Today we’d like to introduce you to Jatoyia Harrell.
Hi Jatoyia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey as a nail technician began in 2017, but my love for nails started long before that. As a young girl, I was always fascinated by the process—watching closely, studying the techniques, and paying attention to the details every time I sat in a nail chair. My mom started taking me to the nail shop with her when I was just 12 years old, and from that point on, nails became something I genuinely fell in love with.
Ironically, what pushed me to finally start doing nails professionally was a bad experience of my own. After my nails were damaged at a nail shop, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I realized I cared too much about the craft to keep leaving my hands—and my trust—in someone else’s care.
As I grew older and became more serious about pursuing beauty as a career, I noticed something that stuck with me: I didn’t see many Black girls represented in nail spaces. It wasn’t until I went to cosmetology school that I truly saw myself reflected in the industry. That experience was powerful enough to make me pivot—I switched my major from cosmetology to nail technician and committed fully to mastering the craft.
What started as curiosity turned into passion, and that passion turned into purpose. Today, nails aren’t just something I do—they’re part of who I am.
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?
Nails have not been a smooth road for me. I’ve quit more than once, taken breaks, and even tried to walk away completely. I applied for jobs, explored other professions, and convinced myself that maybe nails weren’t for me. But no matter how far I tried to go, something always pulled me back.
Every time I stepped away, nails found their way back into my life. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a hobby or a skill—it was something I was meant to do. The journey taught me that talent alone isn’t enough. Persistence and consistency are what truly matter in this industry.
You can be a great nail tech, but without consistency, it’s hard to grow. I’ve learned that showing up for yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain, is what separates passion from purpose. Nails tested me, challenged me, and forced me to grow—but they also reminded me of who I am.
At this point, I don’t see nails as something I keep “coming back to.” I see it as something that never left me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a freestyle nail technician specializing in acrylic nails. I’m known for my bold, sometimes crazy but always intentional freestyle sets. No two designs are ever the same—my work is driven by creativity, mood, and trust between me and my clients. Freestyle allows me to push boundaries and create sets that feel personal, expressive, and unforgettable.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to consistently find new ways to set myself apart in a saturated industry. I don’t believe in copying trends—I believe in evolving them and making them my own. My foundation is smooth on every set, my shaping is crisp and clean, and my designs are detailed and creative from start to finish.
What truly sets me apart is the balance I bring between structure and creativity. A strong foundation, flawless shape, and attention to detail come first—everything else builds from there. My clients trust me not just for a nail set, but for an experience, and that trust is something I take pride in every time I sit at my table.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m a big risk-taker, and I’ve taken many risks throughout my nail journey. Some of those risks caused me pain, while others brought growth and gain. I’ve stepped out on limbs when people didn’t believe in me, and in the process, I lost friends and even some close family relationships. That part was hard, but it was also necessary.
Choosing myself wasn’t always understood, but it was always intentional. I kept going even when support was limited and doubt was loud. As you can see, I’m still in the game—and every single year, it gets better and better for me. Each risk taught me something, each setback made me stronger, and each win reminded me why I started.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every risk shaped the nail tech and businesswoman I am today.
Pricing:
- Most sets start at $60
- Short freestyle $85
- Long to xl freestyle are $150
- 2x-4xl freestyle start at $250
- I also have a bundle where I do hair nails and toes for $400
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Toyiathetech.As.Me
- Instagram: @_dfwnailtech
- Facebook: @citanails
