How Rose built a thriving nail business

DAR ES SALAAM: WHEN job opportunities proved elusive after completing her diploma in Business Administration in 2019, 28-year-old Rose Richard turned her passion into a business and is now the owner of a thriving nail salon.

In 2021, she launched Rose Nails in Dar es Salaam, transforming her love for skincare and nail art into a source of income and independence.

“After graduation, I saw an opportunity, then I told myself, why not turn what I love into something real?” she said.

The early days were far from smooth. Rose recalls struggling with unreliable employees, tough competition in the beauty industry, and cultural biases that often-favored male nail technicians.

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“Some customers hesitated to trust me because I was a woman, but I refused to give up,” she said.

Determined to prove her talent, she worked tirelessly herself, building her skills while serving clients directly. With time, she earned trust and loyalty, eventually hiring an assistant who shared her values of professionalism and commitment.

Rose believes her salon’s reputation rests on three pillars which are hygiene, creativity, and consistent quality. These values have helped Rose Nails stand out in a crowded market and become a trusted name in the community. Her vision now goes beyond the salon.

Rose plans to expand into beauty products and position herself among Tanzania’s leading nail technicians.

“My dream is bigger than just a salon,” she said.

To fellow youth facing unemployment, she advised them not to wait for a job to come to them.

“Start with what you have and work hard, no matter how small. Believe in your passion and turn it into your strength.” She said