On breaking generational curses and having a job while running a business

In honor of Black History Month, we interviewed Black JUST leaders to share their stories with you. This series is meant to shine the light on what it actually means to be a Black female entrepreneur in Texas.

Today, we are giving the microphone to Kaneeka Moore!

Kaneeka is the mind behind Nail-ish, a company that provides beauty services and products produced by the solopreneur herself. In this interview, Kaneeka talks about her '"unorthodox upbringing" and the many challenges she faced to overcome what she describes as generational curses.

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Tell us about your childhood...

K: How I was raised was a little unorthodox.

I only remember meeting my biological mother once in my life. I was 16 at the time. As much as I wanted to be mad at her for not being in my life, all I could do was cry and hug her so tight! The second and last time I saw her was in a casket, a couple months after meeting her. She was killed and left dead behind a dumpster. She was just getting her life back on track. She didn't deserve that. No one does.

My older sister and I were raised by her biological father. He is and will always be my daddy too. He taught us how to cook, drive, and be self-sufficient. He made us entrepreneurs at an early age. I didn't even know he wasn't my biological father until two years ago, after doing a DNA test.

On November 11, 2002, my sister and I received a phone call from the hospital telling us that we needed to come and identify the body of our father. My life hasn't been the same since.

How did you end up in Austin, TX?

K: I moved to Texas with my now ex-husband.

How was your business born?

K: Honestly the pandemic lit a fire under me. I literally thought the world was about to end and I felt so unaccomplished. I felt like I didn't have anything of my own to even leave behind.

My job at the time had to close for the quarantine. I was afraid of how I would support myself if the world didn't end.

I created my own brand called Nail-ish. It is a company that embodies everything that I love; beauty, fashion, nails, and all things art!

Our mission at Nail-ish is to inspire, empower, and create. We strive to inspire individuals, to embrace their unique style, and empower them to feel confident in their own skin.

Are you a full-time entrepreneur?

K: I still have a 9 to 5 to fund my business, but the goal is to not have to work for anyone else and to become the person who actually signs the checks.

What jobs did you have before starting Nail-ish?

K: My first job was at McDonald's as a cashier.

I have worked at a call center. I was also a teacher assistant in college. I did home health care for four years. A lot of receptionist work. I've worked at a dry cleaners. A couple of luxury nail salons, a clothing store and a corner store.

I've worked for nonprofits, and currently, I deliver meals for Meals on Wheels.

What has been your biggest obstacle?

K: Having a consistent flow of income.

When running a small business, some months are better than others. I have to wear all the hats of my company. I don't have the extra funds to pay other people to help with marketing, social media, website, etc. Sometimes this can take away from the creative process.

Ideally, I would like nothing more than to just create my magic and for other people to take care of the logistics.

Tell us about a failure that turned into a lesson.

K: When I dropped out of college.

I got burned out and I really wasn't even passionate about it. I thought that was what I was supposed to do to be successful, but I was miserable.

I learned not to do something just because other people's expectations. But to do something that I actually love and feel passionate about. Now that is success.

What is your biggest dream?

K: My biggest dream is to own malls all around the world filled with small businesses.

I want Nail-ish to become a household name. To be the number one global corporation. I want to be the fashion mogul of the world! I also dream of creating generational wealth.

In your opinion, what is a key to being successful?

K: In my opinion there is no key to being successful. Success is really whatever you feel being successful is.

Being successful may look different for everyone. It isn't always about the money and the accolades. A lot of times it's just doing what you never thought was possible.

I feel like I'm successful because I never thought I would be a business owner. I never thought I would go to college. I never thought I would make it out of the poor environments I lived in. I never thought I would stop drinking and smoking. I never thought that I would be the one breaking generational curses.

So the key, in my opinion, is whatever you deem as being successful.

Words of wisdom for other Black entrepreneurs?

K: Own what you have to offer, and know that what you have to offer is needed.

Know that you are needed in the spaces that you don't even think you belong. Be yourself at all times. Don't let anyone discourage you from what you are passionate about.

Even if no one else supports you in the beginning. Take a chance and bet on yourself. You miss 100% of opportunities by not trying!

Nicole Krauss said, it's better to try and fail than not try at all. I agree.