By Latina Bohemian
According to data from the US Census Bureau, Latino- and Latina-owned businesses are a force to be reckoned with in the United States. The vast majority are not only small business owners, but also young, and start more businesses per capita than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. They represent the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. business ecosystem, growing revenues and creating jobs for all Americans.
But when it comes to funding opportunities and the access to get a small business off the ground, Latinos and Latinas are being left behind. Only 0.1% of VC funding went towards Black and Latina women founders, meaning that Latina women founders received under a tenth of a percent of VC funding.
Clearly, the U.S. economy cannot survive without the innovation and entrepreneurship of the Latino population, and there has to be significant change in the funding ecosystem for the rate of growth to continue. On an individual level, business owners themselves understand the role they play in providing avenues for entry into the business world, and the visibility they create by showing other entrepreneurs their own success.
One such successful entrepreneur is Boston-based Nayline Carrion who owns a successful nail salon, and is on a mission to ensure other women have the capacity and opportunity to pursue their own business dreams.
Nayline was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Massachusetts. She combines creativity and a business-savvy approach to create unique, thriving brands. Her incredible passion for branding and marketing has fueled the growth of her ventures. Her latest project, Naior B Nail Studio, is a boutique salon in the heart of Boston, specializing in cutting-edge nail trends and upscale techniques.
Her mission is to raise awareness about women-owned businesses, especially the importance of full ownership and self-investment. She seeks to motivate them to consider the idea of being an entrepreneur and step into leadership without fear. Having been exposed to the concept of being your own boss during her younger years created a desire for her to build something. According to Nayline, “Even if there’s a lack of knowledge, start with what you have.”
She says, “You succeed faster when you allow others to take over tasks that you don’t specialize in; outsourcing and delegating are a key ingredient to the recipe.” When you start to believe in yourself, great ideas arise.
Below she shared more about her entrepreneurial journey, her businesses, and the advice she has for other aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Latina Bohemian: You moved to Greater Boston back in 2009 to further your education. Did you ever dream of being a business owner in your childhood?
Nayline Carrion: I lived in Springfield, MA, which was not a small town but not as populated as Boston. I always dreamt of owning my own business. Since I was a young girl, I was bossy, self-assured, and always wanted to manage and lead something. I was a born leader, and whether it was a game, a group project, or a task (laughs), my mother would always tell me I reminded her of my father, who was an entrepreneur himself in the bakery industry. He was the first person I was exposed to as a businessman firsthand.
LB: Why is ownership significant for women in today’s modern age? And how do you want to influence them to be self-employed?
NC: Ownership is powerful for women today because it represents freedom: freedom to lead, to create, to build wealth, and to design a life on our own terms. In a world that hasn’t always made space for us, owning something, whether it’s a business, an idea, or a seat at the table, shifts the narrative. For me, it’s important to not only lead by example but to also create opportunities and share knowledge.
I want to educate women on how to be self-employed by teaching them the business side of creativity, the importance of branding, discipline, and knowing their worth. It’s not just about having a hustle; it’s about building something sustainable and encouraging the next woman to do the same.
“Entrepreneurship is what gave me freedom. I work more hours, but I don’t feel it because I really love what I do.”
Nayline Carrion
LB: You are an entrepreneur managing multiple businesses. What aspect has been the most meaningful?
NC: The most meaningful part has been the ability to create something from nothing, turning a vision into a reality that not only sustains itself but also impacts others. Creating jobs, creating a close and supportive community, and the network you build. Those are the things that make the journey exceptional and irreplaceable.
LB: Your newest project, Naior B has a striking meaning, beautiful design, and purpose. Could you share with us how it came alive?
NC: Naior B came to life from a deep love for beauty, creativity, and confidence. It was a visit I made to London that truly sparked the vision. I was inspired by how eye-catching, detail-oriented, and artistic their nail culture was. I knew I wanted to bring that level of precision and design to Boston.
From the all-pink aesthetic to services like European manicures and curated nail art, my nail salon has become a space where trends meet technique, and every detail reflects intention, culture, and poise.
You can follow both Nayline Carrion and Naior B Nail Studio on Instagram. Follow Latina Bohemian to see more of her writing.
