Today we’d like to introduce you to Latesha Cummings.
Hi Latesha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I first started doing nails back in 2015, there were hardly any Black nail techs. No one in my area was even interested in the nail industry besides the Vietnamese community. Because of that, I had a lot of support from those who wanted to see change, but I also faced just as much hate and envy. Friends and family frowned upon me for quitting my job to do nails full-time, but deep down, I knew there was a bigger purpose.
As a mother of five (four at the time), I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I was tired of waiting for the first of the month to get food stamps, tired of constantly moving because late fees had piled up, and tired of waiting on housing assistance that never came through. It was a struggle, but I kept pushing. I did what nobody believed I could do. I enrolled in a cosmetology manicurist program, and I remember telling my instructor from day one that I wanted to own my own salon and make a difference.
I set up my first “salon” right in my living room and dining room. My work wasn’t perfect back then. I look back in disbelief at some of the sets I did, but my customer service and vibe were unmatched. I had genuine energy and passion that people could feel. That’s what carried me forward.
After two and a half years working from home, I eventually opened my first nail salon with no loans or grants. I worked hard for every penny and stepped out on faith, but unfortunately, it didn’t last long due to COVID. It was tough finding licensed nail techs in my area, and although I met some talented artists, I refused to risk my business by hiring anyone unlicensed. After trying everything imaginable, I reached a breaking point. Without a support system, it’s easy to feel alone, and for a while, I gave up. I went back to working a 9-to-5.
But even as I was trying to keep life steady, things at home were getting hard. My two oldest boys started hanging around the wrong crowd and getting into trouble. As a mother, I knew I had to make a change fast. I moved us all the way out to Haslet, over an hour drive from where I worked, just to give them a different environment. That drive was exhausting, but I never let it stop me. I still showed up every single day, determined to build something better for my family.
Not long after we moved to Haslet, my faith was tested again. In 2022, I was hospitalized with severe sepsis. The doctors didn’t think I would make it. My white blood count was extremely high, and my body was resisting every antibiotic they tried. I had so many doctors in and out of my room. I couldn’t walk. I had no energy. I cried countless nights just listening to my kids asking when I would be home, and I had no answer for them. My sister later told me that the doctors had started to lose faith too.
To make matters worse, my mom was also hospitalized at the same time with COVID, and her health conditions made things even harder. When I was finally released, I went home with a PICC line, a home health nurse, and a long list of antibiotics and follow-ups with an infectious disease doctor. It was one of the darkest and most humbling seasons of my life, but it reminded me that I was still here for a reason. God wasn’t done with me yet.
That experience changed me forever. I started seeing life differently. I no longer questioned why things happened; I just trusted that they were preparing me for something greater.
Then my world completely shifted again when my youngest son was sentenced to five years in prison. That broke me in a way I can’t even describe. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. Some days I didn’t even want to leave the house. But I pushed through. I got up, put on a smile, and showed up for my customers. Most people had no idea what I was going through because we try to paint a pretty picture just to look strong and have all the answers, but that definitely wasn’t my case. The truth is, I’m human. We all are. As a mother, without your kids, there’s no you.
There were so many days I thought I had nothing else to live for. But even through the heartbreak, I kept reminding myself that God had the final say. I refused to give up on what He promised me to be destined for.
I went on to open Diamondz & Designz Salon Suites, which I’ve proudly operated for four years now. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve had tenants who didn’t value the space, and I’ve lost thousands because of it. Landlords don’t always care once the lease is signed, and I’ve faced plenty of those challenges. But through it all, I’ve also met amazing entrepreneurs who I’ve been able to mentor, support, and encourage.
In March of this year, I decided to take another leap of faith and open a walk-in salon again. I received so much negativity and doubt. People had no idea how many nights I cried, but I always reminded myself that God has the final say. My kids prayed for me daily, and I began to look at life through a new light.
Within the first three months, we made $100,000. Now, just eight months later, we’re approaching $300,000 in revenue. The community has been incredibly supportive, especially of Black-owned businesses. We’ve gone viral on TikTok several times, and customers rave about our professionalism, vibe, and customer service. That’s what sets Diamondz & Designz apart.
