Julia Mason

When you think of a 15-year-old, you might picture someone focused on high school, hanging out with friends, or maybe exploring hobbies. But Julia Mason is far from your average teenager. A sophomore at High Technology High School, one of the top STEM high schools in the country, Julia is not only excelling academically but also running a thriving custom nail business, Coastal Nailzz.

In less than a year, Julia has turned her passion for art and creativity into a business generating $1,500 in revenue, all while balancing the demanding schedule of a vocational STEM program. Her business is not just a side hustle—it’s a testament to what happens when entrepreneurial spirit meets talent and determination.

What Is Coastal Nailzz?

Coastal Nailzz specializes in custom-made, press-on nail sets that are completely customizable, from sizing to intricate designs. Whether you want a bold, artistic set inspired by a celebrity or a simple and elegant look for a special event, Julia has you covered.

What sets Julia apart in the custom nail industry is her attention to detail and her unique approach to sizing. While many companies rely on generic sizes like "small" or "medium," Julia works directly with her customers to create a perfect fit. Clients send her a photo of their hand with a quarter for scale, and Julia meticulously customizes each nail’s size and shape. The result? Nails that fit like they were made just for you—because they were.

Her designs are equally bespoke. Whether clients send her an inspiration photo, a collection of ideas, or simply say, "Surprise me," Julia uses her artistic talents to bring their vision to life. Working with tools like Procreate, she sketches out designs, gets customer approval, and handcrafts each set.

From start to finish, every order reflects Julia’s commitment to creativity, quality, and a personal touch.

The Inspiration Behind the Business

Julia’s journey into the world of nails began in eighth grade. With a natural talent for detailed artwork and a desire to express herself creatively, she started designing nails for herself. Her friends and family quickly took notice of her work, often asking her to do their nails.

However, Julia realized that creating nails for others in-person presented challenges, such as ensuring proper sanitation. That’s when she decided to create press-on nail sets that could be shipped anywhere—a safer, more scalable option that also allowed her to combine her love for art with entrepreneurship.

What began as a way to fill the artistic void in her STEM-focused high school (which doesn’t offer traditional art classes) has now become a thriving business.

“I’ve always been artistic, and Coastal Nailzz allows me to express myself creatively while also giving people something they love,” Julia says.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any young entrepreneur, Julia has faced her share of challenges, from figuring out shipping logistics to handling an influx of orders after one of her Instagram videos went viral. At one point, she had hundreds of DMs from potential customers, which was both exciting and overwhelming.

To manage demand, Julia developed a system to stay organized, using a notes app to track every order and communicate realistic timelines to her customers. She also learned the importance of setting boundaries, such as raising her prices to reflect the time and effort required for her intricate designs.

“I knew I couldn’t take on every single order, but I also knew I didn’t have to sell myself short,” she explains. “It’s better to focus on delivering quality and making sure every customer is happy.”

The Role of Social Media

Social media has been a game-changer for Coastal Nailzz. Julia’s first customer wasn’t a friend or family member but a stranger in Florida who discovered her through an Instagram post. Since then, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been instrumental in driving traffic to her business.

Julia’s strategy is all about showcasing her work and engaging with her audience. Her videos often go behind the scenes of her creative process, showing how she turns ideas into stunning nail sets. This transparency has helped her build trust and connect with her followers on a personal level.

But Julia isn’t stopping there. With the Formidable Fellowship grant, she plans to launch a dedicated website for Coastal Nailzz. The website will streamline the ordering process, provide FAQs, and include a secure payment gateway. Julia hopes this will make her business even more accessible and credible to potential customers.

Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

Julia’s journey is a masterclass in turning a passion into a profitable business. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Focus on your unique talents.

“Find something special about your product and hone in on that,” she says. “Don’t just sell something because you think people will feel sorry for you or because you’re young. Sell it because it’s great.”

She also emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance, especially when it comes to social media. “It’s a waiting game. Sometimes your posts will go viral, and sometimes they won’t. The key is to keep at it and trust the process.”

Big Dreams for Coastal Nailzz

When asked about her ultimate dream for Coastal Nailzz, Julia’s answer is twofold.

First, she wants to grow her business to the point where it can fully support her, whether that’s helping fund her college education or expanding into new markets.

Second, she dreams of scaling her operations and hiring other talented nail artists. “There are so many creative people out there who deserve an opportunity to express themselves. I’d love to provide that platform,” she says.

Julia is also exploring the idea of collaborating with influencers and creating custom nail sets inspired by celebrities and brands. Her goal is to not only expand her reach but also position Coastal Nailzz as a leader in the custom nail industry.