Pinkston junior turns a nail hobby into a thriving business

By Angel De La Cruz, Journalism Pathway Fellow and junior at Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School

When Alexa Sanchez began doing nails for fun in the 7th grade, she never imagined her hobby would develop into a thriving nail business.

Now as a junior, her business has taken off after her social media post gained attention, helping her build the loyal clientele she has today. After one of her Instagram reels showcasing a nail set she created went viral, reaching over half a million views, Sanchez began seeing more activity on her social media and more clients booking appointments.

“It feels good to run my own business,” Sanchez said. “I feel like at a young age I have accomplished something really big.” 

Sanchez launched her business from a corner of her bedroom. Eventually, her dad helped create a dedicated nail room, giving her clients a more comfortable and professional space. Today, she sees about 30 clients a month, charging between $30 and $50 a set depending on the design. 

As a student, a National Honor Society member, and a volunteer at her local community center and church, Sanchez carefully plans her week to balance school, her nail business, and volunteer commitments. 

“I try to plan my week accordingly based on what I have due for school because school is more important,” she said. 

Even with a busy schedule, she manages to take clients after school and on the weekends, showing that discipline and careful planning can make it all work.

Sanchez says her family inspired her to start the business. 

“My parents and grandparents are always pushing us to do something more,” she explained. “Seeing them work hard gave me the motivation to push forward.” 

While she’s learned a lot from running her business, it wasn’t always easy. She faced challenges along the way that taught her important lessons. 

She struggled with consistency and motivation, even taking a year off when progress felt slow. Over time, she learned to stay consistent and set boundaries. 

“I’ve learned that I’m too generous sometimes and need to learn how to say no,” she said.

Clients praise Sanchez’s talent and personality. Zoe Zertuche, a junior at Pinkston High School who has been getting her nails done for a few months, said Sanchez “matches your vibe perfectly every time.” Zertuche’s favorite set was French nails with polka dots and ladybugs, a creative design unlike anything she had tried before. 

Another client, Hashim Perez, a junior at Pinkston High School, added that Sanchez  stands out because she balances her schedule well and creates a comfortable environment for clients.

 “Every time I think about the next set of nails, I think of going back to her.” she said.

Running a business has also helped Sanchez grow personally. She said it made her more social and confident. 

“When I was younger, it was really hard for me to socialize,” she said. “Doing nails has helped me get better at talking to people and making them feel comfortable.”

For teens thinking about starting their own business, Sanchez has some advice:

“Do it, even if you’re scared. Get out of your comfort zone,” she said. “There will be people who don’t support you. You might lose friends, but you’ll also gain new friends who believe in you and support you through your journey. It won’t be perfect at first, but sticking with it will make you proud.”