For many students, university is about juggling coursework, extracurriculars, and social life. For Dream Tuitt-Barnes, MD ’28, it’s also about running a successful nail business while pursuing a career in medicine.
NailzByDream is a student-run nail business founded in January 2023. Currently based in Kingston and Mississauga, the business offers services such as biogel, gel-X, and nail overlays. The idea for the business started in high school when Tuitt-Barnes took part in a course that had a mandatory innovation project.
“In Grade 10, right before COVID-19, for this project, I decided to learn how to do nails. It wasn’t with the intention of starting a business, but just to develop a skill so I could do my own nails,” Tuitt-Barnes said in an interview with The Journal.
The pandemic put her progress on hold, but in December of 2022, which was her first year at Queen’s, her mom encouraged her to take a certification course, investing in her potential.
“That’s when NailzByDream started to take shape. For me, doing nails is therapeutic. I’ve loved art and drawing since I was a kid, and this just becomes a new canvas for me,” Tuitt Barnes said.
Since then, NailzByDream has become known for its intricate and creative designs. Tuitt Barne’s work ranges from Christmas-themed Snoopy nails to KAWS-inspired sets and Valentine’s Day card deck designs.
“My clients love to challenge me. They’ll send me the most detailed designs with a simple, ‘Can you do this?’ And honestly, I love it. I draw inspiration from other nail techs I see on Instagram, but a lot of times, it’s my clients who push me to try new things,” Tuitt-Barnes said.
The business, which marked it’s second-year anniversary this January, started out of a dorm room in Chown Hall and has grown significantly since its inception.
“When I first started, I was lucky if I had one booking a week. I praying to God for at least one client. By September 2023, I had 28 appointments in a single month,” Tuitt Barnes said.
The student entrepreneur credits social media marketing and networking for her success, explaining she wasn’t afraid to put herself out there.
“I’d be on campus, see someone with nice nails, compliment them, and casually mention that I’m a nail technician as well. I’d give them my Instagram and let my work speak for itself,” Tuitt-Barnes said.
Building connections across campus, Tuitt-Barnes is running more than just a beauty business—she’s fostering connection.
“When a new client walks in, I make an effort to engage in conversation and make them feel heard. A nail appointment is self-care, and I want my clients to feel like they can relax, open up, and be themselves,” Tuitt-Barnes said.
Tuitt-Barnes recognizes the importance of customer comfort, noting many people feel hesitant to speak up in traditional beauty salons.
“I tell my clients from the start, if you don’t like something, speak up. Your satisfaction is my priority, not my pride,” she said.
According to Tuitt-Barnes, running a business hasn’t been without its challenges. She acknowledges there was a lot of uncertainty and doubts when she started but she didn’t let that deter her.
“I’d rather say I tried and learnt something
than live with the regret of never trying at all. I don’t view my business as just a job. It’s something I genuinely enjoy,” Tuitt-Barnes said.
Beyond the business, Tuitt-Barnes sees her work as a celebration of Black creativity and representation.
“Art has always been a way for Black people to tell our stories, and that history lives in everything I do. The fact that I can express myself through my work is a privilege that generations before me didn’t always have,” she said.
As she continues to grow her business and pursue medicine simultaneously, Tuitt-Barnes hopes to inspire others to follow their ions without fear.
“I want other Black students to know it’s possible to turn your creativity into something real. You don’t have to give up the things you love to follow your dreams.”
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