I’m beyond excited to finally share something I’ve been quietly working on for almost nine months – the Nails by Sparrow website!
How It All Started
Early in 2025, I made a commitment to help a friend who was struggling to organize her bookings as a nail tech. I wanted it to be a surprise, so I didn’t tell her right away. To be honest, I knew I’d get stuck somewhere along the way, but I thought, let’s just start, we’ll figure it out when we get there.
Back in 2024, I joined Kwathu Kollective (Ntha Foundation) as an intern as part of my bachelor’s program. That’s where I fell in love with WordPress. Honestly, I admire all the developers out there, but I’m a systems person – I love using smart (content management) systems that make life easier.
The First Big Challenge
Fast forward to starting this project: I hit my first big obstacle – integrating payments. I was stuck for weeks and eventually had to tell my friend that I wanted to help but couldn’t get past that part. To make matters worse, a popular nail tech in the area launched a fully functioning website almost immediately. I was crushed. I completely shut down the project and almost gave up.
Finding the Solution
It wasn’t until later that year (2025), after landing a job at a company that specialized in online payments, PayChangu that everything clicked. I finally understood how the payment system worked and gained the confidence to restart the project. I pushed forward but soon got stuck again – this time with intergrating the payment with the booking form. Weeks went by. Then, I swallowed my pride and asked my boss, the CTO, for help. Within a couple of hours, the problem was solved.
Now, the website is live and looks amazing! I’ve cleaned up all the items and organized everything. A few minor tweaks remain, but I couldn’t be prouder.
Key Lessons from My Journey
Here are the key lessons I want you to take from my journey:
- Merge your skills: I combined what I’d learned from my old and new workplaces to create something meaningful.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: It was intimidating to ask my boss, but an issue that bothered me for nine months was resolved in under three hours.
- Persistence pays off: Giving up might feel like an option, but pushing through is where growth happens. I wanted to finish this project so badly, and now I can finally say I did.
A Fun Side Note
My friend’s project was completed by an incredible one of the developers from my workplace. She’s actually my friend too and runs Cine Web Designs, and her work is top-notch. Check out her work here!
So yes, Nails by Sparrow is officially live – and if you’ve been waiting to book an appointment, now is the time! Go ahead, book your slot, and experience the magic firsthand.
See the Results:
My Version of Nails by Sparrow – The project I’ve been working on for months
The Live Nails by Sparrow Website – Francine’s polished, fully functional site.