Hey Sis!
I hope you brought your favorite pen and paper because today we’re chopping it up with Memphis native and self made entrepreneur, Derika Williams! Many of you may know her as @reethenailtech on Instagram, but I’m so lucky to know her personally as my linesister in the greatest sorority on earth and fellow Wileyite. Yep, I’m bragging lol. But, more about this superstar of a sister of mine!
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Derika got her start in the industry at the tender age of 13! I can’t tell you what I was doing at 13, but I can tell you I was a long ways away from laying the foundation for my empire. Since graduation, Ree the Nailtech has been growing an impressive list of clientele, expanding her cosmetic services, and maintaining an active and entertaining social media presence. She’s definitely someone to pay attention to and we’re glad to have her here at The Socialhood to drop a few gems on us!
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When did you begin tapping into your talents as a creative and when did you begin to see your vision monetize?
Heeeeeey guys! Ummm first I wanna say thank you for having me. It is always dope when young bosses link up. But to answer your question, as I got older, beauty interested me (well everything but hair). I was in the third grade when I realized I had a love for nails. I would have my momma take me to “Just a Dollar” down the street from our house to get a pack of nails every other day. By the time I turned 11 or 12 my momma would take me to get a short set and at such a young innocent age I was soaking up the game. I watched them closely; step by step. I knew it was my passion because I was zoned in every time I went to the nail shop. It amazed me. I watched how crowded the nail shops were (baby I was counting pockets ok)!? I was like maaaaaan I wanna be just like them. I used to play around with my Kiss Brand acrylic sets and design paints. My mom worked at a hospital and a Vietnamese lady inquired about the designs I did on my mom’s nails one time. She asked my momma if I needed a job and my momma was like, “she’s only 13.” The lady said that it was fine because they were going to teach me. She said that they would pay according to my progress. When I first started they taught me pedicures, manicures, polish, and design. I was making $60 a week. Baby for a 13 year old, that was BANK! I worked there for 2 and a half months and got up to the point where I could pull in $350 a week.
You’re into so many endeavors, which craft would you say is closest to your heart and why?
I would definitely have to say nails. I find myself in the happiest place when I’m doing nails and my music is going. I unknowingly impact every client that sits in my chair in some way, shape, form, or fashion. Whether it’s giving advice, telling my testimony, or just being a listening ear. I live for making my clients happy! It keeps me going.
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Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My greatest source of inspiration is SUPAAAAAA. I love Supa Cent. She’s so real and all about her business. Came up from nothing in what seems like overnight. She’s a Busy woman but so very family oriented. Strong enough to bare the children then GET BACK TO BUSINESS! Her marketing and branding is OFF THE CHAIN SIS!! I just wanna shake her hand. DASSSS IT.
What is your biggest fear as you walk the path of entrepreneurship at such a young age?
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I would have to say my biggest fear along the line of entrepreneurship is stepping out on faith. Leaving that 9-5 or that “fasho money.”and speaking of that I would like to share with you all that I recently resigned from my job at the Juvenile Detention Center. It was definitely a huge leap. My brother and I were talking one day and he said, “Quit that job Rika, you gone be straight!” The next day I went to work and turned in my two weeks notice. Scared out of my mind but I know God. And not only that, I TRUST HIM. It just makes the grind more personal you know?
What is your biggest personal goal at this stage in your career?
My biggest personal goal is to be an employer and not an employee. I’m in school for nails right now and I’ve gotten so many shop offers, or owners wanting me to work in their shop. I’m honestly declining them all because how I start is how I want to finish and that’s strong. I didn’t quit my job to get another one.
Do you have any advice for girls who may not know where to start or that may have trouble believing in their own Girl Power?
Yes, of course! Two things I live by literally are: Faith without work is dead, and practice makes perfect. I’m a firm believer in the two! If I hadn’t practiced day in a day out I wouldn’t be where I am in the Nail game. I’m still practicing believe it or not. I had faith when I quit my job but I also knew that the grind was about to get 1000 percent stronger. Simply because faith will only take you so far! Excuse my French but you gotta get off ya ass and make some shake. God got me but I gotta meet him half way with something. What I look like leaching off of him? I should say to any young lady who’s having trouble figuring out when to start, the time is now! If not now, when? Don’t wait for mom, don’t wait for dad. If you want it bad you gotta get up and get at it. Chase the dream until it turns to reality! You’re beautiful, you’re talented, you’re intelligent, you’re worth it, You can do whatever you put your mind to!