Alumni Spotlight: How Jordan Decker Turned a Love for Beauty into Owning Her Own Nail Business

For many students, the decision to pursue a career in beauty starts with a feeling: a spark of creativity, a love for self-expression, or a desire to help others feel confident. For Raphael’s School of Beauty alumna Jordan Decker, that spark was there from the very beginning.

“I have always loved beauty ever since I was a kid,” Jordan shares. “It has been something I’ve taught myself at home for years.”

Like many creative-minded students, Jordan knew early on that a traditional college path wasn’t the right fit. “I was unsure of what major I wanted to pursue, but I did know I wanted to turn my passion into a career,” she explains. “That’s why I chose Raphael’s School of Beauty—to build on what I already loved and gain the professional training and skills to succeed in the beauty industry.”

Jordan graduated from Raphael’s in 2022 from the Advanced Cosmetology program and is now thriving as the owner of Blue J Nails in Youngstown, Ohio, a modern nail salon known for detailed nail art and elevated client experiences. Her journey from student to working professional is a powerful example of how passion, training, and community come together at Raphael’s.

Connection and Friendship in Beauty School

At Raphael’s, Jordan found more than technical education—she also found connection. One of the things Raphael’s alumni consistently highlight is the strong sense of community, and Jordan’s experience reflects that deeply. “Raphael’s School of Beauty gave me lifelong friendships that extended beyond the classroom,” she says. “The bonds I built with classmates and the constant support from my instructors truly changed my life.”

Those relationships played a key role in helping Jordan grow not only as a cosmetologist, but as a person. “They helped me not only with school but also with personal challenges, and I’ll always be grateful,” she adds.

It’s this combination of hands-on learning, mentorship, and genuine care that sets the Raphael’s experience apart.

What She Remembers About Her First Day in Beauty School

When asked about her favorite memory at school, Jordan doesn’t hesitate. “My favorite memory at Raphael’s will always be my very first day,” she says. “I met so many amazing new friends. I instantly connected with a few girls and built close friendships that made my time there so special.”

Starting cosmetology school can feel intimidating, but for Jordan, that first day set the tone for everything that followed. “Starting a new chapter can be scary, but I felt so welcomed and excited to be part of Raphael’s from the very beginning.”

Career Promises Fulfilled

Today, Jordan brings that same enthusiasm and dedication into her career at Blue J Nails. Working in a professional salon environment allows her to continue refining her skills, expressing her creativity, and building meaningful relationships with clients, just as she once did with classmates and instructors at Raphael’s.

Blue J Nails is thriving and making its name as a top-notch nail salon in the community. Jordan offers clients everything from gel and acrylic nails to custom nail art with intricate, hand-painted designs. A client raves: “Blue J Nails is hands-down my favorite nail spot!” More than one happy client has admired how Jordan is able to take an inspo photo and execute on the idea perfectly for them.

Inspiration for Aspiring Beauty Pros

Jordan’s story is a reminder that success in the beauty industry isn’t just about talent; it’s about finding the right place to grow. With a strong foundation, supportive educators, and a community that feels like family, Raphael’s School of Beauty helped Jordan turn a lifelong passion into a fulfilling career.

For prospective students who know they want more than a traditional path—and who are ready to invest in their creativity—Jordan Decker’s journey shows what’s possible when passion meets purpose at Raphael’s.

Connect with Jordan’s work on Instagram: @bluejnails