Nail Art Journey: From Practice to Business

12th Grade

Project
6 weeks

Nail Art Journey: From Practice to Business

Lilly Lopez

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to empower students to explore entrepreneurship through the lens of a personal passion—nail artistry. By engaging in this project, students will learn essential skills in time management, self-promotion, and business development. They will collaborate with community partners, such as art teachers and peers, to refine their nail art skills and gather feedback. The project will culminate in the creation of a social media presence to showcase their work and attract potential clients. Through this hands-on experience, students will gain a deeper understanding of how to balance personal interests with professional aspirations, setting the foundation for future business endeavors.

Learning goals

In this project, students will learn the foundational skills of entrepreneurship by exploring how to start and manage a small business. They will develop time management strategies to balance multiple responsibilities, such as school and personal commitments, while pursuing their business goals. Students will gain proficiency in nail art, understanding techniques, and practicing on community partners to enhance their skills. They will also learn how to effectively promote their business through social media platforms like Instagram, focusing on building an online presence and engaging potential clients. Through reflection, students will document their learning journey, showcasing their growth as a nail technician and budding entrepreneur. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students will demonstrate their skills by offering nail services, reflecting their ability to apply learned concepts in a real-world setting.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them, particularly in managing time and resources effectively in a business context.

Products

In this project, students will create a comprehensive business plan for establishing a nail art business, focusing on time management and self-promotion strategies. They will develop and curate a professional social media presence, including an Instagram account, to showcase their nail art designs and engage potential clients. Students will also produce a portfolio of nail art designs, utilizing community partners for practice and feedback. Additionally, they will conduct a live exhibition, simulating a nail salon experience, where they will perform nail services and demonstrate their acquired skills and business acumen. The project will culminate in a reflective presentation detailing their learning journey, strategies for balancing multiple responsibilities, and future business aspirations.

Launch

To launch the project, organize an interactive workshop with a local nail technician or salon owner, like Mr. Bob, who can share their journey in the nail industry. Begin with a demonstration of various nail art techniques, allowing students to observe and ask questions. Follow this with a brainstorming session where students outline their initial business ideas and discuss potential challenges and strategies for time management. This workshop will provide inspiration, practical insights, and a sense of community support as students embark on their journey to learn nail art and develop their business skills.

