From just watching nail TikToks, OH senior Nina Segarra was inspired to do her own Gel-X nails, which sprouted a new business that quickly gained popularity among her friends and family.
“I started because it’s so expensive to go to a salon,” Segarra explained, “and I hated acrylic nails. So I wanted to try something else, like Gel-X, because it has been trending on TikTok.”
Segarra started doing her own nails in early 2025, shortly after she started practicing on her friends for free. As she gained more experience and confidence in her work, she decided to make a business of it and created her Instagram account @nails_n1na.
OH junior Brooke Trottier said, “Nina has improved a lot since she started doing nails. In the beginning of her career, like many, Nina was not super precise. But over time, she has really perfected nail art, with crisp fine lines and lots of attention to detail.”
Segarra does Gel-X nails, unlike how most nail artists prefer acrylic. For those not in-the-know, Gel-X uses soft gel tips applied with extend gel. Acrylic nails are created with liquid monomer and powder polymer with lots of filling.
According to her customers, Segarra has affordable pricing: $30 for solid color, $40 or more for design (depending on complexity), and $5 for add-ons like chrome or beads.
On Segarra’s Instagram page, customers will find a showcase of her nails, from classic French tips to cheetah prints, trendy polka dots, and shining chrome. She also crafts unique nail art, ensuring her customer’s nails are always on-point for any event and match the occasion.
OH junior Mya Engdahl said, “People should come to Nina because her nails stay on, they’re very good quality, she’s affordable, very kind to her clients, and easy to talk to,”
Anyone can DM Segarra on her Instagram to book an appointment. She is very flexible and willing to work around schedules.
OH junior Brooke Trottier said, “People should go to Nina because she always does her absolute best, no matter how long it takes. You could be sitting there for 30 minutes or four hours, and she will never get lazy,”
This business is setting up Segarra’s future, as she plans to go to cosmetology after school and continue doing nails, as well as makeup and hair.
My name is Maliyah Gossett, I am a junior at OHS and I love to attend the activities here at OHS. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.
