Dasan Mazinga is a 22-year-old student at Kyambogo University who is the founder and proprietor of Waves & Nails Spa, a nail parlour located in Banda next to Banda Police Station. The young businessman chats to us about running a business as a student.
What inspired you to start this nail spa?
I had some money that was laying there idle, as we come from class one evening a friend and I jokingly talked about the need to start up a business. After brainstorming ideas for a while, we agreed that a nail spa was the right business to start. It is unique and our services are cost friendly for university students who are our main clientele.
What’s your regular day at work like?
We open at around 8:00 am, since this is a service business, we ensure that clients are given maximum attention by different hands because every person on the team has something special to offer. Our closing time is between 11 pm and 12 am. I’m always here when I’m off and have no lectures.
How do you balance this business with your other commitments?
I have a strong team. You can’t work alone, let alone do everything yourself. Whenever I’m away my manager takes the reins. This gives me a peace of mind wherever I am that the business is running smoothly.
How big is your team?
I work with a team of three manicurists, and another expert who comes in whenever we need to execute a complex job.
What’s trending in the nail world?
People want their nails long and edgy! Hot colours include turquoise and cyan.
What sets you up apart from competition?
We are working on something new that no one offers in this area. My team and I are working on luminous nail polish, it glows in the dark! Who wouldn’t want to have shiny nails at night?
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced running this business?
The start was so hard. At some point I was so broke that I had nothing on me, and the business wasn’t bringing in much as well, most businesses don’t go past that moment but we are glad we did.
Do you have a mentor?
No one in particular. I learn from everyone. I take what I like and ignore what isn’t of help. There is something to learn from everyone so people should learn to be open minded. I have an uncle who inspires me, Mwebaze Vicente, the CEO of Rockright Tiles, he gives me timely advice and when I seem stuck, he has the right answers to give me.
What in your opinion is the biggest challenge young entrepreneurs face starting and keeping their businesses running?
We are always waiting for capital in form of a certain amount of money, which is misleading! Capital is not only money. It can be whatever you have, the idea, the people or the resources. Young people need to learn to work with what they already have and stop waiting to have 50 million to start up that dream company.
When do you think is the right time to take the leap and start a business?
Every day presents itself with new opportunities. Seize them and start. Make sure to educate yourself as much as possible and do your research prior to starting.
Away from the business, do men need this service?
Yes! We already have male customers, though most people think it’s a waste of money. Trends have changed, men need to look and feel good, besides no woman wants to be handled with stained hands and cracked nails. It’s a turn off! Nails have nothing to do with gender, it is part of grooming and self-care.
Any dos and don’ts tips of nails you can share?
Always use the right glue on your nails if you’re doing unnatural nails, fake glue that’s too strong will leave your nails stained, broken, cracked, you could lose a nail! Watch that glue.
Ensure that accessories used on your nails are treated and sterilized to avoid infections, health comes first!
Please don’t bite your nails. Some people come with nails, and you just have nowhere to start. If you don’t like how your nails look after you snaking on them, don’t bite your nails, don’t!
Lastly, what’s that business quote you swear by?
“THE RIGHT TIME TO START BUSINESS IS THE TIME YOU DISCOVER IT, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE CHALLENGES BUT WE MUST LEARN TYE POWER OF HOPE, THAT’S WHAT MAKES BUSINESS MEN DIFFERENT”
How can reader connect with your business on social media?
FACEBOOK – Waves & Nails Spa
INSTAGRAM – Waves & Nails Spa
In case you have a party or are very busy we are also mobile, drop me an email to mazingadasan@gmail.com
satisfashionug@gmail.com
