NMMU third year retail management student Nakhane “Rory” Dayile, 20, is unfolding herself as an innovative, enthusiastic and ambitious entrepreneur.
The young founder of Port Elizabeth nail salon Royal Nails PE says her love for doing nails started with her late mother buying her mini nail kits when she was a child.
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As a student at NMMU she found she couldn’t afford to pay R200 or more for a set of nails, and so she decided to teach herself and offer quality nails at reasonable prices to students.
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She started her business in her small bachelor flat in Summerstrand. At first she didn’t have a table but after four to five months she moved to a neighbouring house.
“Thank God there was a table and chairs” says Dayile.
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She says she enjoys learning new skills and is very independent.
“DIY’s are one of the many things that brought me to this point in my nail career. I always tell myself there’s nothing I can’t do if I put my mind, body and soul into it”, she says.
Over time Dayile kept on adding new nail care supplies, and her business grew from there.
Successful experiences
“I’m not sure which experience I would say is the most successful because I feel that there are those small intimate moments I have with my clients where we can connect and have a great conversation while also satisfying their needs.
“Making my clients happy is always my most successful experience. Additionally, being on BayTv for Youth in Business and being nominated as ‘Entrepreneur of the Month’ by Enactus were unbelievable moments too.
“My only recipe for making my business a success is to always ‘rise and grind’.
“No matter what I’ve told myself this is what I want and I’m willing to fight for it. I always push myself to do better and always educate myself about the nail industry and what’s trending,” she says.
Dayile says she balances her business appointments with her university commitments, working very flexible hours.
Engagement in her business
She says her clients get to relax from their busy schedules and gain flawless nails at the same time.
“Also, I offer very unique nails aligned with the individual’s wants and needs, which will make them stand out from everyone and most importantly make them feel like a queen.
“Royal Nails PE is definitely going to expand in the near future. However, for now you can expect some collaborations, more treatments on the price list (full pedicures and massages) and also Royal Nails’ own bottle of cuticle oil.”
Gratitude
“God has been my guide, protector and blesser. My business has grown because of the strength and love He has given me through my clients. I am grateful every day that I am able to wake up and do what I love and most importantly, love what I do. Thank you God of nails and of everything,” she says.
Looking further ahead, Dayile says: “I see RN being a global phenomenon, providing nail services to celebrities for red carpet events.
“The main objective is to open up a nail and beauty school where women and men from disadvantaged backgrounds can be taught this amazing skill. By teaching them, we can open doors for employment for them and/or they can even start up their own business.
“Empowering women and the youth in general and motivating them to reach their full potential is another goal. Lastly, having my own range of nail products (e.g. nail polish, gel polish, hand and body scrubs hand and nail creams, etc.), that are not harmful to the environment and to the individual.”
Word of encouragement
In a word of encouragement to young entrepreneurs, she says: “Never give up on your business or passion. I treat my business like a baby (who’s turning one year old in two weeks by the way), by nurturing my ideas, feeding my mind with new nail trends, information and then practicing in order to meet clients’ needs and wants. Another thing is to take care of yourself so that you can be able to take care and grow the business.
“Lastly, believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you, you can’t do anything.”
More information about Royal Nails PE is available on Facebook (Royal Nails PE), Instagram (@royalnailspe) and by emailing royalnailssa@gmail.com
Wow! What an article, ntomboxolo. . You good at what you do!! And to Royal Nails grow babyyy ?❤
Fantastic story. Just last night in one of a business meeting with a business partner at Wimpy, I spoke to this young waitress who was serving us and asked her if she would be willing to look into a business opportunity.
Firstly, rejecting any possibility of seeing herself as a business person and only after challenging the limitions she’s put around herself, she confesses to harboring a dream to open a hotel as she’s passionate about tourism.
But because of circumstances in her life, she’s now decided to change and see this as something impossible to achieve. But after a lengthy discussion with her, I think I left her feeling confident about what God has put in her heart, her purpose and thinking.
We certainly need more of these humbling stories of determination and belief. All the best to RN and thank you!