Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Wheeler.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, my name is Jennifer Wheeler, and I am the owner of EM Nails & Beauty. My journey into the beauty industry began long before I ever opened my own salon. Nails and beauty have always been a part of my life and my family. I grew up around the industry, with previous generations of my family working in it, so although I didn’t have formal business experience, I had always been exposed to the hard work and dedication that goes into building a successful salon.
In 2020, my mom and I decided to take a leap of faith and open EM Nails & Beauty together. At the time, I was also working as a registered nurse and had no idea where this new journey would take me. Eventually, I realized that if I truly wanted to see what the salon could become, I would have to make a choice. I made the difficult decision to leave my nursing career and go all-in on building the business alongside my mom.
Starting a salon was challenging, especially because we opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world was slowly beginning to reopen, there were many restrictions, and building trust with new clients took time. On top of that, 2020 was a major year of change in my personal life as well—I bought a house, got married, had a baby, and opened a business all within the same year. It was overwhelming at times, but also incredibly rewarding.
Two years into the business, my mom and I made the decision that working together every day was becoming difficult for our relationship. I eventually bought her out of the business, but she has remained a very important part of my journey. She still supports me and the salon while also helping with my family and children.
Now, nearly six years later, EM Nails & Beauty has grown into something I am incredibly proud of. The journey has not been easy, especially as someone who started with little business knowledge beyond growing up around the industry. I had to learn everything along the way—from managing employees and finances to taxes, operations, marketing, and the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with being a business owner.
I truly learned by being thrown into it, making mistakes, and continuing to grow. Looking back, leaving my nursing career to pursue this business was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Entrepreneurship has challenged me in ways I never expected, but it has also shown me what I am capable of. My journey is proof that you do not have to know everything before you begin—you just have to be willing to learn, adapt, and keep going.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles I faced was finding a healthy work-life balance. As I mentioned before, I got married, bought a house, had a baby, and opened the salon all within the same year. Opening a new business required so much of my time and energy, especially in the beginning, while I was also learning how to navigate major changes in my personal life. Balancing the responsibilities of being a new business owner, wife, mother, and homeowner was definitely overwhelming at times.
Another major challenge was simply learning through trial and error. As a new business owner without a formal business background, there were many moments of insecurity and uncertainty. I had to learn things I never expected to have to know, and I had to ask for a lot of help—which was difficult for me because I have always been someone who likes to figure things out on my own. There were definitely times when I felt lost or felt small because I didn’t know what I was doing. But I’ve learned that you don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to ask questions, learn, and keep moving forward.
No matter how overwhelming a challenge may feel in the moment, you figure it out—and somehow, you always do. I think those struggles have actually helped shape me into the business owner I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own a nail salon that offers all the traditional nail salon services. However, what sets us apart is the exceptional experience you’ll have when you walk into our shop. I may be biased, but I believe I have some of the most talented and skilled nail technicians in town.
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment you step in. We prioritize cleanliness, sanitation, and, most importantly, customer service. Most of our clientele are regulars, and we’ve built a personal connection with each of them. It’s like going to an independent nail technician, but in a nail salon setting.
We all girl talk, play fun music, and offer complimentary wine. We keep up with each other’s lives and share stories, all while still delivering top-notch nail services. Some of my favorite compliments from our clients are that they feel like they got free therapy and left with beautiful nails.
Another important aspect that sets us apart from other salons is that each of our technicians has a specialty. This gives our clients options based on their needs and preferences. For example, one of my employees specializes in designs. She’s a true artist and can create almost any face, character, or design you’re looking for. Then there’s another employee who specializes in detailed cuticle care, also known as Russian manicures.
Having skilled nail technicians who also specialize in different areas has attracted more clients to our salon.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I firmly believe that the key to my business’s success lies in the leader I chose to be. Throughout my career, spanning from the age of 14, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles under the guidance of both exceptional and challenging bosses. Each experience has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of what constitutes a good and respectable leader.
One crucial aspect of leadership is staying true to oneself and maintaining a strong sense of personal identity. It’s essential to draw inspiration from one’s past and understand the foundation upon which one stands. I actively engage with my employees, immersing myself in their work rather than merely delegating tasks from the comfort of my office.
Furthermore, being a business owner requires a continuous commitment to learning and attentiveness to the needs and concerns of your employees. By actively listening to their complaints, ideas, and suggestions, you can foster a positive and productive work environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Emnailsbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emnailsbeautynashville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LHsRNXTFD/
