Sampson Community College student becomes small business owner

By Staff Report, posted Apr 15, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Photo provided by Brooke Bass Photography / Sampson Community College

Daniela Urbina is a 2025 graduate of Sampson Community College’s (SCC) Manicuring Nail Technology certificate program who currently owns and operates her own nail salon, “Danny Does Nails.” Beginning as a Career & College Promise (CCP) student, Urbina became a fully licensed manicurist just two months after graduating high school.

Urbina first began at SCC in 2023 as part of the CCP program. A year after enrolling in the Manicuring Nail Technology program as a CCP student, Urbina earned her 300-hr certification from SCC and passed her State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. She soon opened her own local salon, “Danny Does Nails,” where she now specializes in acrylic, polygel, gelx and builder gel— thanks to the education she received at SCC.

“After receiving my nail technician license, I decided I wanted to take a leap of faith and invested in my own space to do my work. I have a mini salon where I do manicures and pedicures. SCC has helped me operate and own my business because I was able to learn all the state requirements and safety regulations to maintain the most sanitary and safe space for my clients,” Urbina remarked in a press release.

In addition to operating her nail salon, Urbina recently re-enrolled at SCC to pursue her CNA license through the Nurse Aide I course. Now serving as a CNA in a local nursing home facility, in the future, she hopes to study medical sonography while continuing her nail business on the side.

Looking back, Urbina stated that she would highly recommend the manicuring program to other students, including high schoolers, looking to pursue a career or start their own business.

“Anyone wanting to start their own small business, take that jump of faith with the classes here at SCC! I’m super thankful for my mom who pushed me to keep trying. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if she didn’t push me. There are so many different routes you can go that will benefit you for life. I met amazing girls, including my best friend Isabel Hepworth, who also received her license with me. Attending SCC is 100% worth it,” shared Urbina in a press release.

For more information about Manicuring Nail Technology or the Career & College Promise (CCP) program, visit sampsoncc.edu/manicurist-technology/ or www.sampsoncc.edu/ccp

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