Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenitra Rowan.
Hi Kenitra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My purpose started with a vision. I was 23 years old, a single parent without a high school diploma. I dropped out in the 12th grade, and I knew I wanted a career, but what could I do without a high school diploma? I also knew I didn’t want to work for anyone else. So I started praying and asking God to lead me and show me what I was supposed to do. He did quickly, and I listened.
I started meeting nail techs and researching what it would take for me to go to nail school. Luckily, you only had to complete the 10th grade, and school was only six months. That was bells to my ears! I immediately put a strategy together. That was one of my first times writing down my vision, making it plain, setting goals, and actually making it happen. I didn’t realize it then, but that would become a big part of how I got to where I am today.
After graduation, it took me a year to get my nail license. Fear and doubt crept in, and life was happening. I was working and taking care of my baby girl, but I did it! I accomplished the goals I had set for myself. I went on to earn my high school diploma and graduated from Tennessee Tech Vocational School as a Nail Technician.
After I passed my state board, I remembered a young lady who had come to my school. She had just opened a nail salon inside the airport, so I gave her a call, and she hired me. She taught me everything—from laying acrylic and doing 20-minute manicures and pedicures to building a clientele, customer service, and how to run a salon. Within a year, I became the manager.
“I worked at all of her locations, but my journey of stepping out on my own started when one of the locations was closing down.” I decided to stay because I had built my clientele. I felt like I had graduated to the next level, lol! “Truth be told, I didn’t realize how much came with stepping out on my own and running my own business, but I didn’t let that stop me. I learned as I kept pushing forward.
While I was in school, I told myself I was not going to be a “shop hopper,” and I can actually count on my hands how many places I’ve worked. At my sixth location, I had another vision—to start hosting kids’ spa parties. That was in 2013. I knew I needed guidance, so I hired the same young lady who taught me so much in the beginning to be my coach.
I continued to grow with my spa parties, and by the time I opened my seventh suite, that’s where the real growth started! The space was actually a utility closet that I transformed into a nail studio with a pedicure room. I also created a small boutique using six shelves and came up with a logo. I stayed there for five years.
Then COVID-19 hit, and it forced me to sit still and really ask myself, What do you really want? My business coach hosted a free 30-day Cultivate Mindset session, and during those 30 days, my mindset shifted. I wrote down everything I wanted.
Within eight months, I was opening my own salon and create spaces for other beauty professionals. It still blows my mind when I look at where I am today.
Now, over 20 years later, I’m still here as a nail entrepreneur. I have my salon and beauty suites, boutique, spa parties, and an upcoming mobile spa lounge—all from a vision God gave me at the age of 23.
Looking back over my journey, I can truly say that writing the vision and making it plain got me here. I prayed, I wrote it down, I put a strategy behind it, and I kept moving even when I didn’t have all the answers. More than 20 years later, I’m still doing the same thing—trusting God, writing the vision, and working toward what He shows me.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. A lot of it has been figuring things out as things shift—financial struggles, learning who my customers are, who to target, and learning how to pivot when something isn’t working.
As my business grew, I also had to learn who I wanted as suite partners and how to run a business, not just work in my business. There have been plenty of ups and downs, but I’ve learned that it’s all part of the process.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that falling is not failure—it’s part of the process. Sometimes you have to dust yourself off, get back up, figure out what the lesson was, and keep going.
Entrepreneurship takes a lot of patience, balance, and most importantly, faith. I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring some things out along the way—and I’m okay with that because it’s all part of the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a nail entrepreneur with over 20 years in the beauty industry and the owner of PamperU Nail Boutique & Suites. I specialize in natural nail care, especially pedicures, and I’ve always been big on creating an experience where my clients can come in, relax, rejuvenate
and restore.
But my business has grown to be so much more than nails. I host kids and adult spa parties, have a boutique, provide suites for other beauty professionals, and I’m currently working on bringing my mobile spa lounge to life.
I think what I’m most known for is always having a vision and not being afraid to try something different. I’m also passionate about helping other women in the beauty industry grow. I don’t just want someone to rent a suite from me; I want to see them build clientele, make money, set goals, and grow their business.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve continued to reinvent myself over the years. I started as a nail tech, but I’ve grown into a business owner and someone who can create opportunities for others. What sets me apart is that I truly care about the experience, whether you’re sitting in my chair, attending one of my spa parties, shopping my boutique, or becoming one of my suite partners.
After more than 20 years, I’m still learning, growing, creating, and walking in every vision God gives me.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
“I think something that may surprise people is that I really don’t watch TV! I listen to a lot of motivational content instead—things that inspire me, help shift my mindset, and keep me focused. I also love doing things by myself. I enjoy my own company, whether it’s going out, taking myself somewhere, or just having quiet time alone. With everything I have going on in business and life, I’ve learned to really enjoy those peaceful moments with myself.”
Pricing:
- Spa parties starts at $450
- Boutique items various Shades starts a $15⬆️
- Custom hats starts at $35⬆️
- Makeroom pop-up suite $75 all day renter suite $150 to $200 a week
- Pedicure $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pamperunailboutique.com
- Instagram: PamperU by Kenitra/PamperU Spa Parties
- Facebook: PamperU Spa Parties/ PamperU Nail Boutique
- LinkedIn: Kenitra Rowan
- Youtube: PamperU Nail Boutique
- TikTok: PamperU experience
