What’s the cure for biting your nails? Opening your own franchise of nail salons, naturally! At least that’s what Samira Far did. In 2006, she launched her first high-end nail salon called Bellacures in Beverly Hills. Business degree in hand, Samira embarked on her first job out of college, which involved lots of number crunching. Within ten months on the job, she realized this simply was not for her! She embarked on an entrepreneurial journey which landed her in the nail business and now currently runs seven salons spread across the Los Angeles are. She’s also in talks of opening a salon in Dallas soon. We caught up with her to discuss her life as a young business owner, Bellacures’ business philosophy and her signature red nail polish color.

DID YOU DREAM OF GORGEOUS NAILS WHEN YOU WERE A KID?
Yes! Absolutely. I was always drawn to shiny, colorful nails.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WANT TO OPEN UP YOUR OWN NAIL SALON FRANCHISE?
I wanted to set a new standard in the nail salon industry - both on what a nail should look & feel like and on cleanliness & customer care. I want to expand across states and really provide an opportunity that will allow manicurists to work in a better working environment, providing their best work to customers who love the brand.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE COURAGE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?
I had nothing to lose. I wanted to start living my life right away. I am not a procrastinator. When I want something, I get to work immediately.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE ANYONE HAS GIVEN TO YOU AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR?
Best advice is to know when to pick your battles and know what's important and what to let go. As an entrepreneur, you are faced with many different challenges and facets of growth; you have to decide upon which areas to focus your attention.

HOW DID YOU GROW FROM ONE SALON TO SEVEN STORES?
Via franchisees who believe in what Bellacures has set out to accomplish.

DO YOU HAVE PLANS OF OPENING UP STORES IN OTHER CITIES? EAST COAST?
We have one currently in development in Dallas. We are executing our growth strategy this year, and hope to be in more cities across the country, starting with primary markets on the west coast.

WHAT SETS BELLACURES APART FROM ALL THE OTHER THOUSANDS OF NAIL SALONS OUT THERE IN THE WORLD?
Culture and customer care. We have values as a brand and there are no other nail salons out there that set a standard & set of values for themselves and deliver on it.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR BEAUTY REGIME? ANY SECRETS OR FAVES?
I love witch hazel. I use it on my face as an astringent.

WHAT NAIL POLISH/COLOR ARE YOU CURRENTLY WEARING? DO YOU EVER GO ALL OUT WITH CRAZY NAIL ART?
I love Fifth Avenue by Essie or the equivalent shade Tiger Blossom by Gelish (gel polish). This is my favorite color and has been for 10 years. I am open to wearing crazy nail art if I have the patience to sit and get it done