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Writer's pictureEmily Mosier

Student-Made Business Spotlight


Nails by Naova sells hand-made press-on nails.
Nails by Naova sells hand-made press-on nails. Contributed photo

Nails by Naova is one of the many student businesses that will be featured in the Student-Made store, offering gorgeous hand-made press-on nails with custom designs.

Student-Made is a national program that empowers student business owners – such as  junior Laura Naovarath – by giving them resources and an online space to sell their products. On Sept. 20, the first  physical Student-Made store will be debuting at the Troy University IDEA Bank.

Naovarath is a human resources major from Dothan, Alabama, and she began her business in January. Her life-long love of nails was inspired by her mother.

“I’ve always been into nails because my mom is a nail tech, so growing up, I’ve always enjoyed painting my nails,” Naovarath said. “My mom used to have her own nail salon, so I can ask her anything about nails and running a business.

“Whether it’s about learning how to do a design or advice about running my business, she’s always been there to help me.”

The process of making press-on nails can take as many as four hours. First, Naovarath must decide on a design – which is often inspired by social media or is a custom design. The nails are made of plastic tips and gel polish. She often adds charms or draws designs with line brushes.

Each set of nails comes with an applicator kit that includes a mini file, buffer, cuticle pusher, alcohol prep pads, sticky tabs and nail glue.  

“I started my business so that people can have good quality press-on nails,” Naovarath said. “Sometimes, it can get pricey getting them done professionally, and store-bought press-on nails aren’t the best quality.

“They’re flimsy and don’t last that long whereas my nails are better quality and last longer. The designs I do are also trendy and cater to college students.”

Naovarath spoke about how creating nails is an artistic passion for her.

“I genuinely enjoy using my creativity to create press-on nails,” Naovarath said. “It is fun and a great creative outlet for me.

“The best part is the finished products. I love seeing the end results of my creations.”

Student-Made allows students to retain 100% of their profits and provides training and experience to help them learn about every aspect of running a business in a lower-risk environment. Naovarath said she is excited to be involved.

“I am so grateful to have a place for my business to grow and also a place for me to grow as a person,” Naovarath said. “I also would like to tell everyone to check out all of the other creators in Student-Made.”

To order custom nails, visit @NailsbyNaova on Instagram. To learn more about how to become involved with Student-Made, students can message @studentmade_troy.

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