Storefront Stories: Nantucket Island Creations - 

Celebrating Black History Month Spotlights

In honor of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting #ACKChamber Black-Owned Businesses! We asked Romania Hunter from Hand in Home Mobile Spa a few questions, here are her answers!

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: I started doing nails when I was 14 years old growing up in Jamaica for fun because I was fascinated by nail designs. In an attempt to pay for college in 2012 I worked at salons and private membership clubs on Nantucket while doing house calls and babysitting. It was in my final year of college in 2015, that I decided to start an agency that offers luxury at-home nails and babysitting services. In 2016 Hand In Home LLC. was formed and registered in 2017. 

Q: How would you describe your business or services?

A: I provide a premier luxury at-home spa service to people that are willing to pay for quality and convenience. My services are therapy to some while a necessity to happiness for others. 

Q: As a black person entering the industry, how were you received as you were starting your business vs your treatment now?

A: I started out with personal referrals until I grew then I started to advertise. I didn’t have any issues. I was really scared to start because I thought no one would understand my concept. Surprisingly everyone thought it was brilliant. The problem I faced was setting my prices, because I thought they were too high. It was my customers that ultimately validated my prices and reassured me I was worth every penny and more. The hardest part was asking for what I deserved in the beginning. 

Q: To what do you attribute your success? 

A: Myself…lol…is that a trick question? I am a very hard worker, committed and a kind individual who has met incredible women who cheer me on, refer me, promote me and support me effortlessly.

Q: Who is the most influential black person throughout history in your life and why?

A: I wouldn’t say just one individual, I have been influenced by numerous black women throughout my life, from my grandmother, my aunties, teachers, social media influencers, and multi-millionaire podcasters whom I have never met but have introduced me to therapy, business and so much more. Black women are very much undervalued and underlooked but we are such nurturing, warm, resilient, and brilliant creatures. Let me just put that out there for “US” to hear.

Q: Why do you think it's important to support other black-owned businesses?

A: Black women are the cornerstones and pillars of society, we do 2-3 jobs and most times jobs that men were made for. WE take care of the babies and we take care of your houses and your parents when they get old. Supporting a black-owned business is essential because a lot of us women and black women are scared of the unknown. I remember the excitement I used to hear in my client’s voice when I spoke about starting my business endeavors and it pushed me. I dreamt about what it would be like, now I’m living my dreams. We all need support, and words of advice. I would love that for my people and for women of every race and creed. 

Q: Any tips or advice for young black people interested in starting their own business?

A: There are lots of resources out there, make youtube your best friend and stop waiting for signs. Do your research, set a start date, the biggest advice MUST come from yourself and stop asking people who are too lazy to leave their couch for business advice, they cannot give you the validation you are looking for. Ask God for strength but stop asking him for miracles. You are the Miracle. Go get it, Sis. I’m cheering you on. 

Storefront Stories is presented by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. In an effort to highlight the diversity in our community and promote equity and inclusion, we are spotlighting BIPOC businesses. Each story features a local entrepreneur and details their journey to success and advice for rising entrepreneurs. 

Romania Hunter holds a BS in Business Management with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In addition, Romania has been a certified nail technician for the past ten years where she has consistently delivered superior nail care services to residents in Nantucket (MA) and Palm Beach (FL). This year she might be in the Hamptons. She has worked at prestigious membership clubs and salons on Nantucket like Darya's Salon and The Great Harbor Yacht Club. In 2017, she furthered her education in the beauty industry and became a licensed esthetician. 

In her spare time, Romania enjoys canoeing, swimming, hiking, dancing, listening to pop music, and playing with her energetic 5-year old son.