The business of beauty: GW students turn cosmetic hobbies into profits

August 31, 2026 - 08:35

In a city where a single lash fill or gel manicure can easily cost over one hundred dollars, a growing number of George Washington University students are skipping the high-end salons and booking appointments with their peers instead. What started as a personal interest in skincare, nails, or makeup has quietly transformed into a profitable side economy on campus.

Take, for example, a junior who began offering press-on nail sets from her dorm room last fall. What began as a favor for a roommate quickly spread through group chats and Instagram stories. Within two months, she had a waitlist of twenty clients and a small inventory of custom charms and polishes. She now books weekend slots between study sessions, charging a fraction of what Foggy Bottom salons demand.

Others are following a similar path. A sophomore with a certification in brow lamination now takes appointments in a study lounge after hours, while a senior known for her contouring skills has built a regular clientele for formal events and interviews. The common thread is not just the extra cash, but the flexibility. Students control their own schedules, set their own prices, and avoid the overhead of renting a chair.

University officials have taken notice, though they stop short of endorsing unlicensed services. The student health center has posted reminders about sanitation and allergy risks, and some resident advisors have asked students to keep chemical treatments out of shared bathrooms. Still, the demand remains strong. For many GW students, the appeal is obvious: a personalized service, a lower price, and the chance to support a classmate's hustle all in one appointment.