Today we’d like to introduce you to Rasheeda Chester-Arterberry.
Hi Rasheeda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey in the U.S. Navy as a medic and recruiter, serving in Iraqi Freedom. Those experiences shaped my resilience, discipline, and sense of purpose, even through challenges that only God could carry me through. After retiring as a disabled veteran, I knew I wanted to rebuild my life in a way that created stability for my family and opportunities for others.
I entered entrepreneurship over 13 years ago, launching a trucking company with my ex-husband, followed by a brokerage firm. My passion for nails later inspired me to open the first licensed nail school in Texas, which grew into the American Medical Nail Academy™, a program that bridges beauty and healthcare by training medical nail technicians to work in clinical environments.
Alongside my business journey, I have remained committed to education. I earned my Bachelor’s in Business Administration from DeVry University, later completed my Master of Business Administration, and am now pursuing my Doctoral degree (DBA) in Business Management to strengthen my leadership, strategy, and organizational impact.
My story is one of grace, perseverance, and transformation. Every obstacle pushed me closer to God and into the purpose He designed for me. Today, I am a business owner, community leader, and lifelong learner dedicated to growing myself and empowering the people I serve.
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 hasn’t been a smooth road. Along the way, I faced challenges that tested both my resilience and my commitment to my purpose. There were unexpected and unwarranted TDLR inspections that resulted in significant financial strain, costing us thousands of dollars and creating unnecessary hurdles for the school. I also experienced student complaints, even from individuals who had already graduated and received their licenses, which added emotional and administrative stress. On top of that, rumors and negativity from those in the community who were jealous or misunderstood our mission created additional obstacles.
Despite these struggles, each challenge strengthened my determination, refined my leadership, and ultimately shaped the growth of my academy and the person I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
American Medical Nail Academy™ is a specialized training institution dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional nail care and medical foot health. We focus on educating and certifying Medical Nail Technicians who are prepared to work alongside podiatrists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Our academy is known for its rigorous curriculum, high safety standards, and commitment to serving clients with diabetes, fungal issues, neuropathy, and other foot-related conditions that require specialized care.
What sets us apart is our medical-based approach. Unlike cosmetology schools, we train students to understand foot and nail pathologies, infection control, debridement preparation, and proper sanitation protocols for high-risk clients. Our partnerships with medical providers and our community-centered mission place us in a unique position as a leader in advanced nail education. Brand-wise, I am most proud of the integrity behind our training and the trust we have built within the medical community.
In addition to running the academy, I am the author of The Foot Care Blueprint: A Guide to Diabetic and Fungal Foot Care, available on Amazon and Kindle. This book reflects my dedication to educating both professionals and the public on proper foot health, especially within the diabetic community.
What I want readers to know is this: American Medical Nail Academy™ isn’t just a school; it is a movement. We are raising standards, expanding career pathways, and improving foot health outcomes one trained professional at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck, both good and bad, has played a meaningful role in my life and business, but I’ve come to see it as part of a bigger plan that shaped my resilience and direction. The “bad luck” showed up as unexpected challenges: military injuries that changed the course of my life, business setbacks, unwarranted inspections, financial strain, and moments when people doubted or misunderstood my purpose. Those experiences felt heavy at the time, but they pushed me to grow stronger, wiser, and more determined.
On the other hand, I’ve experienced incredible “good luck” disguised as divine timing, meeting the right mentors, receiving unexpected opportunities, connecting with the medical community, and being positioned to open a pioneering academy. Even my hardships created doors I wouldn’t have walked through otherwise.
Ultimately, I believe luck works hand in hand with faith, preparation, and perseverance. The challenges refined me, and the blessings propelled me. Both sides have shaped the leader and businesswoman I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.americanmedicalnailacademy.com
- Instagram: American Medical Nail Academy
- Facebook: American Medical Nail Academy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasheeda-chester-arterberry-9b3ab5376?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://a.co/d/66h2Ujh
