From DIY Nails to a Six-Figure Empire: The Inspiring Story of Becci Hollis
It all started with a simple act of self-care: doing her own nails at home to save a few bucks. But for Becci Hollis, that decision at the age of 17 sparked a journey that would lead to a thriving business empire. Today, she's the owner of a nail training academy and a brand that raked in over six figures in its very first year. Talk about turning a hobby into a high-flying career!
Becci, now 29, is the founder of Blossom Academy, located in Shrewsbury. The academy offers nail training courses, and also houses a team of 10 women who provide various beauty treatments. But that's not all! Becci's brand, Muse, which sells nail equipment and accessories, has expanded rapidly. They've recently opened a fulfillment center in America and ship products globally, even as far as Australia.
"We've gone from, this time last year, sending maybe 50 orders a month, to over a thousand a month now," Becci shared. "It has boomed, and we're kind of a household name in the industry, which is just a dream come true."
But here's where it gets interesting: the road to success wasn't always smooth. The 2020 coronavirus pandemic proved to be a pivotal moment for Becci. With salons closed, she used the time to work on her business rather than in it. She pursued her teaching qualifications, developed lesson plans, and manuals, and was ready to launch her courses as soon as restrictions eased.
Initially, the courses had humble beginnings, with one-on-one sessions in her mother's bedroom. As demand grew, she rented a local village hall to accommodate larger groups. After gaining experience working in salons in Australia for a year, Becci decided to establish her roots in her hometown, and Blossom Academy was born.
Blossom Academy offers two to three courses each week, covering everything from nail extensions and art to gel polish application. They also offer courses on how to use equipment like e-files, which are from her own brand. Becci has had to step back from doing nails herself, due to her busy schedule with teaching and managing her product brand. "Blossom is a six-figure business on its own so that's really amazing, Muse has done amazing in its first year, definitely over six figures." she stated.
And this is the part most people miss: Becci's journey hasn't just been about financial success; it's also about empowerment. She recalls attending business networking events and being dismissed by male business owners simply because she was in the nail industry. Now, she feels respected for the business she has built. She admires the women in the beauty industry who are creating their own income, managing their families, and inspiring others.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: What do you think about the initial reaction Becci received from male business owners? Do you believe there's still a bias against certain industries or professions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The Future is Bright
Becci is not resting on her laurels. Her vision for Muse includes expanding into new markets, particularly in Europe, Australia, and America. For Blossom, she plans to introduce new courses and bring in assistance to manage the growing demand.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: "Business is not linear." She emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance during challenging times. "It's actually how you show up in the dips that is most important, it's really easy to show up when things are going well, but you have to deal with the downs as well." Becci's final piece of advice? "Even if it feels like you are talking to an empty room, you have to keep on shouting about what you're doing."
What do you think of Becci's journey? What lessons can we learn from her success story? Share your thoughts and let's start a conversation!