We’re not perfect. We all have our off days, but we treat people the way we want to be treated. That’s the foundation of everything I do.
Now, we’re preparing for something even bigger: the grand opening of our brand-new 3,000 sq. ft. salon on December 13, 2025, located at 909B W Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013. This new location will feature 20 pedicure chairs, 12 nail stations, and expanded services including brow tinting, waxing, and lashes. I’m beyond excited because my team deserves this.
My hope is to bring on the right techs who will grow with us, share our passion, and experience this journey together.
To every entrepreneur, especially those in the beauty industry, I just want to say this: Don’t give up on your dreams. No one can want it more than you. Whether people support you or not, remember what’s meant for you will always be yours.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
When I first started doing nails, there were hardly any Black nail techs in my area, so I had to create my own lane. I faced a lot of doubt and criticism, even from friends and family, for quitting my job to do nails full-time. But I kept going because I knew I was meant for more.
In 2022, right after moving to Haslet, I was hospitalized with severe sepsis. Doctors didn’t think I would make it. My white blood count was extremely high, my body was rejecting all antibiotics, and I couldn’t walk or even lift myself out of bed. My mom was also hospitalized at the same time with COVID, and it felt like my world was falling apart. I went home with a PICC line, a home health nurse, and months of treatment. That experience broke me down but also rebuilt my faith. God wasn’t done with me yet.
Shortly after, my youngest son was sentenced to five years in prison. As a mother, that pain was indescribable. There were days I couldn’t eat, sleep, or even find the strength to smile. But I pushed through for my kids and my business.
Through every storm, from losing my first salon during COVID, to battling for my health, to rebuilding my life. I’ve learned that what’s meant for me will always be mine. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me who I am: strong, resilient, and rooted in faith.
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?
Diamondz & Designz is more than just a salon; it’s an experience. When people walk through our doors, they can feel the vibe. It’s luxury, it’s comfort, and it’s genuine energy all in one. We’re known for our professionalism, our creativity, and how we make every client feel seen and appreciated. Whether it’s a simple polish change, a full acrylic freestyle, or a luxury spa pedicure, our focus is always on quality, consistency, and great energy.
I started Diamondz & Designz because I wanted to create something different, a space that celebrates real talent, professionalism, and community. When I first started doing nails, I didn’t see many people who looked like me in this industry, so I made it my mission to change that. The atmosphere we’ve built is unmatched. Our clients say it’s not just about getting their nails done, it’s about how they feel when they leave.
In less than a year, our walk-in salon brought in close to $300,000 in revenue. We’ve gone viral on TikTok multiple times, and our clients constantly share how much they love our vibe and service. Now, we’re preparing to open our brand-new 3,000-square-foot location at 909B W Pioneer Parkway in Arlington, TX, with 20 pedicure chairs, 12 nail stations, and new services like brow tinting, waxing, and lashes.
What makes me the proudest is knowing I built this from the ground up with faith, hard work, and consistency. Diamondz & Designz isn’t just a salon, it’s a story of growth, resilience, and community. It’s proof that no matter where you start, you can create something incredible when you believe in yourself and refuse to give up.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is to understand that not everyone you look up to is going to help you. Some of the same people you reach out to for guidance or inspiration won’t respond. Some won’t want to see you win. But don’t let that turn your heart cold.
At the end of the day, remember that you are not them. Keep your faith strong and your focus clear. Stay genuine, stay kind, and stay hungry. One day, you’ll be the same influence that someone else looks up to, and when that moment comes, choose to be the person who helps instead of the one who ignores.
That’s where real success comes from, not just reaching the top, but reaching back to help someone else climb too.
Pricing:
- Classic manicures with gel top coat $20
- Deluxe pedicures $40
- Full set of acrylic $60
- Acrylic overlays $50
- Freestyles $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://diamondzdesignz.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diamondzanddesignz_nailsalon?igsh=cG9ha3d4OWR3bDY3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FqRq4obWB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@diamondzanddesignz?_t=ZP-90vtfCvrfLy&_r=1
