Published:
This article ran online in The Bristol Press on Aug. 26.
By Tanajah Fryer
NEW BRITAIN – A Central Connecticut State University sophomore business major is also the owner of her own business, Nails by Vonnie.
Delvonya Deer began her home-based business in Hartford in 2020, three months after the covid-19 pandemic began.
“I was inspired to start my business because this was a passion that I’ve had since I was 11 years old,” Deer said.
She is a self-taught nail technician. She said watching videos of how to properly apply nails has given her the foundation to practice and improve her work.
“I learned how to do nails by watching YouTube videos and studying them and fixing the problems that I lacked when doing nails,” Deer said. “One day I’d love to teach a lot of the other up-and-coming nail techs.”
During her time at Central, Deer has applied what she’s learned in her business courses to her business.
“Something that I can apply from school to my business is learning time management and making sure you manage your money well,” Deer said. “Finances are very important and you need to be able to spend money to make money. It’s all about investing and marketing with others.”
Deer’s business flourished during the pandemic. According to Deer, this was due to the influx of supporters that Black businesses received during the pandemic.
“My business was affected positively because more people started supporting Black-owned businesses, or even entrepreneurs businesses in general,” she said.
Her favorite part about her job is meeting great people and making a profit off of her talents. She specializes in abstract nail art and French acrylics.
Deer said what sets her apart from most nail techs is her professionalism and the love she has for the job.
“I believe that clients come to me because I love what I do and it shows through my work. My work speaks for itself. I am professional when it comes to my business and very serious about making sure my clients are happy and satisfied with their service.”