From Dreams to Designs: How Rosita Xinyue Zhang Turned Her Passion into a Business
Rosita Xinyue Zhang
Written by Valiski Bernard
In the world of self-expression, nail art has become a significant form of creativity and personal style. For many, nails are an extension of our personality, and finding ways to express ourselves through unique designs has become increasingly popular. But what if your profession or lifestyle doesn't allow for traditional nail enhancements? Enter Moodswings Nails, the brainchild of Rosita Xinyue Zhang. This brand offers a solution: high-quality, reusable press-on nails that cater to busy lives and on-the-go styles.
Moodswings Nails is more than just a product. It's a story of passion, overcoming challenges, and pursuing a dream. Rosita's journey, filled with both triumphs and hurdles, is an inspiration for anyone who dares to turn their passion into a thriving business. Dive into the world of Moodswings Nails and discover how Rosita’s love for nail art blossomed into a brand that empowers others to express themselves fearlessly. We discuss the ups and downs of starting a business, lessons learned along the way, and her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
The Origins of Moodswings Nails
What drives someone to start their own business? For Rosita, it was a combination of a passion for nail art and a need for a convenient, affordable solution. The idea was born out of her love for nail art and the frustration of not being able to wear nails due to working in the food industry. This sparked the creation of her brand, which offers trendy, reusable nails for people in professions where traditional nail enhancements are not practical.
“I'm really into nail art, and I used to get my nails done at salons all the time. But then COVID happened, salons shut down, and working part-time at a crepe shop meant I couldn’t wear nails as it is in the food industry. I started looking for other ways to keep up my nail game, which led me to start my own press-on nail brand. I figured people could use something that lets them switch up their nails easily for different events or needs. People who work in food, sports, medicine, and musical instruments all deserve a way to express themselves with nail art.”
Creating a Brand Identity: The Story Behind the Name
A brand's name is often its first point of connection with customers. For Moodswings Nails, the name reflects the brand's ethos of providing nails for every mood and occasion. Rosita wanted to offer a product that allowed people to switch up their nails easily, effortlessly matching their mood or outfit.
“Our brand motto is “A set of nails for every mood, Moodswings Nails. “Since the nails are reusable, people can easily switch up their nails according to their mood and outfits.”
Overcoming Hurdles: From Skepticism to Support
Starting a business is never easy, especially when faced with skepticism from loved ones. Rosita initially faced resistance from her parents, who believed a career in nail art was not as stable as more traditional professions. However, through hard work and determination, she was able to prove them wrong and gain their full support.
“From a personal perspective, my parents were initially extremely against me starting a business in nail art because they believed I should focus on academics and become a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. As a student, I had to start the business on a tight budget using my savings from a summer job. The only way through it was to just do it. Gradually, my parents saw how hard I worked and the progress I made, and they were very surprised. Now, I've successfully persuaded them, and they fully support my decision to pursue Moodswings Nails as a career.”
Evolution and Growth: From Home Studio to Physical Storefront
Like any successful venture, Moodswings Nails has evolved over time. What started as a home studio operation soon expanded to pop-up markets and online sales. The brand's commitment to quality and affordability has helped it build a loyal customer base and pave the way for its first physical location in downtown Toronto.
“It all started with the idea of providing a new solution of nails for people like myself. Initially, I made the nails in my home studio. I then used my car's trunk to store all the inventory. Customers could book a time to view the products, and I would drive to them; sometimes, they would make a purchase after seeing the designs I had in stock. Soon, I got the opportunity to participate in the Christmas Market at my school, organized by the Morissette Entrepreneurship program. From there, I expanded to setting up pop-up markets in London and Toronto. Now, Moodswings Nails has built a solid base of loyal customers and strong brand awareness. I’ve also successfully recruited other nail techs to join for the production part. I’m excited to be opening our first physical location in downtown Toronto this May, and I'm hopeful about opening another location in London later this year.”
Staying Ahead of Trends: A Commitment to Innovation
In the fast-paced world of nail art, staying current with trends is crucial. Moodswings Nails achieves this by actively researching the latest designs and innovations, ensuring its products remain at the forefront of style and creativity. By leveraging its position within its target market, the brand can anticipate and meet the evolving demands of its customers.
“To stay current with the latest trends in the nail industry, I leverage my position within my target market. As someone who shares the same demographic characteristics as my customer base, I have a natural understanding of their preferences and what's currently popular. This insight is invaluable as it allows me to anticipate and meet the evolving demands of those who love nail art, just as I do. Additionally, I continuously seek to enhance my aesthetic judgment by actively researching and embracing the latest trends. This involves attending local market events, following influential nail artists on social media, and regularly engaging with new design innovations to ensure that Moodswings Nails remains at the forefront of style and creativity.”
The Power of Community and Support
While Moodswings Nails wasn't built on formal collaborations, the importance of community and support can't be understated. One program that played a pivotal role in the brand's growth was the Morissette Entrepreneurship program at Western University. This program provided invaluable guidance for Rosita in navigating the complexities of starting a business. More importantly, it opened doors to valuable connections and mentorship opportunities, giving her a clearer vision of the future possibilities of her entrepreneurial pursuit.
Building relationships with customers is also a core value at Moodswings Nails. Rosita recalls a great example of this with a customer who participated in an early giveaway on Instagram. This experience highlights the importance of exceeding customer expectations and fostering genuine connections. It's these interactions that build a loyal customer base and make Moodswings Nails more than just a place to buy nails - it's a community.
“I’m still in very good relationships with most of my initial customers who supported me from the beginning. At that time, I did a giveaway to raise brand awareness on Instagram, and one of the prize winners received a pair of chrome white nails. I think she was very surprised that I was actually giving away such high-quality nails for free. I helped her put them on, and she loved them. She has been coming to get her nails from our brand ever since, and we have become very good friends. These experiences with my customers have helped me learn that as long as you are doing your best to provide quality products and care about your customers, it won’t be meaningless. The customers will feel it, and that’s the way to stay in business for the long run.”
Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
The drive and dedication required to run a successful business can easily lead to an imbalance. The constant demands can blur the line between work and personal life, potentially leading to burnout. Rosita recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for sustained success. She acknowledges the challenges of this, especially when fully invested in your business.
“Sometimes, you might start to feel as though the business is a part of you, which can lead to taking things personally. This can be damaging to mental health and leave you feeling stressed. It’s crucial to maintain clear boundaries and take regular time off to care for oneself. I ensure that I schedule downtime and use organizational tools to manage workload effectively, which helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
The Heart of Business Ownership
At the heart of any successful business lies a deep understanding of the product or service offered, coupled with unwavering integrity towards the customer. It's easy for businesses to get caught up in the pursuit of profit, potentially leading to compromises on quality. However, Rosita believes that a strong ethical stance and commitment to quality are the cornerstones of long-term success and customer loyalty. Rosita highlights this as a core principle that has guided every decision and action throughout the company's journey.
“At Moodswings Nails, I have committed to providing high-quality, trendy, yet affordable nails. This principle has guided every decision and action throughout our journey. It is essential for business owners to ensure that all products and services offered by their team align with this level of commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.”
Learning from Experience
The road to entrepreneurial success is rarely smooth, and Moodswings Nails is no exception. One valuable lesson Rosita learned is the importance of financial management. She recalls this challenging experience...
“One of the biggest lessons I've learned since starting Moodswings Nails is the importance of cautious financial management with suppliers. Early on, I experienced a challenging situation where a supplier disappeared after receiving full payment for a substantial order. This incident occurred during the crucial initial stages of the business and was quite detrimental. It not only impacted our operations but also made me question the viability of the venture. This experience taught me the value of establishing more secure payment terms and conducting thorough due diligence on all business partners to safeguard against such risks.”
Motivation for Growth
Two key factors fuel the ongoing growth and expansion of Moodswings Nails. The first is a deep commitment to providing a convenient and stylish solution for customers who need quick nail enhancements. Rosita recognizes that traditional nail salons aren't always an option for everyone. Her nails offer a high-quality, convenient alternative for those seeking a quick and easy way to elevate their look. The ability to address this immediate need and provide instant gratification is a driving force behind the company's mission. Secondly, Rosita reflects on the high expectations set by her parents as a significant motivator.
“Earning their pride and proving that the path I have chosen is successful and fulfilling is immensely important to me. Their support and acknowledgment of my achievements encourage me to push forward and continue innovating within our industry.”
Passion, Sustainability, and Empowerment
Moodswings Nails aspires to inspire in several ways. First, they showcase the successful marriage of passion and entrepreneurship. The company's journey demonstrates that it's possible to build a business that aligns with personal interests and values while fulfilling a market need. Secondly, Moodswings Nails prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices in its operations. This focus on responsible business practices aims to influence positive change within the industry and inspire others to consider the environmental and social impact of their ventures.
“Other than quality and affordability, our products feature trendy designs, and all are handmade and reusable. Our nails provide a very different experience from the machine-printed nails available at places like Shoppers or Walmart; they actually look real on hand, as if you just visited the salon. We also offer the flexibility for customers to order customized sets that match their tastes and aesthetics. Last but not least, to facilitate reusability, we provide our customers with a free toolkit that includes sticky tabs. These tabs do not damage the nail beds like nail glues do, allowing people to decorate their nails in a healthier way. The reusability also enables people whose work is not nail-friendly to wear nails during their days off. They can simply put them on for a weekend outing, then pop the nails off for work, and reuse them for another occasion.”
Finally, Rosita serves as a role model for aspiring young entrepreneurs, particularly those who may feel their dreams are out of reach. By sharing her journey, challenges, and successes, she encourages others to embrace their passions with determination and creativity. Rosita’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream.
Future Plans
As Moodswings Nails continues to grow, the brand is excited to participate in the Toronto Pride Street Fair this summer.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Moodswings Nails will be participating in the Toronto Pride Street Fair this summer, taking place from June 28th to 30th in the Church and Wellesley neighborhood. This vibrant event is expected to draw around three million visitors. We're incredibly excited about the opportunity to engage with such a diverse crowd and share our products with new and existing customers. It's a fantastic chance to celebrate and support diversity, and we hope to see many people there showing their support for the community alongside our brand. Please come and join us for what promises to be a memorable experience!”
The brand continues to expand its online presence, with Instagram being its primary sales channel. Customers interested in custom sets can easily reach out through direct messages to create their perfect set of nails.
“Feel free to send us a direct message on Instagram detailing the designs, shapes, and lengths you desire. We will respond promptly with a quote. We look forward to helping our customers personalize the perfect set of nails!”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Just do it; you never know until you try. I think that’s something I tell myself every time there’s an obstacle, and it always encourages me to get through.”
Moodswings Nails is more than just a nail art brand—it symbolizes creativity, passion, and self-expression. Through Rosita’s commitment to quality, affordability, and innovation, Moodswings Nails has carved out a unique space in the beauty industry, inspiring others to embrace their individuality and express themselves fearlessly.
Rosita's story inspires anyone who harbors a dream, big or small. It's a reminder that with hard work, creativity, and a willingness to learn, even the most unlikely ideas can blossom into something beautiful. So, if you have a burning passion, don't let it stay hidden. Take a page from Rosita's book and dare to chase your dreams. You never know what you might achieve! Perhaps your passion, like Moodswings Nails, will become a symbol of self-expression and inspire others to embrace their individuality. Are you ready to unleash your inner entrepreneur?