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Chijioke Mgbeke

Glossy nails with an orange French tip and flower design give a vibrant summer vibe, perfect for September weather. Qier’s business may be in her dorm room, but the quality is comparable to a professional salon. “She did an amazing job, honestly better than a lot of the nail salons I have been to,” Kristine Bisgaard (‘25) said. “They lasted a very long time and I got several comments on how great of a job she did. It was also just very enjoyable to talk and gossip while getting nails done.”

It is no secret that Webb’s schedule makes working off campus difficult. However, why not create a business on campus? Qier Wang (‘27) has found a way to turn her passion into a thriving venture, providing nail services to students who crave creativity and convenience.  

A natural artist, Qier has always flourished at drawing and painting. She spends her weekends teaching young aspiring artists the basic skills of painting. At Webb’s art cafes, her drawings are always an eye catcher.  

But in September, she decided to turn her talent into a business. With a growing list of clients eager to see her nail art abilities in action, Qier has built a name for herself — one manicure at a time. 

Her journey began with a simple motivation: salons charge too much, and boarding students need an accessible nail technician. Wanting to learn a new skill that could also serve as a side hustle, she decided to take up nails. 

“I figured if I learned a new skill, I could get paid for it,” Qier said. “So, I picked nails because boarders need nail techs because it’s hard to get off campus to get your nails done.” 

She started with a basic kit from Amazon, experimenting and improving over time. 

“I got started by buying a kit from Amazon,” Qier said. “From there, I’ve been getting better materials, and my friends really supported me in the process.” 

One of her first clients was Miriam Ghobrial (‘27), who was eager to support Qier’s new business.  

“I remember when she told me she bought a nail kit from amazon,” Miriam said. “I told her to do my nails done right now!” 

As Qier gained confidence, word of mouth spread, and more students began reaching out.  

When it comes to designs, her process is straightforward yet effective. Most clients come in with a specific style in mind, often inspired by Pinterest, while others let her take creative control. 

The process of getting an appointment with Qier is simple.  

“They text me, and then I’ll schedule a time after school,” Qier said. “Usually in the evenings during lab times, 7:30 to 9:00 PM, and I will do their nails in my dorm.” 

With that, balancing school and running a nail business is no small feat, but Qier has found a way to manage both with impressive dedication. While she is passionate about doing nails, she prioritizes her academics. 

 “If I can’t do a client’s nails, I’ll simply decline; I love doing nails, but when it overlaps, that’s where I draw the line,” Qier said.  

This commitment allows her to maintain both quality service and academic success, making her business a valuable yet manageable part of her campus life. 

Qier’s dedication to making her nail business accessible to everyone on campus is evident –– its shown with her first male client.  

When Eli Harpole (’28) asked her to do his nails, she didn’t hesitate to bring her equipment all the way to Stockdale, a shared community space, open to all genders.  

“I was so happy when she was willing to move her equipment for me, she was very supportive the whole time” Eli said. 

Eli hopes that more males at Webb will be confident to get their nails done by Qier, even if they just get a clear coat. He feels honored to be the first guy to rock Qier’s designs.  

This flexibility highlights how Qier can transition her work methods to make sure everyone is included regarding gender. 

Qier’s nail business stands out not just for its quality but for its adaptability and accessibility. By setting clear boundaries, managing her time efficiently, and creating an inclusive space for all clients, she has built a service that seamlessly integrates into campus life. Her willingness to bring her equipment wherever needed and prioritize a personal, detail-oriented approach has made her business a trusted choice among students. As she continues to grow her clientele, Qier’s success proves that passion and professionalism can go hand in hand, even within the busy world of student life.