What happens when a tech-working mom with a late-night creative streak finds her spark in nail art? You get Spicy Bite Nails—a bold, inclusive, handmade press-on nail brand created to help everyone feel beautiful.
Founder Raquel Small rediscovered her creativity during the pandemic after having her first child, turning late-night nail experiments into a thriving side hustle that’s now three years strong. Her custom nails come in every length, shape, and vibe and her values show up in every step of her business, from centering brown hands in her marketing to showing up for her community with intention and heart.
Little Blue Cart: Tell us a little about your business! What inspired you to start it, and how did your entrepreneurial journey begin?
Raquel Small: I’ve always had a little hustler’s spirit. When I was 10, two friends and I started a company called Oodles, where we sold little trinkets with teddy bears, glitter, and hot glue on them at craft fairs. In high school, I sold custom mix tape CDs and LiveJournal templates (yes, I’m old!).
As I got older, I let the creative part of me fall by the wayside, and by the time I was in my 30s, I just thought I wasn’t a creative person. I work in program management at a tech company so my days are often filled with spreadsheets, agendas and strategy meetings — there’s not a lot of room for creativity in that realm. But then, at the start of the pandemic, I had a baby. Suddenly my favorite “me time” activity, getting my nails done, was no longer available.
I found a UV gel lamp at a garage sale, bought some cheap polishes from Amazon, and immediately fell in love with nail art. It made me feel connected to that creative part of my soul that I had pushed down so deeply. That led me to think, “Hmm… how can I do nail art ALL THE TIME?” , which led to the launch of Spicy Bite Nails.
“One of my clients once told me that putting on press-on nails was the first time in his life he actually felt beautiful. That’s what motivates me.”
LBC: What’s been your proudest moment so far—and what’s been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a small business owner?
Raquel: My proudest moment so far in this journey has been maintaining my business for three years. I have ADHD and often struggle to commit to things long-term, so the fact that I’ve done something self-propelled for this long—and been successful at it—is a huge accomplishment for me.
One of my biggest challenges is juggling all of my competing priorities: I’m a wife, a mom to a five-year-old, I work full-time at a demanding tech startup, I run a thriving side hustle, I try to squeeze in exercise where I can, and I do my best to maintain a social life.
What that usually looks like is working on nails after my daughter goes to bed, often stretching into the wee hours of the morning. I’m a big night owl, so I love the quiet and focus—but it definitely takes a toll.
LBC: What values guide your business, and what issues matter most to you as an entrepreneur?
Raquel: My values are rooted in helping people who wear my nails feel beautiful and included in the world of beauty. Every set I make is fully customizable to the wearer’s preferences and lifestyle, and I offer 13 different shapes and lengths.
For me, nails are a form of self-expression that make me feel beautiful and polished—and I want everyone to experience that, regardless of race or gender. I’m intentional in my marketing not to target only “ladies,” because while they do make up the majority of nail wearers, I love doing nails for male-identified people too.
One of my clients once told me that putting on press-on nails was the first time in his life he actually felt beautiful. That’s what motivates me — I want everyone to have that feeling!
LBC: How do your progressive values show up in how you run your business—whether it’s in who you hire, how you source, or how you engage with your community?
Raquel: As a Black woman and a mom, it’s really important to me to continue supporting communities of color. I love participating in in-person craft fairs aimed at people of color (like the Black Girl Art Show, The Blackout Market, etc.), and I intentionally feature my own hands in my marketing.
The nail industry overwhelmingly favors white hands in its advertising, so featuring brown skin can feel almost subversive—despite the fact that modern nail art originated in Black nail communities.
I recently connected with a woman who hosts career talks for girls in juvenile detention centers and she wants me to host a talk about entrepreneurship which I’m very excited about. Raising up the next generation, especially those who are not following a linear path, has always been a cornerstone of my existence.
LBC: Why is it important for small businesses and consumers to stand up for what they believe in—especially right now?
Raquel: I truly believe that the personal is political—now more than ever. People often think of their lives as separate from politics, especially in more affluent communities, but ultimately, we are all subject to the whims of our government.
I’m very vocal online about my political beliefs because they reflect the life I’ve lived and the lives of those around me. My story exists at a series of unique intersections: I’m a Black woman with a mixed daughter, raised by a Jamaican immigrant mother and a Panamanian father. I went to private schools, work in tech, and live in a very liberal community.
I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams—and I’m also a real American, despite what the current political climate might suggest. I believe it’s important to show up with all facets of myself, and that as a citizen of the world, I—and anyone else who doesn’t fit the “typical American” mold—deserve to have our needs represented and addressed. All of these experiences shape how I see the world, and I’m unapologetic in my beliefs.
"I’m a Black woman with a mixed daughter, raised by a Jamaican immigrant mother and a Panamanian father… I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams—and I’m also a real American, despite what the current political climate might suggest.”
LBC: Just for fun: What’s your go-to comfort show, podcast, or playlist while working? Or: Who’s your dream celebrity customer?
Raquel: My mom always jokes that I’m the world’s youngest Golden Girls fan and it might be true. I’ve seen every episode so many times and I fall asleep to it every night. In my head I’m a Blanche but realistically I’m probably more of a Dorothy.
LBC: Fill in the blank: Being a small business owner is _ _ _ but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Raquel: Being a small business owner is exhausting but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
From classic glam to playful prints, Spicy Bite Nails brings high-quality, hand-painted press-ons to your fingertips—literally. Each set is fully customizable, made with love, and unapologetically inclusive.
✨ Ready to treat your nails to something gorgeous and values-driven? See Spicy Bite Nails on Little Blue Cart to learn more and shop Spicy Bite Nails and support a small business built on beauty, representation, and bold self-expression.
