Entrepreneurship is a big part of today’s society, with social media platforms growing, as well as students wanting to be able to financially support themselves.
Establishing a business on campus can present many challenges for students. One student in particular has brought a community of women together on campus. Kinesiology sophomore Anya Cutshall decided the best way to do that was to create her own nail business.
“I think my business helps people show confidence,” Cutshall said. “It’s good to be confident in what you do, like with my business, but also good to be confident as a woman who takes the time to take care of herself.”
Cutshall has on average, anywhere from three to ten customers a week. She keeps her prices on the cheaper side, about $25-35, because she knows that it is hard for students to pay the average price of a nail salon, which can range anywhere from $60-100.
Client and sophomore Natalie Lennartsson decides to keep going back to Cutshall because the prices are so cheap. She also loves what Cutshall stands for when it comes to developing a business.
“It’s nice to give back to a student instead of a random adult because it makes you feel better, and it’s also great to support other students and your friends,” Lennartsson said.
Small business can be created in any way, and connecting with your community can be helpful to grow business in the long run.
Cutshall uses the community to grow her business, and one day, after she finishes school, hopes she can continue to use her business in her life.
Cutshall created an Instagram account to get her business out there and has had referral clients through friends of friends. Last year, she worked on clients in her dorm room, and this year, meets them in her house.
Client Sarah Hamel met Lennartson through Cutshall, in passing at an appointment, and now regularly hang out. Communities need small businesses to help them thrive and to make connections.
“People and relationships along with innovation are the real solution to creating sources of wealth,” according to Sandra Lynn from Itzinya Networks, a non-profit organization to help young entrepreneurs grow their businesses. “Business owners use their profit to facilitate greater effects in both tangible and intangible creation of financial, knowledge, skills and spiritual wealth.”
With her low prices and certification from Thailand, Cutshall has been able to grow her client list to over 100 people, mostly targeting women in Greek life.
“It’s a great place to meet new people, and I get a lot of clients when sororities and fraternities have events like formals,” Cutshall said.
Hamel and Lennartson agree that going to her is an easy and personable way to get their nails done that isn’t too time consuming. They both have spread the word to at least five other people and think that Cutshall is doing a great job in creating her own community on campus.