Whether it’s getting ready for a school dance, a special event, or just for fun, nail art is a unique way for students to express themselves with a new look. This form of art is especially prevalent here at Andover, as students can monetize their skills within the parameters of the Blue Book. Angie Ceballos Cardona ’25 and Ellen Mueller ’26 are just two student artists who offer nail services on campus.
Cebellos Cardona is a Senior who has been doing her own nails for years but has only recently decided to branch out and try new styles. After her mother motivated her to experiment and take risks with her nail art, Cebellos Cardona decided to turn her passion into a side hustle. She believes that the hardest part about starting a business is actually getting it off the ground first.
“Starting a business or starting a hobby takes a lot of time, and commitment. I would say it’s a big investment as well. My family has been so supportive through it and has helped me get supplies I need. So you definitely need people and support when you’re starting from square one like that, so that’s how I’ve been able to overcome that challenge,” said Cebellos Cardona.
Mueller is an Upper who had started doing nails as a fun activity with friends and family. After trying gel nails and purchasing a UV lamp set, she finally listened to the advice of loved ones and started doing nails for others. Using Instagram as a main platform, Mueller has been able to grow her clientele significantly.
“I started doing nails with my friends for fun two and a half years ago with regular nail polish. They said, ‘Oh, you could totally do this to other people for money,’ and at first I didn’t do that because I was like ‘This is stupid,’ and so I kept on painting people’s nails for fun, but one of my friends told me, ‘Oh, you should try gel polish,’ which cures under a UV lamp. I decided I might as well try it, and I got a little kit for 15 dollars on Amazon. I just played around with that for a little while longer, but my friends — even my grandma — kept telling me I should try to do it for money. Eventually, I caved and put a story on Instagram saying, ‘Oh, I’ll do your nails for cheap.’ I thought no one would respond, but a lot of people did. That’s kind of how I started,” said Mueller.
Despite enjoying the line of work, Mueller discusses some of the challenges in monetizing her nail art on campus. Andover forbids students from running official businesses on campus, providing an obstacle for students who want to profit from their skills. Mueller describes how she stays within Andover’s rules, while still following her passion.
“A big thing, especially being on campus, is that this isn’t technically a business. That’s an important thing to highlight: I can’t consider this a business. It’s a nonprofit, and I get tips because on campus you’re not allowed to have businesses where you immediately profit from something. A lot of people get their stuff shut down because of the school’s fundamental ideas of what is considered okay. The biggest challenge is just not really being able to consider it as a real business, but it still being a business idea,” said Mueller.
Another obstacle student entrepreneurs face is time constraints set into place by athletics and academia. With the stress of being an Andover student, Mueller mainly takes clients during the summer, having to work around her practice schedule. However, she claims the enjoyment that comes with the craft outweighs the negatives.
“What can be difficult is making time for myself. I’ve put limits on how many sets I do in a week, but to be honest, it’s so rewarding that it’s not hard to move things around for it. Sometimes finding times that align with others can be a little tough, but we’re all in the same boat,” said Mueller.
There’s no denying that running a business in a busy environment like Andover is difficult. However, Cebellos Cardona encourages others to commit to their passions, and to not let hurdles bring them down.
“I would say to just believe in yourself and really put in the time and commitment to become better if it’s something you really care about and invest in. Keep pushing for it and keep believing in yourself, that’s the main thing just believe in yourself. Having the confidence in yourself to make mistakes, learn the long way, and be proud of the little steps that you make, because every step is progress, and so seeing that has helped a lot,” said Cebellos Cardona.
