Teens of Bay Area

Devin Regan, a senior at Archbishop Mitty High School, has worked to build a unique balance between her artistic impression and entrepreneurship through her work in dance and her self-made nail business. Even from a young age, she was always surrounded by movement and creativity, naturally shaping the path she follows today. 

Devin’s introduction to dance started early. Initially influenced by her mom and her involvement in gymnastics, what started as recreational classes quickly evolved into something more serious as she joined a studio and participated in competition. Over the years, dance became more than just an activity; instead, it became a passion and a creative outlet. “As soon as I started dancing, I knew that was what I wanted to do my whole life. I wake up, and I want to dance. It’s my life, my pride and joy.”

As her dance journey continued, Devin found herself not only drawn to performing but also to teaching and choreographing. Her approaches to choreography emphasize musicality, focusing on hitting intricate beats and building movement that reflects the feelings of the song. Teaching, in particular, has become one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey as she enjoys seeing others find confidence and joy through movement. She said, “I love teaching because I feel the joy from the people who are in the room with me. I love that my class can remind people why they want to dance.”

During the pandemic, Devin discovered a second creative outlet: doing nails. Starting with her own sets and learning through trial and error, she started to build her small business as friends started to be her first clients. Her artistic eye quickly allowed her to create her own designs, catering them to her clients’ preferences. 

Through both balancing teaching and running a business, Devin has strengthened her confidence and leadership by embracing her role as someone who guides and inspires others. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue dance professionally while continuing her nail business as a creative side hustle.

Her advice to others is simple: start with what you have and be resourceful. She said, “My advice to anyone who wants to turn a passion into a business is to be scrappy, just take advantage of all the resources around you and use everything you have.”

Photos provided by Devin Regan

Connect with her on Instagram @devinreg and @nailz_by_dev_