Today we’d like to introduce you to Shenika Blanding.
Hi Shenika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Shenika Blanding born and raised in a small town called Scotland Neck. Shenika knew since high school she would be an educator she just had no idea it would be nails. Shenika has been employed since the age of 14 her best qualities with every job has always been customer service and being able to educate people. In 2006 she became pregnant with twins (boy & girl) and do to many complications she was unable to work. Once twins were born they both suffered many health issues and she was still unable to return back to the work world. Shenika then decided she needed to be able to make money in order to provided for her twins but what could she do and still be in the presence of her twins. Shenika then signed up for manicuring school that was a short course that she could be self employed and choose her own schedule.
Shenika graduated from Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro NC in 2010 and has served as a licensed manicurist & educator for over 11 years. After 3 prosperous years of running her own business, and gaining much experience in the nail industry, Shenika couldn’t ignore her burning desire to educate others on the importance of proper nail health and techniques. She challenged state board to gain her instructors license and later relocated to Durham NC to teach full-time at Miller-Motte College (MMC) as the Program Director for nail technology. In her teachings at MMC, Shenika found that it was time to take ownership of the future and open her own nail academy. Her dreams and passions became reality in the opening of I Nailed It Academy. “As a young girl I have always dreamed of being an educator and mentor to others. My passion in life is helping others to gain the knowledge and understanding that I have been able to acquire over the years to better their creativeness and craft in this industry. My main goal is to not only provide my students with the skill set to become licensed but to make sure that WE as a team achieve success together!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The ride hasn’t been smooth. In fact, I have always compared my journey to a gps system. Though there were many speed bumps (slowing the process) the arrival was always on time. Becoming a licensed manicurist and starting my first business in my hometown I figured that would be my most support. That was the first speed bump. Giving back to your hometown is a good thing but seeking support may not be the best option. I eventually came to reality and decided to relocate to a city where I knew no one and chose a different direction in my career but still in the nail industry. I began educating! Starting from being employed through the corporate world to owning my own Manicuring school! Though it may have looked like everything was together I experienced many trials and errors. There were many days and nights of crying, praying and fasting. Marketing and staying consistent was a struggle because coming from a small town and now entering a bigger city you are responsible for letting everyone know who you are. I have always been the type to pray and ask GOD to provide the path in which I should travel and with much obedience the direction has always ended in success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As the owner and lead educator of I Nail It Academy, my primary goal is to empower students with comprehensive knowledge about nail health and the skills necessary for nail care. I am dedicated to equipping them not only with technical expertise but also with the entrepreneurial skills needed to successfully operate their own businesses.
What distinguishes our academy from others is our strong emphasis on business readiness, ensuring that our students are fully prepared to launch their own ventures, providing each student with many marketing strategies. We provide in-depth training that not only helps them excel in their state board exams but also offers practical experience in delivering a range of services, including manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail enhancements. Our commitment is to create brand owners who are well-prepared for the real world.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is witnessing the success of each student and seeing the smiles on their faces as their businesses flourish. It is incredibly fulfilling to observe them grow into entrepreneurs, just as they see me in that role. I take great pride in knowing that they appreciate the time and dedication I invest in their development. Their achievements are a testament to our shared commitment to excellence.
Pricing:
- Full Tuition $4000.00 *Students has option to pay retainer fee ($500) that is deducted from tuition and receive a payment plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inaileditacademy.info
- Instagram: I Nailed It Academy
- Facebook: I Nailed It Academy
