About Virginia Nail School
Virginia Nail School was founded with the mission of elevating the nail industry by increasing the number of licensed Nail Technicians in the profession, thereby strengthening the respect and credibility of our trade. Licensed Nail Technicians are recognized for their ability to provide safe, sanitary, and professional services to the public. Holding a valid license opens doors to long-term career opportunities as skills and knowledge continue to develop.
We are a small, private school with decades of experience successfully guiding students to licensure in Virginia. Supporting our graduates through the licensing process—and staying in touch beyond graduation—is a core priority of our institution.
To ensure individualized instruction and meaningful hands-on training, we intentionally maintain small class sizes. For 2026, enrollment will be limited to 2–4 students per class date. Our graduates consistently cite personalized attention as a defining strength of Virginia Nail School, and we are committed to preserving that standard. This approach ensures students are fully prepared to pass state examinations and obtain licensure—not simply accumulate clock hours or receive a non-licensure certificate.
With our expanded hands-on training hours, humble students benefit directly from instruction led by a Nail Technician with over 30 years of versatile, non-stop nail industry experience, equipping graduates with the confidence, competence, and understanding of creating long term durable nails needed to excel in the field.
We strongly believe that students who are the right fit for Virginia Nail School will find their way here. We do not pressure individuals to enroll; all enrollment inquiries are answered transparently and honestly, whether the student ultimately chooses our school or another educational pathway.
Vivian Harris
Director & Lead Instructor
State Licensed since 1995
Ms. Vivian is a Virginia State Licensed Nail Technician & Cosmetology Instructor with a chemical engineering education. While in college she started a nail career in Richmond at James' Nail Salon & Supply. She started teaching in 1994 to open a school with that business. She has been working non-stop in the nail industry for over 30 years performing over 100,000 nail services. She has worked in low end walk-in discount salons to high end 5 star resort spas (including owning hair/nail salons and an upscale full service day spa).
Ms. Vivian has the experience to answer ALL of your nail career, FDA approved nail products and nail service questions!
Ms. Vivian teaches nail service skills at Virginia Nail School. Her main job is an expert witness. Her other careers are:
- paid expert witness offering depositions & investigation assistance to help lawyers with lawsuits against salons and nail technicians/manicurists across the East Coast of the United States (the sad situations in courtrooms is what gives her the passion to teach to licensure)
- part time paid nail services to her regular clients (most with NDAs)
- volunteer worldwide for competition judging for nail events including Skills USA
- paid consultation to professional nail product manufacturers R&D Departments
- paid nail curriculum development or revisions to vocational beauty schools and state schools across the United States. This includes regular volunteer consulting to the Virginia Department Of Education to make the current improvements to the State's Nail Technician curriculum (used in public schools across Virginia offering a Nail Technician program)
- paid consultation services to salon business owners or resort spas for design and layout improvements plus increase profitability advice with help in understanding nail service equipment/options or training in all nail service types
O'nae
Assistant Instructor & Chief Office Manager
O'nae contributes to the instructional team. She is a Virginia State-licensed Master Barber, Nail Technician and Instructor with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science concentration) and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from James Madison University. In addition to her work at our school, she serves as an Occupational Therapist in an outpatient pediatric clinic, bringing strong documentation, and instructional skills. Her combined expertise in education, human performance, and clinical practice supports both the school's academic programs and its operational excellence.
- assists with curriculum and lesson plan data
- part time general science instructor
- organization of secure record keeping
- maintenance of textbook & nail supply inventory
Emma
COM Assistant
Emma serves as a key administrative assistant, providing efficient, patient and discreet support. She is highly skilled in proofreading and reviewing assessment materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and alignment with established standards. Emma works closely with leadership to support effective curriculum organization and implementation.
- data entry and organization of tests
Pharaoh
Chief Marketing Officer
Pharaoh serves as the Chief Marketing Officer, where he oversees the school's overall marketing direction, ensuring that all digital and brand initiatives, support the school's growth and visibility. He brings strong creative and strategic expertise from his role as CEO of Ledition Media in Richmond, Virginia, allowing the school to maintain a polished and modern public presence. His leadership strengthens the school's outreach efforts, enhances communication with prospective students, and supports the development of new digital projects.
- development of marketing strategies
- student data and website security
- marketing campaign management
- implementation of IT security tools
- manages our website platform & CRM
- working on our upcoming digital content
Prophett
Chief Financial Officer
Prophett provides financial oversight and strategic guidance to support the school's stability and growth. With a Bachelor's in Dietetics and a Master's degree in Applied Nutrition from James Madison University, he brings strong analytical skills to his role. He also works as a Licensed Registered Dietitian at the University of Virginia Hospital, applying the same precision and attention to detail that support his financial leadership at our school.
- maintenance of budgets and growth goals
- monitors financial plans, improvements & risks
- in charge of financial reporting and obligations
- records and reports of payments for bookeeping
Contact us
Telephone: (434) 305-9799 text 24/7
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E-mail: sales@vanailschool.com
Address: 12 Centre Court, Palmyra VA 22963