Remember the Name: Sequoyah Matoaka
2023 was a transformative year for entrepreneur Sequoyah Matoaka. As she grew closer to her family and faith, her nail artist brand blossomed. Matoaka taught at numerous schools, got featured in nail magazines, and opened her own salon in Charleston, SC.
Most monumentally, she established herself as the first-ever Black woman to own a nail supply and manufacturing company in the Charleston area.
Matoaka manufactures high-quality nail products like tips, acrylics, and nail art herself. She even offers customizable colors by special request. Her burgeoning business reflects years of honing her craft out of passion and the support of her loved ones. With the new year ahead, she looks to greater heights as she cements her trailblazing company.
Luxury Handmade Nail Products
Matoaka prides herself on the handcrafted luxury of her nail products. As the sole manufacturer, she specially formulates everything from scented acrylic powders to lotions with skin-friendly ingredients. Her self-leveling acrylics balance rich pigmentation with a buttery application that simplifies sculpting.
Additionally, her monomer features an exceptionally low-odor formula, eliminating the need for droppers or ventilation. Matoaka also provides complimentary test samples so new buyers can try items risk-free. Products like cuticle oil pull double duty for nail care and hair and skin moisturizing.
Nationwide Reach, International Dreams
Despite launching her brand barely two years ago in 2021, Matoaka has already shipped orders to 35 states. She also sells products on Amazon to boost availability. Though based in Charleston, her business made an impressive footprint across half the country.
Going forward, Matoaka hopes to facilitate international shipping as well. She believes meticulously handcrafted quality separates her brand from mass retailers. So whether clients are in North Charleston or North Korea, Matoaka strives to get her products delivered.
Faith and Perseverance Behind the Brand
Matoaka attributes her entrepreneurial success to faith and perseverance. Initially, she started doing nails to save money, never expecting building an empire.
But her passion led her to experiment with hand-blending supplies. Now her dedication yields custom colors and skin-safe ingredients in every batch.
Owning the first Black nail supplier in Charleston had its fair share of challenges too. However, Matoaka attests that believing in God and herself powered her through obstacles.
She wants her story to inspire other aspiring business owners as well. At its core, her brand embodies how ambition and homegrown care create beloved brands.
