Inspiring Conversations with Shenika Blanding of I Nailed It Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shenika Blanding.

Shenika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a very small town in NC, in what one would say I grew up in poverty, but at the time I didn’t really know that. I was raised by a single mother. I am the second oldest of five and didn’t even know what poverty was, I just knew, it was five of us, and my mother struggled in providing the things that we needed. I decided to get my first job at the age of 14 years old to help and that’s where the hustle really began!

I worked throughout my high school years, attending school during the day, and working part-time at night and on the weekends. After graduating, I continued to work in several industries trying to find my niche. In 2006, I received the most shocking news that I was pregnant not with just one baby but two “The Twins”. I became unemployed to be able to stay healthy and started attending an online school where I obtained my degree in Psychology. After having the twins in 2007 a month early and with them having many health complications I was still unable to join the workforce.

While being a single stay-at-home mom I knew I had to go harder than I did before because I was now providing for 3 instead of just me. I decided to enroll in nail school which was a 5-month program. This would allow me to keep my kids at home and still make money. Well GOD had bigger plans, after graduating I opened my own shop in my hometown. Operating for some time I realized that my passion was to teach. I challenged State Board and obtained my Manicurist Instructors license in 2012. That’s where my career began as a nail instructor!

In 2014 I relocated to a bigger city, in search of more opportunities to make a better life for my kids and me. Where I began working as an instructor at a private college. After gaining much knowledge and increasing my skill set, I made the decision to step out on faith and launch my school called I Nailed It Academy, located at 3031 Capital Blvd, Raleigh.

I Nailed It Academy has been operating both day and night classes since 2019 with a waiting list of 3-6 months.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My school is my life. Outside of my husband and my kids, this is what I live for. You know the saying, anything worth having is worth fighting for; I go hard for mine.

With that beginning said this entrepreneur’s life has not been easy. I like to compare my journey to speed bumps the challenges I have endured have only slowed me down but did not stop me. The biggest struggle was accepting the fact that no matter how many goals I set GOD had the ultimate plan!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I Nailed It Academy offers day and night classes as well as job placement. We also offer CE courses. I personally offer mentorship in assisting anyone who is interested in establishing their own business.

I Nailed It Academy accepts students starting at the age of 14. No high school diploma or GED is required. We prepare each student individually to pass their exam. We provide affordable payment plans. We will be introducing more services in the next few months! Stay tuned…

What makes you happy?
Providing experiences for my family, that I never thought I would have. Being able to see the growth of my brand.

Being able to experience the success of each student. The encouraging and uplifting compliments from many students.

Personally, my why is my children? Business my why is because I am able to have a strong positive impact on others.

Pricing:

• $500 Deposits
• $3200 Tuition

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inaileditacademy.info
• Instagram: I Nailed It Academy LLC
• Facebook: I Nailed It Academy

Image Credits
Willie Williams Jr. and Christa Bethelmy