Drawing Attention to the Beauty of Nails

BY ANNA ALTMAN ★ MARCH 23, 2025

Since she was in eighth grade, Monica Jacobs has embraced her passion for nails, all leading to the opening of her own small business as a Syracuse University student on campus. Monica is not just any nail artist; she creates some of the most elaborate, unique sets of nails you’ll ever come across. She offers intricate services to her clients, providing stunning acrylics done in person, and even individual press-on nail sets to take on the go. Monica has high hopes for her future as an artist– “I don't know where I see my business going in the future but I know it is bright.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and what’s your major?

My name is Monica Lillie Jacobs. I am a second-year student at Syracuse University. My major is Data Analytics, and I am from a small town of New York called Mahopac.

How did you get into doing nails?

In eighth grade, I was like, “This is my time to shine.” I needed to transform for high school. I told my mom that I wanted to go to the nail salon and get acrylics because all the baddies had acrylics and she said, “Yeah absolutely not.” So, as the last resort, I started doing my own nails and they looked absolutely terrible. Five years later, I’m still doing nails, and they’re a little less terrible-looking, I think!

What services do you offer? What are your favorite kinds of nails to do and what are your favorite nails you’ve ever done?

I offer press-ons and I also offer full sets. I recently found out just a year ago how artistic I am. I did a lot of watercolor painting when I was younger. I did drawings and I always kept the sketchbook on me. But, I recently found that nails have been my canvas because I'm doing a lot of painting and sculpting and I really like it. It's so much fun for me. I love doing the 3-D flower nails. I think they're incredible because each flower is different. Another one of my favorite 3-D creations is when I 3-D sculpted a mouth, teeth and lips. I was so proud of that because I had no idea I could pull it off!

How has your college life contributed to your experience as an entrepreneur?

I actually wouldn't have it any other way. Some of my days are very busy though. Today I started class at 10 o'clock. Now it is 9 p.m. and the only reason I am done with the day is because I am done with clients. It’s definitely hard trying to balance doing schoolwork and doing well with my assignments. I want to produce good quality work while remaining professional. I try to be very nice and accommodating. There have definitely been nights when I have pulled all-nighters just so I can get somebody's order done or so that I could prepare for a pop-up shop that I was having the next day. Sometimes I set up stands where people can purchase sets of press-ons or even just be introduced to my business. There are days where I’m nonstop, sometimes for 12 hours straight, but I kind of love it. Nails don’t really feel like work to me.

What would you say is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is low-key Saweetie.I’ve always loved her music and I even had a fan page for her. I love how glam her nails are and how they are long, intricate, and icy. At first I thought my nails would turn out similar, but I’ve come to realize I’m more artistic in my designs.

What are some strategies you use to draw students on campus toward your business?

Freshman year I was a party girl. I made sure that every single weekend my nails were done, and if they weren’t, I would have press-ons with super crazy designs. I made sure I had those press-ons so that whenever I went to a party people would comment on my nails. I would be like, “Oh my gosh, if you love them you should book with me.” I also never shut up about nails on my Instagram page. And I have very great people who, when I do their nails, they spread the word and build a network for me.

What are the greatest challenges you face as the owner of NailedbyMolils?

My greatest challenge right now is so many people don't know that I exist. I like to think that I'm a very sociable person, but I have heard that I can be quite intimidating. I don't really think based on how people see me, that they would expect for me to do the stuff I do. So, right now, my biggest challenge is putting my name out there and getting people to know that I exist.

Where do you see your business going in the future?

I don't know where I see my business going in the future, but I know it is bright. It's like you know what you're staring at the sun and you can't really see, but it is warm. That's how I feel. I'm just trying to get my name out there. Hopefully I can open up an Etsy shop so I can sell press ons there. I want to collaborate with sororities and magazines. I want to collaborate with Otto’s army and maybe do orange nails as a part of one of their giveaways. I don’t want Syracuse to be the only bubble that I am in. I want to have pop-up shops with Cornell, Ithaca, and Cortland. I just want to expand and do big things. I want to be a celebrity nail tech or I'm gonna be a Met Gala quote chair.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other aspiring small business leaders?

One piece of advice that I will give to aspiring small business owners is to stay consistent and keep trying, even when things are really slow, even when it feels like the people around you aren't supporting you. I consider this in all aspects of my life whether it’s with my schoolwork or career. The worst thing you could be is stagnant. Constantly strive for growth. It's going to be so tough, but it is so rewarding. Keep going, stay consistent, and be nice to everyone. You never know who can help you. Don't be rude because even if someone doesn't book with you, they could like how sweet you are and want to spread the word about who you are. Be kind and keep trying.

Do you feel as though nails get enough recognition in the fashion industry? What role do you see nails playing in the industry in the future?

I actually don't see nails getting enough recognition in the fashion industry. I will admit, I am starting to see more of a rise in it, but I think that nails are one of the most underrated facets of the fashion industry. People will be willing to pay for $300 makeup that's gonna last one day. Nail techs put literal art on your nails. I think that the fashion industry could really benefit from having nails be a part of their editorial looks. I'm slowly but surely seeing that happening more. I think with people like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Billie Eilish, people are starting to see the value of nails and how they can tie together a look. I think that nails are such an amazing part of fashion. The same way that someone can spot shoes during fashion week, they can do that with nails. But not enough of an effort is being made, and I wanna make that happen.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other aspiring small business leaders?

One piece of advice that I will give to aspiring small business owners is to stay consistent and keep trying, even when things are really slow, even when it feels like the people around you aren't supporting you. I consider this in all aspects of my life whether it’s with my schoolwork or career. The worst thing you could be is stagnant. Constantly strive for growth. It's going to be so tough, but it is so rewarding. Keep going, stay consistent, and be nice to everyone. You never know who can help you. Don't be rude because even if someone doesn't book with you, they could like how sweet you are and want to spread the word about who you are. Be kind and keep trying.

A Conversation with Monica Jacobs: Owner of the NailedbyMolils

A College Girl’s POV