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Starting a press-on nail business is exciting, but it’s not always as glamorous as it seems. When I launched Goat Nails, I thought I had everything figured out—until reality kicked in. From pricing struggles to customer communication, here’s a few things I wish I had known before starting my business.
1. Value Your Time and Skills
When I started taking custom orders, I was so excited that I said “yes” to every request. But I quickly realized that not all designs are created equal. Some take way more time and effort, and if you don’t price accordingly, you’ll feel burnt out fast.
Tip: Break down your pricing to include the cost of supplies, the time it takes to create the set, and your profit. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth!
2. Invest in Quality Supplies Early
In the beginning, I tried to save money by using cheaper materials. Big mistake. Not only did the nails not last as long, but I also spent more time fixing issues than creating. Now, I always invest in high-quality nail tips, polishes, and tools. Beetles was a brand that I found in the beginning and latched on for dear life! The quality is great and prices are just where I needed them to be. I first bought the 25 piece set with the mini polishes. Then as I made more money I bought the 6 polish sets in the bigger sizes until I accummulated the collection I have now. Here’s a pic of my nail polish rack next to my work area. The rest of my collection is neatly tucked away in my Alex drawers.
Advice: Amazon and prime will be your bestfriend. Not having to wait but a day or two for packages is everything.
3. Communication Is Key
One of my first custom orders turned into a mess because I didn’t confirm all the details with the customer. They wanted a specific color that I didn’t have, but I didn’t realize until I was halfway through the set.
Tip: Always confirm design details, including colors, shape, and length, before starting a custom order.
4. Mistakes Are Part of the Process
From smudged polish to shipping errors, I’ve had my fair share of mess-ups. At first, I used to let these mistakes get to me, but now I see them as learning opportunities.
Tip: Nobody’s perfect just remember when you make a mistake, own it and do your very best to fix it. Reflect on what happened and how you can avoid it in the future.
Starting a press-on nail business isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s so worth it. Every challenge teaches you something new, and every success reminds you why you started. If you’re on this journey, don’t be afraid to make mistakes—trust me they’ll only make you better.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?
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