By Eddie Mugulusi
Let me tell you a story.
It’s about nails. Slay queens. Acacia Avenue. And one bold business owner who decided that growth needed guts — not just glitter.
From Entebbe Road to Acacia Avenue
A client of mine runs a stunning nail salon in Kampala.
And when I say stunning — I mean it.
Ambience? On point.
Designs? Art.
Location? Acacia Avenue. Right at The Cube.
Now here’s what’s fascinating…
This wasn’t always the case.
Rewind a couple of years, and he was operating along Entebbe Road.
Modest salon. Good work. Loyal clients.
But one big issue: his customers couldn’t afford to grow with him.
The Slay Queen Economy
As he told it, his main clientele were slay queens.
They looked like money.
Walked like money.
Took Instagram pictures like money.
But when it came to nails?
They wanted a 30k service — with 90k expectations.
They’d show up, complain about prices, delay payment, and sometimes ghost him after booking.
They weren’t bad people.
They just weren’t the right market — not for the business he wanted to build.
And that’s when he realized something most business owners never admit:
He had outgrown his customer base.
The Bold Move
So what did he do?
He moved.
Upgraded his space.
Rebranded.
Left Entebbe Road behind — and set up shop in the heart of Kampala’s premium zone.
Acacia Avenue. The Cube. Rent? Doubled. Pressure? Tripled.
But so did the transformation.
He invested in ambience.
He brought in talented new technicians.
He raised his prices.
And guess what?
The slay queens came looking for him.
They were impressed.
They sat down, took in the luxury…
Then they saw the prices — and politely disappeared.
He Had to Rebuild From Scratch
The ones who couldn’t afford him quietly bowed out.
But the right ones?
Working professionals. High-value clients. Women who knew what they wanted — and could pay for it?
They came. They loved it. They stayed.
And gradually, he built a new customer base — one that matched the level of business he wanted to run.
Today, he’s not just doing nails.
He’s running a premium experience.
And here’s what you need to understand…
You Can’t Build a Premium Business on a Budget Market
Let me say it plain:
Sometimes your business can’t grow — not because of what you’re doing wrong… but because of who you’re doing it for.
You can’t raise prices in a market that’s allergic to money.
You can’t offer excellence to people who only want convenience.
You can’t create luxury for customers who just want cheap.
At some point, you must decide:
Do I stay comfortable and underpaid —
or do I make a bold move and build the business I actually want?
What Growth Might Require From You
• New customers
Your old ones may love you — but that doesn’t mean they can afford the next version of you.
• Better branding
People pay for perception. If your business still looks basic, don’t expect premium prices.
• A scary leap
Whether it’s new rent, better staff, or higher quality tools — the upgrade comes before the reward.
• Letting go
You can’t take everyone with you. Some customers, staff, and habits must be left behind.
Let’s Land This Plane
Growth rarely feels safe.
But staying small often costs more in the long run — in stress, in income, in potential.
So here’s the brutal truth:
You won’t build a next-level business by staying at entry-level settings.
Sometimes you need to change your address, your audience, your aesthetic — and yes, your prices.
It’s scary.
It’s bold.
But if done right?
It’s worth it.
So take a good look at your business today…
Maybe the problem isn’t what you’re offering.
Maybe it’s who you’re offering it to.
Unlock your true potential 