Exhibition

For the exhibition, the student can host a "Nail Art Showcase" event at the school or a local community center. This event will serve as a platform to display their nail art skills and business acumen. They can set up a booth where attendees can get their nails done, showcasing different designs and techniques they have mastered. The student can also create a presentation or video that documents their journey of learning nail art, starting a business, and managing their schedule. Additionally, they can launch their Instagram and other social media accounts during the event, encouraging attendees to follow and share their work. This exhibition will not only highlight their artistic skills but also demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to engage with the community.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Day 1: Introduction to the Project - Begin with an overview of the project, discussing the purpose, goals, and expectations. Introduce the concept of entrepreneurship through nail artistry, highlighting the importance of time management and self-promotion.	Day 1: Interactive Workshop with Mr. Bob - Invite a local nail technician or salon owner, Mr. Bob, to share their journey in the nail industry. This session will include a demonstration of various nail art techniques, allowing students to observe and ask questions.	Day 2: Brainstorming Session - Conduct a brainstorming session where students outline their initial business ideas. Discuss potential challenges and strategies for time management and self-promotion.	Day 2: Initial Research - Guide students to conduct initial research on the nail industry, focusing on current trends, popular techniques, and successful social media strategies for nail artists.
Deliverables	1. A personal reflection on the workshop with Mr. Bob, detailing key takeaways and inspirations. 2. An outline of the student's initial business idea, including potential challenges and strategies for overcoming them. 3. A short research report on current nail industry trends and social media strategies.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with Mr. Bob to schedule the workshop and ensure all necessary materials and equipment for the nail art demonstration are available. 2. Prepare a presentation on the project's purpose, goals, and expectations to share with the students. 3. Develop guiding questions and prompts for the brainstorming session to help students think critically about their business ideas. 4. Create a resource list or guide for students to utilize during their initial research on the nail industry.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Day 1: Skill Development - Focus on mastering basic nail art techniques. Provide students with practice sessions using nail art tools and materials. Encourage peer feedback to improve technique.	Day 1: Time Management Workshop - Conduct a workshop on time management strategies, specifically tailored to balance schoolwork and business responsibilities. Discuss tools and techniques such as planners, digital calendars, and prioritization methods.	Day 2: Social Media Strategy Session - Introduce students to various social media platforms, with a particular focus on Instagram. Discuss effective strategies for building a professional social media presence, including content planning, engagement, and analytics.	Day 2: Plan Creation - Guide students in creating a preliminary plan for their social media accounts, outlining the type of content they will post, frequency, and engagement strategies.
Deliverables	1. A collection of basic nail art designs created during practice sessions, documented with photos. 2. A personal time management plan that incorporates tools and strategies discussed in the workshop. 3. A preliminary social media strategy outline, detailing content types, posting schedule, and engagement tactics.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials and resources for the nail art practice session, ensuring enough tools and materials for all students. 2. Develop a presentation on time management strategies and tools, including examples and templates that students can use. 3. Create a guide on social media strategies, with a focus on Instagram, including case studies of successful nail art accounts. 4. Gather examples of effective social media posts and engagement techniques to share with students during the strategy session.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Day 1: Advanced Nail Art Techniques - Introduce students to more complex nail art techniques, such as 3D designs, stamping, and ombre. Provide practice sessions where students can experiment with these techniques and receive feedback from peers and the instructor.	Day 1: Business Plan Development - Begin drafting a comprehensive business plan. Discuss key components such as business objectives, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections.	Day 2: Community Partner Collaboration - Arrange a session where students can collaborate with community partners, such as art teachers or peers, to refine their nail art skills. Encourage students to gather feedback and make improvements.	Day 2: Social Media Content Creation - Guide students in creating content for their social media accounts. Focus on photography skills, caption writing, and hashtag strategies to enhance online presence and engagement.
Deliverables	1. A set of advanced nail art designs, documented with high-quality photos. 2. A draft of the initial sections of their business plan, including business objectives and target market analysis. 3. A collection of social media content pieces, ready for posting, including photos, captions, and hashtags.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials and resources for advanced nail art techniques, including any specialized tools or products needed. 2. Develop a template or guide for drafting a business plan, highlighting key sections and tips for each area. 3. Coordinate with community partners to schedule collaboration sessions and ensure they are briefed on the students' learning goals. 4. Create a workshop on social media content creation, including photography tips and examples of successful posts in the nail art industry.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Day 1: Business Plan Finalization - Guide students in finalizing their comprehensive business plan. This includes refining their marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans. Provide feedback and support to ensure each section is complete and cohesive.	Day 1: Branding Workshop - Conduct a workshop on branding, focusing on creating a unique brand identity for their nail art business. Discuss elements such as logo design, color schemes, and brand messaging. Allow students to brainstorm and design their brand elements.	Day 2: Practice and Feedback Session - Organize a session where students can practice their nail art skills with peers and community partners. Encourage constructive feedback and discussion to help students refine their techniques and designs.	Day 2: Social Media Engagement Strategies - Discuss advanced engagement strategies on social media, such as collaborations, giveaways, and influencer partnerships. Guide students in developing a detailed plan to implement these strategies on their platforms.
Deliverables	1. A finalized business plan, including detailed marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans. 2. A brand identity package, including a logo, color scheme, and brand messaging. 3. A collection of refined nail art designs, documented with photos and feedback notes. 4. A detailed social media engagement plan, outlining strategies for collaborations, giveaways, and partnerships.
Preparation	1. Review and provide feedback on students' business plan drafts, ensuring all essential components are addressed and cohesive. 2. Prepare materials and resources for the branding workshop, including examples of successful branding in the nail industry. 3. Coordinate with community partners to schedule practice sessions, ensuring they are prepared to provide constructive feedback. 4. Develop a presentation on advanced social media engagement strategies, including examples and case studies in the nail art industry.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Day 1: Exhibition Planning - Begin planning for the Nail Art Showcase event. Discuss logistics such as venue, setup, timing, and roles. Assign tasks to students to ensure all aspects of the event are covered.	Day 1: Final Social Media Content Review - Review and finalize social media content for launch during the exhibition. Ensure all posts are polished, captions are engaging, and hashtags are optimized.	Day 2: Rehearsal and Mock Exhibition - Conduct a rehearsal for the Nail Art Showcase. Set up a mock exhibition space where students can practice their setups, nail services, and presentations. Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.	Day 2: Reflection and Journaling - Encourage students to reflect on their journey so far. Have them write journal entries focusing on their growth, challenges faced, and lessons learned throughout the project.
Deliverables	1. A detailed plan for the Nail Art Showcase event, including logistics, roles, and timelines. 2. A portfolio of finalized social media content, ready for posting during the exhibition. 3. Journal entries reflecting on the students' learning journey, challenges, and growth.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with venue management for the Nail Art Showcase, ensuring all logistical aspects are addressed. 2. Review students' social media content, providing feedback to ensure it aligns with professional standards. 3. Set up a mock exhibition space for rehearsal, including tables, chairs, and any necessary equipment. 4. Create prompts for the reflection and journaling activity, guiding students to think deeply about their experiences and growth.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Day 1: Final Exhibition Preparation - Conduct a final review of all elements for the Nail Art Showcase. Ensure students have all materials and setups ready. Provide a checklist to confirm that all exhibition components are prepared.	Day 1: Presentation and Communication Skills Workshop - Organize a workshop focusing on effective communication and presentation skills. Provide tips and strategies for interacting with attendees and presenting their nail art and business journey.	Day 2: Nail Art Showcase Event - Execute the Nail Art Showcase event. Students will set up their booths, perform nail services, and engage with attendees. Encourage them to showcase their nail art designs and discuss their business plans and social media strategies.	Day 2: Post-Exhibition Reflection and Feedback Session - Hold a session after the event for students to reflect on their experiences. Discuss what went well, challenges faced, and areas for improvement. Gather feedback from attendees and peers.
Deliverables	1. A completed checklist confirming all exhibition elements are ready. 2. A presentation plan detailing how students will showcase their work and engage with attendees. 3. Post-event reflection notes summarizing experiences, feedback received, and personal insights.
Preparation	1. Ensure all logistical arrangements for the Nail Art Showcase are finalized, including venue setup and equipment availability. 2. Develop a checklist for students to use in preparing their exhibition booths and materials. 3. Prepare materials and resources for the communication and presentation skills workshop, including potential role-play scenarios. 4. Coordinate with community partners and attendees to gather feedback during the showcase for the reflection session.