For Women’s History Month 2023, The Shade Room’s “She’s A Trailblazer” series celebrates women who have shattered glass ceilings and made groundbreaking contributions to creative lanes across social media. Join us to celebrate these inspiring trailblazers who empower future generations.
When you book licensed nail tech Temeka Jackson, expect all the bells and whistles. She thinks of everything–the beforehand client research, tailored mood boards, floor tarps, lights, shoe covers, and her nail table. Temeka, owner of Custom T Nails, even brings a mini vacuum so no clippings or dust lingers behind her fresh sets.
Her professionalism and ability to stay ten steps ahead of beauty trends keep her referral status hot. It’s why entertainment industry talents like Saweetie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Quinta Brunson, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and Ariana DeBose trust Temeka with their visions, red carpet walks, magazine shoots, and live television appearances.
“It is next-level when you’re calling Temeka. I think of every single thing…what I spend on just my set-up, you are definitely paying the prices for Temeka to come out.”
For Custom T’s services, “please have your pocketbook together,” the manicurist tells The Shade Room’s Editor, Cassandra Santiago, during an off-camera interview. We bust out laughing when I ask about her price ranges.
Temeka is vague, almost protective of what over 15 years of experience has allowed her to charge her primarily celebrity clientele. Between laughs, she refers to a recent text from Saweetie saying, “custom ain’t cheap.” Still, she shares a lil’ bit. House calls should start at $500–and she’s previously worked on projects with a $10,000+ budget.
