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Building Something Entirely Her Own - An Interview with Melanie '26
Through “GelbyMel,” Melanie explored creativity, entrepreneurship, confidence, and the power of self-expression.
Spring 2026
Q: Can you explain your Senior Project in simple terms for someone unfamiliar with it?
My project focused on building and growing my nail design business, “GelbyMel.” I wanted to explore both the creative side and the business side of turning something I genuinely love into something real.
Q: What first drew you toward nail design?
I think it started as a creative outlet. I really enjoyed the artistic side of it and how customizable and personal it could be. Over time, it became something I wanted to take more seriously. I realized I loved not only the design aspect, but also the confidence and self-expression connected to it.
Q: At what point did it stop feeling like just a hobby and start feeling like a real business?
Probably when I started working with actual clients consistently and realizing people were trusting me with something important to them.
That changed the way I approached everything. I started thinking much more seriously about communication, scheduling, professionalism, pricing, and creating an experience for people.
Q: What surprised you most about building a business?
Honestly, probably how much of it involves communication and people skills. The nail art itself is important, but so much of it is also about making people feel comfortable, listened to, and confident.
Q: What did the project teach you about confidence?
I think it taught me to trust my own abilities more. When you’re creating something for someone else, there’s definitely vulnerability involved because your work is very visible and personal. Over time I became much more confident in my creativity and decision-making.
Q: Midland students often create projects that feel deeply personal and hands-on. Does that resonate with your experience?
Definitely. I think Midland really encourages students to pursue things they genuinely care about and to take ownership over their learning. My project felt very independent and self-driven, which made it feel meaningful.
Q: How did Midland make a project like this possible?
I think Midland gives students a lot of freedom and trust. People here really encourage creativity and experimentation, even when projects are unconventional. I never felt like I had to fit my project into one narrow definition of what learning “should” look like.
Q: Did the experience change the way you think about entrepreneurship?
Yeah, definitely. I realized entrepreneurship is a lot more problem-solving than people think. Things don’t always go perfectly, and you constantly have to adapt, communicate, and figure things out as you go.
Q: What parts of Midland culture feel connected to your project?
I think Midland really values individuality and self-expression. People here are encouraged to explore who they are and what they care about. That environment made it feel safe to build something personal and creative.
Q: What do you hope people feel when they experience your work?
I hope they feel more confident and more themselves. I think beauty and creativity can actually be really empowering.
Q: What would you say to a younger student who has a creative idea but feels intimidated to pursue it?
Just start. I think a lot of people wait until they feel completely ready, but honestly you learn the most by trying things and figuring them out along the way.
Q: What do you think Midland teaches students beyond academics?
I think Midland teaches students how to trust themselves more. You learn how to take initiative, solve problems independently, and turn ideas into something real.
Written by Jasmine Fullman, Admissions Associate
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