Tha Nail Artistry Academy

Tha Nail Artistry Academy was founded in 2024 by Genevieve Henriquez, who goes by Gen. She is the founder, owner and director. Gen has worked as a licensed nail technician for more than six years, with a focus on acrylic, polygel, natural nail care and nail art, and she owned a nail salon for three years before running the academy. The school is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The academy's stated goal is to prepare students to pass the Texas state board and to run their own nail businesses. It describes its teaching as personalized, with small classes and one-on-one support, and students who finish the program can continue to get mentorship from instructors after graduation.

The core training is the 600-hour Manicurist Program, which runs about four months in a hybrid format. Theory is partly online, and students attend on-campus skills sessions each week. Topics include Texas laws and rules for the trade, safe cleaning practices, and a range of nail techniques such as gel, dip powder, hard gel, Gel-X, acrylic, polygel, nail art, wraps and sculpted nails. Day and weekend classes are both offered.

Students practice on live models and walk-in clients, but only after they finish required training and receive approval to serve paying clients. Because students perform the services, prices on the menu are reduced compared with a typical salon. Workshops for working nail techs and students are also available, covering acrylic, hard gel, polygel, soft gel extensions, natural nails, pedicures, toenail enhancements, nail art, Texas manicurist state board training and business development.

Tuition covers course materials, kits and uniforms, and includes an e-book, uniform tops, an ID badge, practice kits, a diploma, and a cap and gown. Product purchases, licensing fees and exam fees are separate costs. The application fee is $150. Payment plans need a $900 down payment, with the balance paid in weekly or monthly installments and no credit check. The academy does not accept FAFSA, but it offers scholarships, limited-time promotions, and Klarna or Afterpay for down payments and some services. Tours are available in person or virtually, and graduates can get help finding placement with salons, which the academy charges a placement fee for.

Training is personalized and kept small, with an aim of passing the state board and building a working business.