Successful Manicurist’s Sacrifice Leads to Thriving Salon and Nail Academy
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Arlisia Murray, a seasoned manicurist, is making a name for herself in the beauty industry. With a passion for nails and a drive to succeed, Murray’s journey from a single mother working in nail salons to the owner of Out of the Ordinary Nail Salon and Skin Spa, as well as Out of the Ordinary Nail Academy, is proof that hard work and sacrifice pay off.
Murray, 48, not only runs a successful salon but also dedicates her time to teaching aspiring manicurists at her nail academy. Every night, she emphasizes the importance of sacrifice to her students, urging them to go the extra mile to achieve their goals.
Her own journey has been marked by sacrifice and perseverance. A few years after opening her salon, Murray made the decision to further her education and pursue a business administration degree at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). However, when the university changed the course schedule to conflict with her responsibilities as a single mother, Murray had to make tough choices. She scaled back her work hours, relied on family support for childcare, and managed to earn her degree after three years of juggling her commitments.
Not content with just being a licensed manicurist, Murray went on to become a certified advanced nail technician and is currently pursuing a medical nail technician certificate. Her dedication to learning and evolving in the field of cosmetology sets her apart as an industry professional.
Murray’s family played a significant role in her career choice. With a father who was a barber and relatives working in cosmetology, she had early exposure to the industry. Although her parents encouraged her to attend college, Murray followed her passion for nail art and enrolled in a manicuring school. She completed a 150-hour program, which is now the requirement for licensure in North Carolina, before embarking on her career as a manicurist.
Through years of hard work and building up a loyal clientele, Murray gained valuable business skills from salon owners she encountered. Inspired by an empty building on Waughtown Street, she took a leap of faith and opened her own salon, driven by the belief that it made financial sense. The risk paid off, and Murray’s salon has thrived for 25 years.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Murray ventured into teaching and opened Out of the Ordinary Nail Academy. Recognizing a need for quality education in Winston-Salem, she refurbished a building on Silas Creek Parkway and became a self-taught electrician and general contractor in the process. The academy, which has a waiting list of eager students, provides comprehensive coursework and prepares students for licensure exams.
Murray’s commitment to her students goes beyond the classroom. She aims to be a role model, sharing her ups and downs in the industry and imparting valuable knowledge about nail hygiene and quality work. Many of her graduates find employment at her salon, creating a cycle of success and mentorship.
With her son now grown and independent, Murray feels she is at the height of her career. She spends her days at the salon on Indiana Avenue, attending to clients’ needs, and dedicates her evenings to teaching at the academy. Murray’s legacy lies in the hands of her students, and she hopes that they will continue to uphold her values and passion for the industry.
In conclusion, Arlisia Murray’s journey from a single mother working in nail salons to a successful salon owner and educator is a testament to the power of sacrifice and perseverance. Through hard work, dedication to learning, and taking calculated risks, Murray has built a thriving business and paved the way for aspiring manicurists to follow in her footsteps. The combination of her skills, experience, and passion has set her apart in the beauty industry.
