While balancing school sports and academics, junior Makenzie Nere has built a growing nail business. What started as doing nails for friends has expanded into a creative outlet that has strengthened her confidence, and connected her with new people.
Like many student-run businesses, Nere’s journey began with a personal hobby, before turning into something larger. As she continued practicing and sharing her work online, more students began reaching out to book appointments.
“I’ve always loved doing nails, I always did my own nails and sometimes my friends’, so I thought I would branch out,” Nere said. “My friend encouraged me to make my Instagram. So it just started growing from there, I started getting random people to ask me to do their nails. That kind of just formed my business.”
As her business continued growing, Nere also learned how to manage the responsibilities that come with running a business, while still being a high school student. Creating her own schedule has allowed her to balance appointments alongside sports and academics.
“I think what’s really good about having my own business is that I can make my own schedule,” Nere said. “I know what days I’m going to be really busy and I can plan around that.”
Although balancing appointments can become difficult during busy seasons like dances and school events, Nere said the experience has mostly been positive. Along with improving her nail techniques, she has also built stronger relationships with clients and friends.
“The only challenges I’ve faced is when I try to fit everybody into my schedule at times when everyone wants their nails done, like around the school dances and events,” Nere said. “Other than that, it’s been a really good experience and I’ve met a lot of really cool people.”
For many of Nere’s clients, watching her progress over the years has been one of the most impressive parts of her business. Junior Avery Bartels, one of Nere’s longtime clients and close friends, has seen her creativity and attention to detail evolve since she first began practicing.
“My first appointment with her was probably about 2 years ago now and she first started doing my nails for free when she first started learning how to do them,” Bartels said. “At the time, it was more basic sets, but now she has truly grown so much and it’s so crazy how much detail she includes in each set.”
As Nere continued gaining experience and positive feedback from clients, her confidence also began to grow. What once felt intimidating eventually became a source of pride and motivation for her future goals.
“My confidence really grew a lot,” Nere said. “But I’ve gotten such great feedback and made a lot of new friends through this business.”
While she plans to continue focusing on academics and athletics throughout high school and college, Nere also hopes to continue expanding her business. For her, doing nails has become more than just a hobby. It continues to provide opportunities for creativity, connection and independence.
“It allows me to still complete my academic and sports goals while making money and meeting new people,” Nere said. “It’s really fun and I would love to continue it into college.”
