Shamaya Nelson turns nail passion into thriving business

In 2019, nursing a broken heart after a breakup and heading back home, 26-year-old Shamaya Nelson turned to a bit of retail therapy on Amazon.

What began as a way to distract herself soon evolved into something far bigger, eventually pulling her out of the nine-to-five world and into the nail care space.

"I just wanted something to just pass the time and I ordered the nail supplies on Amazon, and I just started doing it on myself," Nelson said.

What began as a simple attempt to learn a new skill at home soon turned into a process of trial and error for her as she stepped into the world of nail artistry. With no formal training at the time, she had to teach herself through practice and persistence, often experimenting on her own hands.

"There were times when I just started, they looked so ugly, so disgusting, but I wore them proudly because I did them myself," Nelson told THE STAR.

"When I look back on those photos I cringe, but I can see the growth now," she added.

Today, the St Ann native and Steer Town Academy alumna operates her own nail business at Orange Hill Square, living a life far removed from the structured routine she once knew.

After leaving high school, Nelson moved through about five jobs, even rising into supervisory roles, but never felt fully settled.

"Every morning before I left out for work, I said, 'I don't want to be doing this any more, I need a sign.' Out from nowhere, my boss came to me and she wanted me to work part-time," she said.

It was the sign she needed.

"I [then] realised I can't rely on this job and it wasn't something secure," said Nelson, who, while employed, explored side hustles selling accessories, wigs and lashes.

"The lash business was doing great for me. I loved the fact that I could earn on the side while working. At that time, nails wasn't even in my mind."

Her nails business, which began as a personal hobby, slowly gained traction.

"To be honest, I never thought that I would be doing nails on other people. It was just a hobby for me, I never saw myself doing nails at all. I remember one time I did my nails and some persons didn't like it and they told me straight up, but I know I was just starting. I just practise and practise.'

Her first paying client came in October 2025. She confirmed that she is now formalising her credentials and expects to obtain her licences to operate as a nail technician within a month.

Nelson credits her customer service background for helping her stand out.

"I know how to talk to clients, make them feel welcome, and they always compare my service to what they've experienced before," she said.