Xavier Grad School Student Turns Pandemic Hobby into Full-Time Business

NailsxMiAngel Celebrates Grand Opening in 3CDC Development

CINCINNATI (January 7, 2025) – After honing her skill during the pandemic and going on to become a licensed cosmetologist, nail artist MiAngel Zanders recently celebrated the grand opening of her namesake salon. Located at 1525 Race Street in Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC)’s $17 million mixed-use Abington Race & Pleasant project, NailsxMiAngel joins an array of other beauty-related businesses in Over-the-Rhine (OTR).

Zanders, who specializes in acrylic nails, offers a variety of manicure and pedicure styles including gel, gel-x and more. Favoring more detailed, ‘artsy’ sets rather than basic sets, Zanders is joined by three additional nail technicians with varying specialties in the 546-square-foot space. The technicians operate independently, renting booths within the salon.

“I started doing my own nails during the pandemic out of boredom and I realized I was actually pretty good at it,” Zanders said. “I moved on to family and friends and then ended up going to cosmetology school to get licensed. Afterward, I worked in a salon for about a year before realizing I could have my own salon and turn my talent into a career.”

Previously operating out of a space in Roselawn, Zanders was looking for something closer to the city. The Race Street space, which came fully furnished, was larger than other similarly priced suites she had looked at. She knew immediately that OTR is where she was meant to be.

“We’re so excited to welcome NailsxMiAngel to the growing mix of beauty businesses on Race Street, like SBLSWANK and Xclusive Styles Barbershop,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Director of Commercial Leasing at 3CDC. “This area is such a great location for both seasoned and up-and-coming health and beauty professionals to offer their services in a vibrant and dynamic community.”

Zanders, who is in her final semester of graduate school at Xavier University where she is working toward a master’s degree in business administration, has no plans to leave the industry after graduation. Rather, she intends to continue doing nails while utilizing her education to run a successful business.

NailsxMiAngel is open Tuesday thru Saturday with no set hours.  Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are always welcome. Follow along on social media at https://www.instagram.com/nailsxmiangel/ for additional updates, hours and other important information.

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