Today we’d like to introduce you to Teryn Smith.
Hi Teryn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started doing nails in 2010 after taking a year off from college to figure out what I truly wanted to do. I’ve always been creative, and during that time I realized the beauty industry felt like home. I went to school, got licensed, and began taking clients in December of that year.
At first, I thought I’d open a salon right away — but once I understood the numbers, I realized I needed to build more experience and clientele first. I focused on growing my business and, at one point, had over 100 consistent monthly clients. That season taught me discipline, consistency, and what it really takes to build something sustainable.
Over time, I discovered that what I loved most wasn’t just doing nails — it was the connection and community within the industry. About eight years into my career, I opened my own salon and stepped into a new level of leadership. From there, my passion expanded into creating spaces for beauty professionals to connect, learn, and grow together.
Today, I’m proud to host “It’s Just Business Presents,” a networking event designed specifically for nail artists to find education, inspiration, and real community. Watching it grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey so far.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first entered the industry, there wasn’t much space for connection or community — at least not where I was. I had to learn almost everything on my own. Building my clientele was one challenge, but building confidence without guidance was another. It took time to find mentors, peers, and spaces where growth felt collaborative instead of isolating.
Opening my salon brought an entirely new set of obstacles. In nail school, you learn the craft — not the business. I had to teach myself bookkeeping, sales tax, how to file a Schedule C, how to manage overhead, and how to truly understand my numbers. There was no roadmap handed to me. I learned through research, mistakes, and a lot of self-discipline.
That lack of structure and community early on is actually what pushed me to create what I have today. I built the kind of space I once needed — one rooted in education, connection, and support — so other artists don’t have to figure it out alone.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a nail artist and salon owner of a booth rental salon, and I also run my own educational platform while hosting networking events for nail artists in my area. My work lives at the intersection of artistry and business. I specialize in hard gel nails, but beyond technique, I’m deeply focused on helping artists build sustainable, confident careers.
I’m known for being both creative and business-minded. I don’t just talk about beautiful nails — I talk about pricing, structure, growth, and community. I’ve always been someone who is willing to evolve, accept feedback, and keep growing. That mindset has shaped everything I’ve built.
What sets me apart is that I’ve built every part of my career from the ground up — through trial, self-education, and persistence. I understand the artistry, but I also understand the numbers. I know what it feels like to figure it out alone, which is why I prioritize creating real connection within our industry.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve never given up. Every offer, event, and space I’ve created has come from passion and consistency. Being your own boss requires discipline no one sees — and I’m proud of the work ethic and heart behind everything I’ve built.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the past 16 years, I’ve watched this industry evolve faster than I ever could have imagined. From social media changing how we market ourselves to artists becoming true entrepreneurs, the growth has been powerful.
Looking ahead 5–10 years, I believe we’ll continue to see nail artists stepping fully into business ownership — not just as service providers, but as educators, brand partners, salon owners, and industry leaders. I hope the shift continues toward treating this career as a respected profession, not just a side job or hobby.
I also think community will play a bigger role. Artists are realizing they don’t have to compete — they can collaborate. The more we elevate each other, the stronger the industry becomes.
Personally, I’m excited to see how innovation, education, and confidence continue to shape the next generation of nail professionals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.officiallyterynsmith.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officially.teryn.smith?igsh=enQ3YXJ4Y3F0dDZy&utm_source=qr
