Mia Przybus’ dedication has guided her to grow a campus community in artistry.
The third-year civil engineering student said she has always been an artist and has spent many years exploring the business side by offering different creative services. Her entrepreneurship began in middle school and has since evolved into @ucnailsinla, a nail art business that unites student customers on the Hill, Przybus said. Reflecting on the business’ growth since its launch, Przybus said her work has allowed her to connect with many Bruins.
“I’m building my own community,” Przybus said. “I just think that’s so sweet, and I’ve met so many people through doing this, and it’s gotten me opportunities, which is super cool.”
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The artistic collaboration between Przybus and her clients has allowed for a rewarding partnership, she said. Przybus said she aims to provide a welcoming environment for customers as soon as her clients book a session. Forty-eight hours before their appointment, clients prepare with her by reviewing inspirational pictures, she added. Once in person, Przybus said she will go over the design with the recipient and make sure it is best suited for them. She added that she is often given the space to explore her own vision and try things out with loyal clients, as they trust her to surprise them with the best fit.
With the heavy workload of her major and running her small business, balance is a key factor in managing both parts of her life, Przybus said. Her older sister, Stephanie Przybus, said @ucnailsinla is a great way for her sibling to decompress from the demands of her coursework. She added that her sister has been offered an exceptional experience in making connections with her peers because of her business. Noting that she will always root for the business’ prosperity, Stephanie Przybus said she attributes her sister’s success to her dedication, compassion and joy.
“It brings her so much joy when she creates something for someone and they love it,” Stephanie Przybus said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s nails or if it’s artwork – just something that she created on her own.”
Although Mia Przybus has found happiness in her creative outlet, she said she has also faced the challenge of transitioning from a small school to a large campus such as UCLA. Przybus said a consistent and effective way for her to manage academics and entrepreneurship is through her policy that she will not open appointments to clients during midterms and finals to prioritize her education.
Przybus said her central location in UCLA’s residential community has provided greater access to the students. Because of her location, more students are able to book appointments, blossoming her clientele as loyal customers spread the word, Przybus said. When beginning her first year at UCLA, she posted to the campus Snapchat story, which offered her a larger platform of interested potential customers, she said. From there, she was able to gain a strong following that has turned into faithful consumers, Przybus added.
For Przybus, nail art is more than just a cosmetic procedure – it is also a form of self-care and expression. She said she has a range of styles such as chrome, three-dimensional designs and other intricate patterns. It is the small details that really help bring her clients’ wishes to their actual nails, she said. If she is able to bring her clients joy by bringing their ideas to life, she said she feels content with her clients’ happiness. Przybus added that with satisfied clients, her confidence increases, giving her the opportunity to advance in her skills.
“I like to think of it (nails) as a form of expression of who we are,” Przybus said. “Your personality is being put on your nails. It’s a form of expression.”
Therefore, Przybus said she wants her clients to feel their personalities represented in the nail designs once their nails are completed. Przybus’ childhood friend, Caitlyn Smith, said it has been an amazing experience to watch her friend commit her passion to entrepreneurship and improve with every client. Smith added that Przybus has demonstrated improvement in her technique and frequently tries out new skills. Przybus is skillful, Smith said, but she is also professional and well organized, which makes Smith’s experience getting her nails done even more enjoyable.
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As both a small business owner and a student, Przybus said she has found gratitude for the community that she has cultivated on campus. Her work has taught her the importance of balance and realizing what is important, she added. In addition, Przybus said she looks forward to possibly being able to meet and collaborate with other UCLA student entrepreneurs to promote and build each other up. Starting @ucnailsinla has greatly impacted her UCLA experience, Przybus added, allowing her to find confidence and hope that as her business grows, she can give back to her community.
“Seeing my community grow and people come to me and appreciate the art and work I do is really cool to see,” Przybus said. “It’s something so small that can create a community so big.”
