WSU grad’s job that paid for her degree turns into a career and a new business

After working her way through school by doing nails, Xuanna Atkinson is now opening her own business: a nail salon.

Atkinson, a Vietnam native, graduated from Wichita State University with an accounting degree in 2018. She says she always had one goal in mind.

“I really want to have . . . my own business.”

However, she says she never thought that business would be centered around nails.

Atkinson says she didn’t want to abandon her clients, though.

She’s now opening Urban Nails in part of the one-time Healing Waters space by Il Vicino at 4817 E. Douglas.

Atkinson had hoped to be ready before Christmas, but now she’s hoping to open by Jan. 20.

Urban Nails will offer manicures, pedicures and waxing.

Stephanie Wise of John T. Arnold Associates handled the deal for the space.

Atkinson says she’ll also have a party room in the almost 1,900-square-foot space.

“We really want to promote that.”

Another focus for her is fresh air, meaning she doesn’t want to any chemical smells in the salon. Atkinson says she’ll achieve that by using essential oils.

Though she never planned to own a nail salon, Atkinson says it’s a great way to combine her degree and what she’s already been doing to make money.

She says her degree “has been very helpful throughout the process of building my business.”