As a college student, Sophie Lama knows money doesn’t grow on trees — but as a small business owner, she knows money can grow on campus. Lama provides her at-home nail services to students at a discount that rivals many of the salons impacted by inflation.
Lama, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’26, began her nail business during her first year, operating out of McMahon Hall. After she paid $100 for a full set of acrylic nails, she decided to order a beginner kit from Amazon. With a new drill, a few polishes and commitment, Lama launched her Instagram @nailsbylama by converting her unused United Student Government Instagram account (with over 600 Fordham followers) into a page to promote her new small business.
Like Lama, Ailey/Fordham BFA student Berisha Fareau, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’25, operates her braiding and hair-styling business through her Instagram account: @braidsbyberi. Originally Fareau styled her friends’ hair as a hobby to grow her skills and refused offers to charge for her services.
“I would do it for free because I enjoy doing it so much,” Fareau said.
Through @braidsbyberi, Fareau has had the honor of providing some of her customers with their first braids.
“It brings them so much confidence; it makes them come into their own. Stuff like that makes me want to continue doing hair,” Fareau said. “I love making people feel good about themselves.”
Fareau’s roommate Kimberly Whitehall, FCLC ’25 and also in the Ailey/Fordham BFA program, began crocheting during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown and started to receive commissions for the first time after she wore her pieces on campus. As someone pursuing a fashion studies minor, Whitehall creates trendy crochet and knit clothing and accessories for her Instagram, @kimmyskrafting.
As a way to combat the rising prices of life as a college student, Whitehall frequently trades services with Fareau. Whitehall described the difficulty of raising prices.
“A lot of people have come back —it’s a sign that they like my services and my prices. We help one another.”
“The amount I am getting paid is not changing, and prices are the same. How much I am able to save is smaller. It’s hard,” Whitehall said.
Recognizing the growing expenses of groceries, tuition and living in the city, Lama offers a sliding scale to her customers, avoiding extra charges for charms or new designs popularized on social media. She plans on implementing monthly sales on her Instagram for new nail models at a discounted price.
Fareau said that her hair styling business has helped foster community at FCLC.
“A lot of people have come back —it’s a sign that they like my services and my prices. We help one another,” Fareau said.
Similar to her contemporary student entrepreneurs, Fareau found personal and community fulfillment through the seemingly simple act of braiding. For her, money earned is secondary to her community connection.
After Lama established a customer base at FCLC, she decided to transfer to FCRH. An inter-campus transfer can be difficult, especially for a sophomore with an existing group of friends. Lama used her nail business to connect with new FCRH clients while retaining her previous business model to help them save money.
“I wasn’t familiar with anyone on campus. Doing nails was a great way to meet other friends, earn money and explore my hobby in nail art,” Lama said.
Fareau, Whitehall and Lama aim to make their services pleasurable, convenient and competitively priced.
“I don’t want it to be a situation where someone can’t afford it,” Lama said. “I want you to leave happy with your price and nails. Look good, feel good!”