Booksy, the online booking service loved by beauty professionals globally, is offering more to its users with The Salon Glow Up Orlando Competition. The competition was designed to support Orlando's community of Booksy providers, including barbers, nail technicians and hairstylists, to help upgrade their salons and grow their businesses.
After making it past the finalist round and sharing her story and goals for entering the competition, Orlando-based nail tech and pedicurist Neeka J (@neekajnails) took home the prize of $5,000 on May 26th.
“I’m really excited to use the winnings to continue investing back into my salon and elevate the experience for my clients,” says Neeka J.
“I plan to give the space a facelift by repainting the walls, adding LED lighting, upgrading my nail stations, and making the salon more functional overall. I also want to create a more elevated experience for my clients by updating my pedicure area and adding refreshments to make the space feel even more welcoming and comfortable for everyone who walks through the door.”
Following her win, Beauty Launchpad sat down with Neeka J for a Q&A as she unpacked what inspired her to submit and how her win has pushed her to return to some discarded passions.
Beauty Launchpad: How did you find out about the competition? What made you decide to submit?
Neeka J: It was just popping up nonstop on Instagram. And I was thinking, ‘I'm not going to win. I'm not going to win.’ So I wasn't going to apply for it. And then I was going through the Instagram stories, and I kept seeing it there too. And then eventually, I was like, you know what? Let me just do it and see.
BLP: How has winning The Salon Glow Up Orlando competition elevated your outlook on your business?
NJ: When I lost my shop, I never spoke about it online. I kind of just disappeared. I didn't want to post, and I never gave everyone the update. So after that interview, when I won, I loved that interview so much.
I was inspired to get back to recording because I love making videos. So, I went online and ordered another lens, and I ordered the DJI mini mic. I have a Sony ZVE 10, so I ordered another lens so that I could get back in front of the camera. After that interview, I just got a burst of confidence.
If you're interested in watching Neeka J's journey after this win, check her out here @neekajnails!
