In Memphis, a unique and transformative educational institution is making waves in the beauty industry – Black Pearl Nail Academy. Founded by the visionary Duriya’ Caldwell in 2018, it is Tennessee’s first full-service specialty manicure school. It stands as an example of empowerment for aspiring nail technicians, especially those within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the competitive cosmetology sector. Thanks to an Inner City Economic Development (ICED) loan from EDGE, Black Pearl Nail Academy is now poised to expand its impact even further.
The role of the ICED Loan
In 2023, Black Pearl Nail Academy received an ICED loan from EDGE, amounting to $25,000. This was instrumental in completing $175,303 worth of qualified improvements, growing the school’s physical footprint from 1,200 square feet to an impressive 12,000 square feet. The expansion has enabled the academy to offer a more comprehensive range of services and facilities, including dedicated spaces for theory and practical learning, salon suites for graduated students to rent, and an educational center for industry professionals to host events or conduct training sessions.
The extended facilities mean more students can be trained simultaneously, and they now have access to a broader, more versatile learning environment. The ICED loan has facilitated these developments and comes with a significant financial incentive – after three years, the loan is forgivable. This provision provides Caldwell with the financial breathing room to focus on her mission rather than worrying about debt repayment.
Located in a building constructed in 1970, Black Pearl Nail Academy’s recent improvements include facade enhancements, structural repairs, roof and HVAC updates, and interior renovations. These upgrades have been supported by the Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation, further cementing its role in the revitalization of the Whitehaven neighborhood.
Pioneering education in nail technology
Black Pearl Nail Academy is a trailblazer in the field of nail technology education. It offers a variety of curricula designed to cater to the diverse needs of its students, including a manicure hybrid program, traditional licensure, instructor training, and apprenticeships. Both extensive and flexible, the variety of course offerings allows students to choose their preferred model of learning. This adaptability ensures that people from all walks of life, particularly female minorities aged 16 to 60, can find a path that fits their lifestyle and career goals.
Moreover, the academy is one of only three specialty manicure schools in Memphis, and it stands out by providing the curriculum necessary for traditional licensure, something its competitors do not offer. This focus on comprehensive education sets Black Pearl apart, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed not just locally, but anywhere their careers may take them. Caldwell’s vision is to create a pipeline of highly skilled, licensed professionals who can easily transition into various roles within the beauty industry.
The expansion of Black Pearl Nail Academy represents the potential for economic empowerment within under-resourced communities. The ICED loan from EDGE has played a pivotal role in this transformation, ensuring that it can continue to grow and serve the community for years to come.