I’m a walking enigma. I fully acknowledge this. For the past decade, I’ve had a successful career in the shopping center industry. I’ve grown from a bright-eyed college intern into a seasoned retail/real estate professional adept in both management and marketing, yet I simply can’t settle into corporate America.

My name is Makeda Moore. I’m the mother of two boys, an 8-year old and a 10-month old. I am currently studying to earn a license in nail technology. I manage a well-known, mixed-use property in downtown Chicago, and I have been dreaming of owning a nail salon since before my first-born was doing summersaults in my tummy. The salon's name -- and, by the way, the salon is a "she" in my head (I have two boys, remember?) -- is Posh’aah Nail Spa. She is a comfy-chic nail spa in the West Loop of downtown Chicago that will cater to budget-conscious fashionistas. I created the name by blending the main attributes of Posh’aah: fashion, fun, and relaxation. My aunt, a former cosmetologist, will join me to run the nail spa (Thank goodness! I can't imagine going this journey alone). We are preparing for the launch of our ecommerce site this fall/ early winter 2011, which will serve as the online retail division of the new nail spa. The e-store will later introduce the launch of Posh'aah Nail Spa in March 2012.

I had given up on the nail spa dream until recently when the desire to become an owner resurfaced. I've been taking online courses at The Academy of Nail Design, studying my Milady Nail Technology textbook, looking at space with my broker, adding finishing touches to the business plan and marketing plan, and I officially gave my employer notice that I will leave the company at the end of this year.

When I told my boss of my plan to resign, he couldn’t understand why I would walk away from a top position at a shopping mall to open a nail salon. “You want to open a nail salon,” he asked as a perplexed expression etched itself into wrinkles on his forehead. “Why?”

I answered simply, “I’ve been dreaming and planning this for the past 10 years. It’s time.”

As I stand here at the cusp of my career, my heart smiles because nothing makes me happier than a couple coats of polish and a glossy top coat. It may not mean much to many, but it means the world to me. I hope you’ll join me on this journey. And please know that I welcome pearls of wisdom with open, and well-manicured, hands.

--Makeda, Posh'aah Nail Spa, Chicago