Shawntay's School of Creative Nails

The school was founded by Shawntay, a licensed nail technician since 2000 who holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Science from Coppin State University. Before opening the school, Shawntay taught for Baltimore City Public Schools, and later owned and ran several salons and spas in the Baltimore area. Shawntay's nail artistry has been featured several times in Nails Magazine, and the school says Shawntay has been recognized as one of Baltimore's Best Entrepreneurs.

The school's central goal is preparing students to pass state licensing exams and build careers in nail technology. The nail technology program covers nail anatomy, sanitation, manicuring and pedicuring, acrylic and gel systems, advanced nail art and business skills, and includes state board preparation, client communication, professional ethics and business development. It runs 12 weeks in Maryland and 16 weeks in Georgia.

A 100-clock-hour hybrid eyelash extension certification teaches classic, volume and hybrid lash techniques, lash mapping, isolation and retention, sanitation, client consultation, aftercare and safe removal, along with business setup and state board preparation. The esthetics program is meant for licensed nail technicians who want to add skincare, waxing and lash services, and covers facials, skin analysis, exfoliation, hair removal, makeup, lash applications, infection control and board preparation.

Classes combine online theory lessons delivered through the Canvas learning system with in-person, hands-on work in the classroom. Students can pick day or evening schedules, or part-time day classes at more than one campus. The school describes small class sizes, experienced licensed instructors and a student clinic experience, and its home page reports 100% graduation, placement and licensure rates. Students use the school's own supplies rather than bringing their own products.

The eyelash certification totals $2,000, including a $150 registration fee, $350 in school supplies and $1,500 tuition, and it can be paid in installments after a $550 deposit. Nail technology payment plans begin with a $1,500 deposit followed by weekly payments, totaling $3,600 in Maryland and $4,700 in Georgia including the installment fee. Registration fees, school supplies and continuing education are non-refundable. Withdrawals within the first 7 days qualify for a refund under the refund policy, while students who leave later are charged for each hour attended, and refund requests take 45 days to process.

Continuing education courses include a domestic violence service information course, a 2-hour Maryland Laws and Regulations course and a 4-hour Maximizing Success in Salon Business course. Workshops for ages 16 and up are for personal enrichment and do not lead to professional licensure, and Tween Workshops for ages 12 to 15 cover basic nail care, simple nail art and salon etiquette.

Training is hybrid, pairing online theory with hands-on classroom practice and aiming to prepare students for state licensing exams and nail careers.