They say “luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” If you Google “A Polished Work ” you will see just how prepared the owner, Monica Abernathy, is. Her digital presence in remarkable. The salon’s Yelp and Google reviews average 4-5 stars. Monica, once a teenage girl with a nail dream, made her dream a reality when she graduated from Dudley Beauty College and opened A Polished Work Nail Spa & Lounge in 2013. She recently returned to her beauty alma-mater as the Keynote Speaker for the Dudley Beauty College 2023 Commencement Ceremony.
An invitation like no other, Monica was 1 of 100 Black entrepreneurs selected to attend the Renaissance Tour Black Parade Luncheons for the BeyGOOD Small Business Impact Grant. When the parade route hit Chicago, Monica attended and WON 1 of the 10 grants awarded on July 31, 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel!
This year, Monica celebrates 10 YEARS in business. We are honored to share some of here amazing story here on BlackGirlsDoNails.com.
“Growing up as an only child, I developed a deep appreciation for all things artistic. My journey into the world of nails began during my high school years, when I was captivated by the colorful and artistic nail designs that were all the rage.
Despite my strong interest in pursuing nail school right after high school, my parents were dedicated to sending me to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. However, my passion for nails never waned.
It wasn’t until a decade after college that I reignited my nail journey and achieved my nail certification from Dudley Beauty College in Chicago. In December 2013, I realized my dream by opening A Polished Work nail spa lounge.”
“My inspiration behind launching A Polished Work Nail Spa Lounge on the South Side of Chicago stemmed from a genuine desire to enhance the self-care experience for both myself and my community. I recognized that, much like other essential resources such as education, healthcare, and access to quality food, there was a scarcity of self-care facilities in underserved communities. I firmly believe that a visit to the nail salon should transcend mere aesthetics; it should be an opportunity for connection, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
I observed a missed opportunity to support, encourage, empower, and connect with women, in particular, in these neighborhoods. With the growing recognition of self-care as a fundamental component of overall wellness, I saw the need for safe, hygienic, and high-quality nail salons that could provide exceptional service.”
https://youtu.be/tZrzyelRVpA?si=bt63_vkQXZLoTse1
“I first heard about the opportunity to apply on CBS Mornings. Right before the tour kicked off Ivy McGregor, Executive Director of the BeyGOOD Foundation appeared on the morning show to announce how the Renaissance World Tour would support education and entrepreneurs.”
“The application process followed a typical format, involving the submission of essential business information along with three essays. These essays primarily revolved around detailing the necessity for funding and outlining the specific plans for utilizing the grant to support and enhance my business.”
“Participating in the BeyGOOD Small Business Impact luncheon was a truly exceptional experience! It was filled with excitement, energy, and profound inspiration. The event took place at the stunning Four Seasons Hotel, creating an exquisite atmosphere. The BeyGOOD team was absolutely fantastic in orchestrating the day. Notably, the featured speaker for the Chicago luncheon was Michelle Williams, who delivered a deeply personal and motivating message. She shared her journey with remarkable transparency and inspired all in attendance. Furthermore, her captivating performance and the engaging Q & A session added extra layers to the event.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity that this grant presents, and we have a clear plan for how it will positively impact the growth and development of our business.
First and foremost, a significant portion of the grant will be allocated to covering the steadily rising cost of supplies. As a business in the nail industry, we have witnessed a notable increase in the prices of essential supplies and materials. By utilizing these funds to procure supplies, we can ensure that we continue to deliver top-notch services to our clients without compromising on quality.”
“Additionally, I’ve allocated a portion of the grant to hire much-needed assistants. This step is vital for enhancing our operational efficiency and expanding our capacity to serve more clients. With skilled assistants on board, we can meet the growing demand for our services while maintaining our commitment to excellence.
Lastly, a part of the grant will be used to repay funding that was acquired to help us navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. While this support was instrumental in keeping our business afloat during those uncertain times, we are eager to honor our financial obligations and regain our financial stability. By repaying these funds, we can strengthen our financial foundation and operate from a more secure position, positioning us for long-term growth and sustainability.”
You can visit A Polished Work Nail Spa Lounge at 1000 E 76th St, Chicago, IL, Illinois. The A Polished Work App is also available for you to make an appointment.
Website: apolishedwork.com
Instagram: @APolishedWork