Cat Paige has created a known and successful nail business in just two years.

“I had a skill that I realized I could make money with,” Paige said.

She started her business during her sophomore year in high school, specifically in April, and has built herself a prosperous business that is popular among teen girls. She keeps it as a side hustle, because she has “more potential than nails,” Paige said.

Paige is admired specifically for her “low-ball” prices.

“It’s not necessary to charge that much and I can still make a profit,” Paige said. A lot of girls love to get their nails done by her for this reason. Her personal salon is known as an affordable and accessible place to get nails done.

“Cat’s nail quality is above anything else, and it’s also cheaper than anywhere else I have been to,” Willow Love (12) said.

Paige tries to use as little product as possible when doing nails to avoid waste. It’s important to her that she preserves her product and makes the most out of her money. She makes an order to restock her materials once every month, and puts profit margins down on a document to keep track of her money and budgeting.

“The money coming in is definitely profitable, generous money,” Paige said.

Over time, Paige has changed her prices over a year and a half of doing nails, by increasing by $5 since the start of her business. She charges $50 for a full acrylic set and $40 for a BHL set. Her acrylic set is the most popular among her clients, and many high-school girls have recommended her nails as the best of the best.

“She’s really easy to talk to and brings your vision alive in terms of design because she is good with detail,” Tabby Musangali (12) said.

Paige always makes sure her clients are well taken care of and get the best nail experience possible. Not only does she make her clients feel comfortable, but she also provides an area for clients to wash their hands and a free oil for nail aftercare. Her professional image and top-tier service invites clients into her salon.

“Her nails are better than a normal nail salon, because she takes more time and effort than any other nail salon would have done,” Josephine Smith-Moreland (12) said.

Many girls have tried to compete with Paige’s business but have found it a challenging process.

“Other girls lack in areas, such as marketing, so no competition is directly affecting my business,” Paige said.

She has sustained a consistent, completely booked schedule. She markets her business mainly through social media, such as Instagram and Tiktok @kittycouturenails.stl.

Paige loves doing nails and encourages others to start their own business because it can teach people a lot about money, being independent, and having a career.

This story was originally published on LHStoday on October 21, 2025.