WITH a simple motto, “Life is not perfect. But your nails can be” serving as her motivating quote, Michelle Brammer gets by daily as a small business owner.

Brammer has a small but just right Nail Shop at the front of her yard near her house, and it is a business she started a year ago after becoming a single parent of four children.

Brammer told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Wismar, and relocated to Amelia’s Ward two years ago.

‘Perfect Touch Nails’ specialises in pedicure, gel polish, acrylic and 3D nail art, and it is a fully equipped nail shop which will make your visit comfortable.

“I am happy that I finally have my own small business, which is growing because it was always my dream, and today, I realised it. I couldn’t do it earlier because of circumstances, but, nevertheless, I did it,” she said.

Brammer added that she had a vision, and is thoroughly pleased it bore fruit even after all these years. She never gave up.

The mother of four stated that she used to work at a snackette, and was a teacher at a ‘daycare’ before she established her own small business.

During that time, she qualified herself by enrolling in nail technician classes in the city, and after completion, she was successful in terms of skills and practised on herself to keep it fresh.

Brammer explained that she would buy all her nail products Online, because, locally, there isn’t a good quality available.

Even though shopping Online is costly, she doesn’t have a choice, since she wants to provide a quality service to keep customers coming back.

The nail technician related that at times some customers would bring a photograph of what they want for the designs, and others would simply ask her to surprise them.

“I have experimented quite a bit, so I am keeping up with the trends of nail art and designs, because it is ever-changing. So, to keep your clientele, you will have to be creative,” she said.

Brammer’s Nail Shop is open from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs daily, and would basically work based on appointments, and even take walk-in customers.

She pointed out that her small business is growing because customers would refer their friends and families, since she doesn’t have any advertisements for her business.

The entrepreneur believes that the quality of service one provides is the way to keep customers, and the accommodation must also be well-kept with every little thing needed to do the job.

That day, when the Pepperpot Magazine visited, Brammer had her first customer for the day; the young lady had an appointment made prior to her visit, and she was in the process of preparing the nails for a full set.

They had a window opened for fresh air, and two stand fans were operating to have cool air circulation, and the shop itself was neatly kept with matching furniture and décor, which added a touch of uniqueness to the place.

Brammer remains upbeat about her small business evolving, and for now, she is quite satisfied with the way things have turned out.

“Being artistic and being able to create something from nothing is a success story that would stay with me, and it will serve as a motivating factor to continue striving,” she said.

YOULANDA BOYCE
Meanwhile, the enterprising Youlanda Boyce of Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward, Linden is a vendor who plies her trade at the bus shed at the head of the village.

The 47-year-old feels empowered to have her own small business rather than having to work for people.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she used to be employed at the Linden Mayor and Town Council for five years, and quit the job two years ago.

Boyce began her small business two months ago when she received a barrel containing household items, clothing, footwear, and skin care, among other things.

She operates from a makeshift stand supported by a temporary tent, and utilises the bus shed for taking shade.

Boyce would ensure the area is well kept, and set up her tent there on weekdays to attract customers.

The mother of four explained that the father of one of her children who resides overseas decided to assist her, and he was the one who sent the barrel with things for her to sell.

Boyce is originally from Agricola, and relocated to Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward, Linden 15 years ago.

She stated that life is fair in that village, and she can still save a bit from what she earns, and soon, she will receive more barrels to sell items from.

“Life here is quiet; the people are neighbourly, and the village itself is close-knit, and it is a tranquil place to enjoy a normal life,” she said.