Today we’d like to introduce you to Duriya Caldwell. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Duriya Caldwell brings her experience and love for the nail industry to others as the owner and instructor of The Black Pearl Nail Academy (TBPNA), the first and only full-service specialty manicuring school in Tennessee.
Also known as The EarthlyGoddess, Duriya has over 30 years of experience as a manicurist with licensure for over 20 years. Not only does Duriya have a passion for the art of manicuring and the nail industry, but for business as well.
Holding to training future professional business owners, she holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in Business Management. Also, she serves as an active licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT).
Duriya utilizes her extra skills to fuel her passion for the nail industry and to work hard to build #Nailationships and provide excellent services to her clients while educating them and the public about TRUE healthy nail care.
Duriya felt that it was only befitting to open TBPNA in 2018 so that she could offer her talent and knowledge to those desiring to progress their interests and skills in manicuring. After 4 years of existence, TBPNA has licensed over 25 students, 3 instructors, and 42 students currently enrolled.
“Excellence Without Exception” is not only the TBPNA slogan, but it is the only way that Duriya knows how to provide education and services to Memphis, the tri-state area, and the Whitehaven community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening TBPNA was not easy. To expand, we have met with issues from new Code Enforcement laws regarding the source and capture ventilation.
Unscrupulous contractors and workers have pushed our times back and cost large sums. However, we remain enrollment strong and flourishing through it all and the recent pandemic.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
TBPNA is the state of Tennessee’s first full-service specialty manicure school. That means we cater only to those wanting to gain licensure as manicurists. We provide all programs approved by the state of Tennessee such as the traditional apprenticeship and instructor’s programs.
What sets us apart is that TBPNA is run by a licensed nail technician still working at the table and all of our practical classes are taught by licensed nail technicians still working at the table. This means our students have the skills to pass tests (board exams) and tables (working in any cosmetology environment).
We are most proud of the versatility of our students. They have gone on to serve as Medical Nail Technicians, one has become employed by a celebrity and many others are working in random shops or suites around the city. We also cater to those desiring to be educated that live in Arkansas or Mississippi.
Students provide practical services to the public on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am-1 pm and 4 pm-8 pm.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I fell in love with nails at the age of 9. I received an Easter Basket with fake nail tips that you slide on your fingers. I played with them and changed the polish constantly.
I began staying in the beauty salon my Godmother and mentor owned. I was the shop kid. I swept hair, ran errands, helped clients, and did whatever else was asked of me just to be near the nail tech that was open and willing to help me learn.
Picked up the craft so easily and never let it go. I’ve always been inquisitive and creative. I love painting and art and being a nail tech allows me to satisfy all those desires and loves.
Pricing:
- Enrollment Fee $100
- The application fee is $400
- Tuition $4500
- Practical Kit $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheBlackPearlNailAcademy.com
- Instagram: @TheBlackPearlNailAcademy
- Facebook: The Black Pearl Nail Academy
