to her.” 

Riley Shehane (10), who has known Gutierrez since elementary school, has been supporting Gutierrez’s nail art since the very beginning.

“The best thing about Myah’s business is that she loves what she is doing,” Shehane said. “She’s so sweet and considerate, her area is welcoming and she makes you feel excited to be there.”

Shehane comments on Gutierrez’s excellence in her art when doing her nails.

“Myah is very professional and knows what she is doing, she cares a lot more than your regular convention nail salon,” Shehane said.

Alongside her business, Gutierrez also has to manage time for her schoolwork and social life.

“I try to do all of my schoolwork in class and get ahead,” Gutierrez said. “Most of the time, I do my homework at night. I attempt to take Sundays off and rest, and hang out with my friends and family.”

With the demands of clients, April Gutierrez, Myah’s mother, ensures that her daughter balances all of her responsibilities evenly in her everyday life.

“We completely support her business, but we make sure to balance it with schoolwork and social life,” April said. “We have some rules, like not taking appointments from unknown adults and ensuring she doesn’t overwork on school nights.”

April encouraged her daughter to start her own business as a way to transition from conventional nail studios to a more cost-effective approach by creating her own nail art and using her materials.

“Her determination to perfect her craft and improve her skills and her social media presence led to her growing client base,” April said. “Myah would always be researching nail designs and what is most popular to be able to keep up with the trends. I also believe that she is talented and good at what she does, which invites people.”

Looking into the future, Myah’s parents see her continuing this business throughout college if she enjoys it, focusing on her joy in the work rather than just the income.

“As long as she is enjoying what she does, that is the most important factor,” April said. “So far, it seems she is having a great time and balances everything well — trying not to overwhelm herself and taking breaks when needed.”

Since November of 2023, Myah’s business has rapidly grown, from having one client a week to having several clients daily. 

“It seems like her business was so small, mainly just friends, and then it grew so much and it seemed that the whole school knew about it quickly,” Cramer said. “Myah’s bookings have been sold out quickly, which shows how much she has grown since she first started.”

Cramer, one of Myah’s first customers, expressed her support for all of her accomplishments.

“I am so proud of Myah’s achievements and support her so much in what she is doing,” Cramer said. “I can’t wait to see how much more she can grow.”

The exponential growth of Myah’s clientele and appointments provide her an opportunity to meet new people, express her interests and pleasures, and “bring joy and excitement to her life.”

“Every [nail] set is different, and I truly do enjoy it,” Myah said. “It is a great way for me to get to know my clients, meet new people, and bond over a common interest.”