Today we’d like to introduce you to Nisha.
Hi Nisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m from Brooklyn, NY and before becoming a business owner, I spent many years building a career rooted in discipline and leadership. I’m a United States Air Force veteran, and after my service, I went on to spend 23 years in Corporate America with a global consumer packaged goods company. Those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to lead with purpose, skills I use every day now as an entrepreneur.
In January 2021, during the middle of the pandemic, I relocated to Baltimore not really knowing what was ahead. It was a major life change, but over time I’ve grown to truly appreciate the city, its people, and the sense of opportunity here.
Owning a salon was never part of some long, carefully mapped-out plan. In fact, the idea first came up during a conversation with my husband in November 2022 when I was thinking about resigning from my job. At the time, I was balancing my corporate career while also working part-time as a realtor. More importantly, my husband was battling prostate cancer, and I knew I wanted to step away from my nine-to-five so I could focus on supporting him and being present.
He asked me what I would do if I left my job, and I told him I’d love to sell my handcrafted skincare products in a salon. My thought was that maybe within five years, I’d eventually have my own full-service space where clients could enjoy my products and be pampered. I had no idea that just six months later, that conversation would become reality.
In April 2023, I purchased the same salon I had been going to for my own nail appointments for the previous two years. Once I took over the business, I made renovations to the space and expanded the vision beyond manis & pedis. I wanted to create a place where someone could come in and truly treat themselves for the day.
Today, the salon offers more than manis & pedis. I brought in an esthetician for facials and waxing, a lash technician, and I also provide microlocs and Sisterlocks services myself. But just as important as the services we offer is the environment we’ve created behind the scenes.
It was very important to me to build a space where young Black technicians could work, feel appreciated, and feel seen. Unfortunately, there has long been a negative connotation around young Black women in the nail industry. During the ownership transition, I heard stories firsthand and saw how stereotypes often shaped the way they were viewed. I wanted to help change that narrative.
I wanted to show these young women that they have what it takes to excel at their craft and to succeed in any room they walk into. Because of that, I make it a priority to pour into them. Not just about business, but about life, confidence, and personal growth as well.
As a Black woman who grew up in Bed-Stuy, I understand what it means to navigate labels and limitations that others try to place on you. I know how hard it can be to rise above stigma. That’s why it matters so much to me that the women who look up to me know one thing clearly: they absolutely matter.
Now, three years later, I’m in the early stages of rebranding and expanding the business so I can fully bring to life the dream space I’ve always wanted to create. One where beauty, self-care, and luxury all come together in a meaningful way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Personally, my greatest challenge has been learning how to move forward after losing my husband in March 2024. He fought hard against cancer, but sadly, he passed away after a courageous battle. Grief changes everything, and there were many days I came to work wearing a smile while internally feeling like I was falling apart.
There were moments when I wanted to close the doors for good and walk away from it all. Instead, I had to keep showing up, not only for myself, but for the young women who work alongside me and depend on the business. I had to make sure they had what they needed, even during a season when I felt like I had lost so much myself. My faith in God, His grace, and the constant reminder of who I am and whose I am carried me through some of the hardest days of my life.
From a business standpoint, one of my biggest challenges has been learning how to navigate the slower seasons of salon ownership. During the winter months, client traffic naturally slows down, while operating costs, especially utility bills, tend to rise. Keeping the salon warm and comfortable for clients and staff has come with significantly higher BGE costs, even during times when business is quieter.
Another major obstacle has been the ongoing construction in the area over the past three years. Between limited parking, lane closures, street closures, and maintenance taking place directly in front of the salon, it has created real disruptions for the business. Clients have had to cancel appointments because getting to the salon became too difficult, and walk-in traffic has slowed as a result.
The hardest part of all has been staying encouraged and helping my team remain motivated through those moments. As a business owner, you carry the responsibility of keeping things moving even when circumstances are outside of your control. Those seasons have challenged me, but they’ve also taught me resilience, patience, and how to keep pushing forward under pressure.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Luxury Nail and Spa II?
My nail technicians specialize in both nail care and creative nail design. They are highly skilled at what they do and understand that great nails start with healthy nails. Whether a client wants classic, clean elegance or detailed custom nail art, they consistently deliver beautiful results while making sure the health of the natural nail remains a priority. Their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail are a big part of what keeps clients coming back.
Our esthetician is equally passionate about her craft and puts genuine care into every facial and waxing service she provides. Clients appreciate not only the results they receive, but also the way she educates them throughout the process. She takes time to understand each client’s skin concerns, recommends proper care, and creates a relaxing experience that feels both personalized and effective. Her attention to detail and commitment to client comfort truly set her apart.
As for me, I specialize in microlocs and Sisterlocks services. I’m passionate about helping clients begin or continue their loc journey with confidence. I also hold certification in microloc extensions, which allows me to help clients achieve the look and fullness they desire without waiting through the traditional starter phase. In addition, I provide microloc repair services for clients who may be experiencing thinning, breakage, damage, or simply need professional guidance to restore the health and appearance of their locs.
What makes our salon special is that every service is delivered with intention. We don’t just focus on beauty. We focus on care, education, and helping each client feel confident when they leave our space.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Some of the most essential qualities in business and in life are resilience, leadership, and compassion. Over time, I’ve learned that no matter how prepared you are, challenges are going to come. There will be unexpected setbacks, difficult seasons, and moments when you have to figure things out in real time. Resilience is what carries you through those moments. It’s the ability to keep going when things feel hard, stay focused when distractions come, and adjust when life doesn’t go according to plan. It doesn’t mean things won’t affect you, it means you don’t allow them to stop you.
Leadership is just as important because success is never built alone. To me, leadership is more than having a title or being in charge. It’s about how you show up for people, the example you set, and the opportunities you create for others. As a business owner, I’ve learned that leadership means making decisions that benefit both the business and the people connected to it. It means being consistent, being accountable, and creating an environment where others feel motivated to grow, improve, and believe in themselves. A strong leader helps others win too.
Compassion is another quality I value deeply because people remember how you treat them long after the moment has passed. Whether it’s a client walking into the salon or someone on my team coming in to work, everyone wants to feel respected, appreciated, and seen. You never know what someone may be dealing with personally, so leading with compassion means choosing patience, kindness, and understanding. It means creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and cared for.
I also believe adaptability is an essential quality. Business is always changing, and life can shift quickly. Being able to pivot, learn something new, or approach a challenge differently is what helps you keep growing. Sometimes the plan has to change, but the vision can still stay the same.
For me, success is about much more than numbers or profit. It’s about the culture I create, the people I empower, and the impact I leave behind. If you can lead with resilience, compassion, adaptability, and integrity, you can build something meaningful. Something that not only grows, but truly lasts.
Pricing:
- Russian Manicure – $85+
- Mani/Pedi – $75
- Jelly Bath Pedicure – $65+
- Glo Facial – $100
- Microloc Reties – $225
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bmoreluxury.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmoreluxury
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmoreluxurysalon/
