Meet Re’Onna Taylor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Re’Onna Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Re’Onna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started off just loving nails and everything beauty related. I became a nail tech because I genuinely enjoy being creative, helping people feel good about themselves and also just being that listening ear for my girls. As I grew my clientele, I realized there was something missing with my craft, a space that offered not just nails, but also cute fashion and a full vibe where women could get everything in one place. That’s when my sister and I decided to open our own salon boutique. We wanted it to feel like a one-stop shop where you can get your nails done, hair done, lashes, facials, and waxes, grab a cute outfit and some lip gloss, and walk out feeling like THAT girl. Nails have opened my thought process to so much more and wanting to offer more than just an appointment, but an entire experience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Honestly, it hasn’t been easy at all. Starting out doing nails, I had a lot of trial and error—but one thing I can say is I always had support. My friends were my first clients, letting me practice on them for free or super cheap, even when the sets weren’t perfect. Every experience I’ve had with nails has shaped me into the artist and businesswoman I am today.

The one thing about me is—I never quit. I never let a bad set break me, and I never let a difficult client push me away from my passion. I’ve always taken a lot of pride in my work, even from day one. There have been so many times I’ve called clients back just because something about the set didn’t sit right with me, not them—and I had to fix it. That’s how much I care.

What really sets me apart is that I don’t take shortcuts. I don’t get mad, I don’t get discouraged—I put my all into making sure my clients leave happy and feel good about themselves. That’s always been the standard for me

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, if my best friend was visiting for a whole week, we’re definitely doing it right! First off, I’m all about good vibes, good music, and good food, so that would set the tone for everything.

We’d hit up some local food festivals or pop-ups because nothing beats trying new food, vibing to live music, and being around good energy. I’d also take them to some of my favorite chill spots—maybe a rooftop bar or a beach bonfire if the weather’s right, with a good playlist, of course.

One thing that’s a must is visiting my in-laws! It’s always a good time there—nonstop laughs, bomb food, and it just feels like home. It’s that kind of down-to-earth fun that makes you forget about your phone and just enjoy the moment.

We’d also check out a few Black-owned restaurants and boutiques, maybe even hit a paint-and-sip night or something interactive and fun. And of course, I’d show them my salon boutique—we’d get our nails done, take cute pics, and just vibe.

To me, it’s not just about where you go, but the energy you bring—and trust, the week would be full of nothing but memories, music, and mouthwatering food

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people who deserve a major shoutout for helping me get to where I am today. First, my sister! She’s been one of my biggest supporters from the very beginning. Her encouragement, honesty, and belief in me really gave me the confidence to take that leap into owning my own business. She’s always been my motivator, my mom passed away and kind of left her being that mother figure to me and my brother and she has always pushed me and lead me to always believe I am ALWAYS capable of more and whatever I wanted. Thats why it only made sense to do this with her, my work as a nail artist may have been the foot work behind everything, but SHE is literally my right hand.

My boyfriend, my uncle, aunts, god father, close friends, my bonus family, and the rest of my family also deserve a huge thank you. They were right there cheering me on during the late nights, helping out behind the scenes, and reminding me of my ‘why’ whenever things got overwhelming.

And I have to give credit to a salon owner I spent brief time with while I rented space at her shop. Watching her hustle, the way she ran her business with so much passion and dedication—it really lit a fire in me.

All of these people played a role in my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Oh, and I absolutely cannot forget my friend Heavyn, literally one day she was just like I paid the deposit for a nail course but I’m not going to do it, I think you should. Took the course, fell in love, enrolled in school and been locked in since!

Instagram: @nailsbyreonna

Image Credits
N/a