Student stylists at Cedarville create meaningful experiences for clients

By Rachel Schuck

Around Cedarville, students have combined their talents with creative entrepreneurship. They offer affordable haircuts and nail sets to people on and off campus, creating meaningful experiences through intentional conversations and professional service.

Junior Criminal Justice major Abi Smith began her business, Abi.nailed.that, in November 2023. After doing her sister’s nails for prom, she discovered her love for the skill and decided to start her own business at Cedarville. She provides two types of nails for clients: Gel-X, or flexible, gel-covered extensions, and BIAB, a gel that strengthens the natural nail.

Through Instagram, Roomsync, and word of mouth, Smith has established strong connections across campus. She now sees up to twelve clients a week and has done over 800 individual nails in the last year alone.

Smith’s business enabled her to improve her skillset. She has gained crucial time management skills and learned the importance of connection.

“Connection is lacking in our generation,” Smith stated. “Everybody needs connection and connection will grow your business more than anything else will.”

Freshman Psychology major Brianna Marzano launched her business, Marzano Manicures, to make money and offer nails at a discount. After one semester at Cedarville, she expanded her business to offer Gel X design add-ons, Chrome, blooming gel, and gel removal, among other things.

Marzano began doing nails during COVID-19 through Tiktok and YouTube videos. She practiced doing nails for her friends and family, which inspired her to start her own business at Cedarville. 

Marzano has not only learned how to manage her time well, but also how to advocate for herself.

“I would hate being in the spotlight or feeling like there was a ticking time clock,” Marzano said. “So I think I’ve gotten better with time management the more I’ve done it.”

Analise Alexander, a sophomore Marketing major, also founded her business, Hair by Analise, during her freshman year at Cedarville. As a licensed cosmetologist, she offers different haircuts and hairstyles to women across campus.

After cutting and styling hair in high school, Alexander dove into her freshman year with one goal: to use her Marketing degree and cosmetology skills to operate her own business.

Alexander has gradually increased her prices to reflect her experience. Advertising through Instagram and by word of mouth, she has seen her business grow immensely in the last year. She cuts and styles hair around three times a week. 

Alexander has observed major growth in her own life through her business. She has learned how to balance business with school and found ways to reflect joy through every haircut.

“I feel very seen by the Lord through all of [my business],” Alexander said. “Each client that I have I see as a gift from the Lord.”

Although these students have grown exponentially through their businesses, they have also discovered a greater goal: to uplift and cherish their clients through every appointment.

“Doing nails gives me the opportunity to sit down face to face with people and actually connect with them,” Smith stated. “My clients are more than just my clients. I consider them my friends.”

Smith has witnessed how nails allow her clients to express themselves. One of her clients, a woman who struggles with autoimmune diseases, gets her nails done every three weeks because they make her feel more like herself. 

Similarly, Marzano sees how doing nails sets a positive tone for her client’s day.

“I see people who just get excited when they have their nails done,” Marzano said. “Whether it’s going to an event or just going home, it always makes someone have a little more pep in their step and a better attitude.”

Alexander has learned that her clients’ experience matters most. She seeks to give her clients rest and relaxation, especially during the college season.

“I want all of my clients to leave my space feeling encouraged, refreshed, and beautiful,” Alexander said. “I want to encourage them that their beauty really is so much deeper than just their outward appearance.”

Alexander recognizes that her business journey has left an unforgettable mark on her life. She encourages other student entrepreneurs at Cedarville to set personal goals and appreciate open doors.

“Take faithful and confident steps in preparation for [your goals],” Alexander said. “And steward every open door that you get from your business as an opportunity to grow and learn and prepare for whatever you’re hoping to do after college.”

Rachel Schuck is a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design student. She loves to play the piano, get coffee with friends and take walks in the sunshine.