Have you ever wanted to get your nails done but lacked the time, energy, and resources to go to a crowded nail salon? Well, you’re in luck, because B-CC’s hallways are filled with talented nail artists who do nails for low prices in their homes.
Senior Maria Damian runs her home-based nail salon in Bethesda with excellent prices and beautifully designed nail sets that only take up a few hours of your time. Damian started doing her nails during the Covid pandemic, as she wanted to explore her talent and try to pick up a new skill during a time full of endless hours of free time. This July marks her third year with her business. “My inspiration for starting a nail business came from my mom because growing up I noticed she would always get her nails done and make sure to pamper herself whenever she felt like it,” Maria commented.
Maria’s entrepreneurship has generated plenty of success and fame—specifically, followers on Instagram and TikTok. She publicizes her self-taught business mainly on Instagram and has a follower count of almost 1,700.
A typical appointment involves step-by-step procedures to create the perfect design based on the client’s liking. Damian walks through an intricate detailed order of what her work entails: “First you want to start by pushing back the cuticles, cutting them, taking the shine off the natural nail with a sanding bit, adding and cutting tips, blending to mesh the tip and the nail, then put on primer and begin the application of design and color based on what your client asks of you.”
The designs include French tips—just one solid color, almond or boxed shape nail filing—and more complex, dramatic designs with 3D work. Maria added, “My favorite design is my dramatic designs where I use charms, artwork, and 3D images to make the nail sets stand out.”
Damian’s business is not only known for its designs and affordable prices. Multiple students have agreed the appointment is full of relaxing and comfortable vibes and will go back more than once in a short period. Most appointments involve a one-on-one chat with Maria for hours about life, school, and anything else you care to comment about.
Like any regular popular business, you come across unsatisfied customers every once in a while. Damian has dealt with people who won’t book more appointments after going to one, and she knows they didn’t want to tell her up close they were unhappy with the results. “I remind myself every time I have an unsatisfied customer that ‘not every client is for you and it’s okay, you will have regulars in the future,’’ finished Damian.
