Check Out Shumetra Thrash’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shumetra Thrash.

Hi Shumetra, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
There is definitely no “short story” to how I started or how I got to where I am today.  It has been a thirty-year journey orchestrated by God’s design. Stroll with me down memory lane……

1991

July – My love and knack for nail care and maintenance began as a teenager. It was a must for me to have a nice set of nails and neatly pedicured toes. However, good nail techs were hard to find. I would leave the nail shop frustrated because of poor service and the inability to convey my displeasure due to their language barriers. I looked high and low determined to find a black nail tech. I eventually found one, but I could not afford her prices with my high school allowance. 

1993

December – After graduating high school, I enrolled in a manicuring course at Redondo Beach Cosmetology School. I was the only black in the class. My instructor was Vietnamese and spoke little English (SMH). You can imagine how I felt. The frustration I felt in the nail shop was a mere fraction of the frustration I felt in class. It was difficult but I was determined (so I thought) to hang in there. After completing 200 of the 400 hours required, I quit! I felt I had learned enough to provide nail care for myself, so it was worth it. I decided to work from home servicing family and friends since I could not work in a shop without a license. I did nails from home (on and off) for over 25 years while working other jobs, running a daycare, limousine service, beverage company and doing electrical work on the side. 

2019

May – I sold and gave away 80% of my nail tech equipment because it was a thing of the past (so I thought, again 😊). 

2020

March – I was inundated with calls due to the Pandemic and closures of nail salons. And, just like that I was thrust back in the business.

April – I decided I would give my first love (nail care) another shot but full-time this time. This time I was going to be legit and do things the right way. I purchased new equipment and began servicing a select group of clients (being mindful of the pandemic and taking extreme safety measures). 

May – I began looking for buses to make Oh My Cuticles a mobile nail service that would bring the service to you. I also enrolled in a manicuring course and graduated this time (wink-wink). 

July 15th – Someone broke in my car and stole everything but the Oh My Cuticles sign and toenail separators. I cried because I felt so violated.  My loving husband consoled and encouraged me. He said, “don’t let the devil steal your joy, everything they stole is replaceable.”  What he said was true.  I pulled myself together and got on Paulette’s Praise Porch (as I always do Monday-Friday mornings) and began to praise my way through.  Later that day, my insurance company informed me that the items stolen from my car were not covered under my policy.  I was shocked by the news, but that did not stop me.  I drove to the nail supply store to purchase a few items so I could continue servicing my clients.  Shortly thereafter, I started getting notifications on my CashApp.  I was receiving money from people I did not know.  Notification after notification. Unbeknownst to me, Philicia Walker (owner of Perfect Timing Fashion Boutique) posted a story about my misfortune on her page. The money I was receiving was coming from her followers.  Tears filled my eyes, ran down my cheeks and I could not stop them.  My heart was overjoyed.  GOD provided!!! GOD confirmed HE was in the plan. 

July 17th – Purchased a bus for Oh My Cuticles just two days after the break-in. Won’t he do it!  To God be the Glory!!!!! 

September – Hired a contractor to build out the bus.  It was a total disaster.

November – The contractor quit. 

December – Hired a new contractor.  Formed Oh My Cuticles, LLC. 

February – The build out of OMC’s mobile nail bus was completed. 

As you can see, it has been quite a journey.  However, I would not have a thing about it.  To whom much is given, much is required.  To see the vision of Oh My Cuticles come to fruition is nothing but God. 

March – Oh My Cuticles WILL be bigger than me.  My goal is to change the trajectory of the lives of young black at-risk youth by raising money to put them through manicuring school.  There are so many young women prostituting to make money.  I want to teach them how to become entrepreneurs.  To be a support system and provide them with opportunities they otherwise might not have had. There is a better and more excellent way. 

One of my favorite quotes is “I aspire to inspire before I expire.” One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.  I will make a difference one cuticle and one prayer at a time. 

Be blessed and stay tuned for what’s to come!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. Anything worth having is worth waiting for, but trusting the process is key! Some of the challenges were timing, theft of equipment, money and licensing to name a few. I overcame them and that’s what matters. To whom much is given, much is required.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have done so many things in my life. To sum it up, most people refer to me as “Jill of all Trades.” I am a servant to my core. Genuinely helping others (looking for nothing in return) is what I enjoy doing. It is also what I am most proud of. I like to let the work I do speak for me.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I really do not have any favorites. I will watch, read or listen to just about anything inspirational though.

Contact Info:

• Email: oohmycuticles@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohmycuticles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ohmycuticles/