Today we’d like to introduce you to TaKayla Ellis-Boney.
Hi TaKayla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started doing nails during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when everything felt uncertain but also full of opportunity. What began as a way to make extra income and express creativity quickly turned into a real passion. I dedicated myself to learning, practicing, and building a loyal clientele, mostly through word of mouth and social media.
As demand grew, I took a leap and opened a full-service salon, expanding beyond just nail services to create a space that offers a complete beauty experience. That step really marked my transition from just doing nails to building a brand and a business.
Now, I’m in the process of getting my nail trade school approved through the Maryland Higher Education Commission, which will allow me to formally train and mentor the next generation of nail technicians so that they will be able to become licensed professionals. Education and empowerment are a big part of my vision.
I’ve also partnered with the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, giving young people hands-on experience and exposure to the beauty industry.
In addition, I host summer camps for ages 8–17 where students learn nails, braiding, and lash techniques. These camps are all about building skills, confidence, and creativity at a young age.
Being able to pour back into my community while continuing to grow my business has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. At 26, I made one of the scariest decisions of my life. I walked away from my 9–5 and bet on myself. That leap of faith led me to building my business full-time in my very own brick-and-mortar. That wasn’t an easy decision. I had to step out on faith without guaranteed income and trust that what I was building would work. That also meant working around the clock instead of just 9-5. There were many days where I was up at 2 or 3am handling things for my business.
Opening the salon came with its own set of challenges too. It wasn’t just about doing nails anymore. I had to learn how to build out a space from the ground up. That included handling plumbing work, making sure everything was up to code, and going through the process of securing the proper permits and approvals. There were a lot of moving parts, unexpected delays, and moments where things didn’t go as planned.
On top of that, transitioning into a business owner meant learning how to manage operations, finances, and people, all while still delivering quality service to clients. And now, working toward getting my school approved through the Maryland Higher Education Commission adds another layer of responsibility with strict requirements and processes.
But each obstacle has really strengthened me. It forced me to grow, stay resilient, and be intentional about building something solid. Not just for myself, but for my community as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a full-service nail technician and salon owner, and I specialize in all things nails and feet. I offer gel polish, hard gel, acrylic, pedicures, manicures, and acrylic toes. My specialty is hand-drawn nail art and acrylic toes. Those are the areas where I really get to showcase my creativity and attention to detail.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the work I produce, but how I make my clients feel. When women sit in my chair, it’s more than just a service. It’s an experience. I take pride in helping them feel confident and refreshed. A lot of times, I’m also a listening ear. For many of my clients, that time in my chair is therapeutic, and being able to provide that safe, positive space means everything to me.
What sets me apart is my professionalism and consistency. I value my clients’ time, so I’m punctual and organized. I truly listen to what my clients want and make sure I honor their vision while also guiding them when needed. I use safe, legal products, and I maintain a clean, sanitary environment at all times. It’s that combination of skill, care, and integrity that keeps my clients coming back and trusting me with their experience.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might surprise people is how much intention and depth there is behind what I do. From the outside, it can look like it’s “just nails,” but for me, it’s really about connection, healing, and purpose.
A lot of people don’t realize that I carry a real sense of responsibility when my clients sit in my chair. I’m not just focused on the service, I’m paying attention to their energy, mood, and how they’re feeling overall. Sometimes I’m celebrating with them, sometimes I’m encouraging them, and other times I’m just listening. That role goes way beyond beauty.
Another thing people might not know is how much I’ve had to teach myself behind the scenes—business structure, compliance, leadership, and now even navigating the process of opening a school. It didn’t come handed to me. I had to figure things out step by step while still showing up at a high level every day.
Also, I’m honestly very different outside of my business than I am in it. At work, I’m calm, focused, and professional. I take my craft and my clients seriously. But outside of work, I’m young, fun, and turnt. I think that balance is what keeps me grounded and allows me to show up fully in both spaces.
So while people may know me for my designs and my work, what they might not see is the level of purpose, discipline, and heart that really drives everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beautywallstreet.as.me/schedule/61cbef3c/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautywallstreetnails
