MANY nail technicians are trendy on social media, and Iana Ashanti Hercules, better known as “Girl Boss,” is one of those professionals who is also well-known among her peers for her unique skills.
Among the ‘nail girlies’, she stands out because she gives you exactly what you need with any request regarding nails.

Nail artistry has become more modern, and Hercules has become something out of the ordinary, with people coming up with newer trends and designs to suit their tastes and styles.
Hercules has her nail salon at Croal and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, and she can recreate any nail inspiration from scratch, as she is well-versed in her craft, having gained experience and knowledge over the years.

The mother of one started as a nail technician in 2007, working at several salons in the city before going independent, working from home, and now renting her own salon space. Her salon offers specialised services in manicures, pedicures, and nail designs with gel x extensions.

These days, it’s all about fashion, and some people have their nails designed specifically for occasions, functions, and what’s trending—and Hercules can even take on those challenges.
She will be celebrating her 35th birth anniversary next month, and it is her dream to open her own nail school and to have a separate, standalone nail salon. Hercules reported that she teaches nail courses monthly and has been in the nail technician business for the past 15 years.

Nail artistry is an acquired skill that must be mastered over time, and Hercules has done exactly that. She stated that, to stay in the nail technician business, it has to be for the love of it; you must be passionate about it instead of wanting to compete with others. She believes that there is money in the business for all those who have a solid skillset.
Over time, she earned the nickname “Girl Boss” due to her work. She can recreate any design to suit a customer’s preferences, and she has made a name for herself in the nail artistry business.

When she qualified and was looking for permanent work, she went to the Virgin Islands and practised for two years as a nail technician before returning to Guyana to invest and become an entrepreneur.
Realising her talent for nail artistry, Hercules found a way to express herself through her nail salon and has seen herself grow over time, becoming even better at what she does and enjoying every aspect of it. The nail technician told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is a self-starter who is motivated by customer satisfaction and providing value for money.

“As a nail technician, I give people what they want. What makes me different is the kind of work I am known for, and my nails last longer; it’s all quality work. With me, you get what you pay for, and keeping customers satisfied keeps the business open,” she said.
Her advice to young ladies hoping for a spotlight in nail artistry is to focus on themselves first, and ensure they are qualified and can do a good job before trying to compete in the nail technician business to become successful.

“There is potential in the nail technician business to become self-employed, but you have to be consistent, reliable, and put out the work. Your work has to be seen and felt by customers before you can achieve your goal of sustaining a small business,” she said.
For Hercules, nails are her canvas, and she can do any design. She is willing to challenge herself and test the limits of nail artistry.
Hercules credits her success to her long-standing personal relationship with God and the will to become the best in nail artistry, along with the need to adapt to trends and modern fashion.