5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Nail Biz
“5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Nail Biz”
From Barely Booked to Fully Booked and Bougie
“Not only are bloggers suckers for the remarkable, so are the people who read blogs.”
— Seth GodinHey, I’m Sami - and I’ve been where you are.
If you’re building your nail business, just starting out, or wondering why you’re working 24/7 but your bank balance says otherwise - this blog’s for you.
When I started my nail biz over 11 years ago, I had big dreams, a tiny client base, and absolutely no idea what I was doing. I was passionate, yes. Skilled? Getting there. But business-wise? I was winging it - hard.
Since then, I’ve built a thriving salon Sami's Beautiful Nails, launched The Nail Mafia, helped nail techs across the UK and US, written books, and been a finalist twice in The Hair & Beauty Awards (Top 10 and 50, baby!). But trust me - none of that came easy.
So today, I’m sharing the 5 BIGGEST lessons I wish I knew when I started - no fluff, just real talk from someone who’s walked the walk.
1. Being fully booked isn’t just about skill - it’s about strategy.
I used to think doing good nails would be enough to keep clients coming back. But I learned the hard way: talent alone isn’t the ticket.
You need visibility, a clear brand vibe, consistent marketing, and the mindset to treat your business like a business - not a hobby.
💡 Truth bomb: If no one knows you exist, they can’t book you - no matter how good your work is.
2. Your prices should scare you a little.
I undercharged for years. Not because I wasn’t worth it — but because I didn’t believe I was.
Once I finally raised my prices and started backing them with value and confidence? Everything changed.
I attracted better clients. Made more money. Worked less. And finally felt respected.💸 Reminder: Undercharging doesn’t make you humble — it makes you exhausted.
3. Not everyone is your client - and that’s a blessing.
I used to say yes to everyone, every last-minute “quick set,” and every client who disrespected my time.
But boundaries changed my life - and my business.
Now I only serve dream clients who get my vibe, respect my policies, and love what I offer. You can be kind and have standards. It’s not just okay - it’s essential.
🛑 Lesson: Saying NO to the wrong clients makes room for the right ones.
4. Mindset is everything.
I didn’t believe in mindset work until I hit burnout. I thought “hustle” would be enough. But the real shift happened when I worked on the inside.
I got clear on what I wanted. I journaled. I visualised success. I faced my money blocks. And I started taking inspired action, not just busywork.
💥 Game-changer: Your beliefs shape your reality. Change your mindset, and you change your results.
5. Community is your secret weapon.
This journey can feel lonely - especially when you work solo.
That’s why I created The Nail Mafia. It's not just about nails - it’s about empowering each other, learning together, and knowing you’re not doing this alone.
Whether you’re in Essex, Edinburgh or anywhere in between, you deserve a space where people get it. A place where growth, support, and sisterhood are the norm.
👯♀️ Note to self: You don’t have to do this on your own.
Let’s get real for a sec…
I’m not just a nail tech. I’m a mum. A wife. A businesswoman. A mentor. A creator. A survivor of slow weeks, awkward silences, and the soul-crushing fear of raising my prices.
But I figured it out - and now I teach other nail techs how to build successful, confident, fully booked businesses that feel as good as they look. 💖
So if you’re ready to:
Attract clients who respect your boundaries
Charge your worth with confidence
Grow your income without burning out
Build something you’re proud of
Then you’re in the right place - and this is just the beginning.
🎁 Grab your FREE Nail Tech Money Map
It’s time to stop undercharging and start building a salon empire. My free Nail Tech Money Map shows you exactly how to price smart, shift your mindset, and take control of your income — without overwhelm.
Let’s build your bougie business empire - one flawless set at a time 💅
💭 What’s one thing you wish YOU knew when you started your nail biz?
Drop it in the comments - let’s help the next generation of techs grow smarter, faster.💅 Ready to Build Your Bougie Nail Biz?
You’ve just read the lessons that changed everything for me - now it’s your turn.
Here’s how to keep the momentum going:
💖 Grab your FREE Nail Tech Money Map
Learn how to price with confidence, shift your mindset, and take control of your income.
👉 Download it here👑 Join The Nail Mafia Empire
If you’re done playing small and you’re ready to grow a nail biz that gives boss energy, consistent income, and pure alignment - I’ve got you.Inside The Nail Mafia Empire, you’ll get exclusive access to:
No-fluff business training
Coaching and support from me (Sami!)
Growth tools and templates
A community of ambitious AF nail techs who get it
This isn’t just a membership - it’s a movement.
👉 Become a Nail Mafia Empire member nowLet’s turn your passion into profit - and your chair into a six-figure throne 👑
👯♀️ Hang out with us on Facebook
Join our free community of badass nail techs for weekly inspo, support, and straight-talking advice.
👉 Join The Nail Mafia Facebook GroupYou’re not in this alone. Let’s build your empire - one flawless set at a time. 💅✨
✨ P.S. Don’t forget to grab your free Nail Tech Money Map. It’s packed with pricing help and mindset shifts to kickstart your success.
👉 Get it here💌 Know a fellow nail tech who needs to read this?
Send it their way - let’s grow this community together.
