Owner & Instructor
Duriya Caldwell brings her experience and love for the nail industry to others as the owner and instructor of The Black Pearl Nail Academy (TBPNAcademy), the first and only full service specialty manicuring school in Tennessee.
Also known as The EarthlyGoddess, Duriya has over 30 years experience as a manicurist with licensure for over 20 years. Not only does Duriya have a passion for the art of manicuring and the nail industry, but business as well. Holding true to training future professional business owners, she holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in Business Management and also serves as an active licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT).
Duriya utilizes her extra skills to fuel her passion for the nail industry and to work hard to build #Nailationships and provide excellent services to her own clients while educating them and the public about TRUE healthy nail care. Duriya felt that it was only befitting that she open TBPNAcademy so that she could offer her talent and knowledge to those desiring to progress their interests and skills in manicuring.
“Excellence Without Exception” is not only TBPNAcademy slogan, but it is the only way that Duriya knows how to provide education and services to Memphis, the tri-state area and the Whitehaven community.
Intake Coordinator
Ms. Dallyssia Cooper serves as our Student Intake Coordinator, assisting potential and new students with all enrollment related needs. Born and raised in the heart of Memphis, TN, Ms. Cooper is a graduate of Hamilton High School and THE Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She is a Licensed Aesthetician that gained her licensure from the specialty aesthetics school "The Ivy School."
Ms. Cooper wears many hats at TBPNAcademy and works hard to advocate for the growth of the students. She enjoys working for TBPNAcademy and believes in our mission to not only teach professional skills, but to also inspire the next generation of Nail Technicians to completely pursue their place in this growing craft. Ms. Cooper believes that it is rewarding to meet future nail technicians at the beginning of their journey and watch them leave the program to become licensed, professional entrepreneurs.
Ms. Cooper wears many hats at TBPNAcademy and works hard to advocate for the growth of the students. She enjoys working for TBPNAcademy and believes in our mission to not only teach professional skills, but to also inspire the next generation of Nail Technicians to completely pursue their place in this growing craft. Ms. Cooper believes that it is rewarding to meet future nail technicians at the beginning of their journey and watch them leave the program to become licensed, professional entrepreneurs.
Meet Ms. Arelia Thierry known as "Areal-Experience ".
Arelia is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) in Business Management.
She works diligently as the Administrative Assistant to Ms. Cooper and is a licensed manicurist and press-on nails creator. As a former Black Pearl Nail Academy student, Arelia is aware of the challenges and concerns that students will face. Arelia is passionate about the craft and looks forward to working with future students as they embark on their journey to becoming licensed.
Instructors
Meet Ms. Margie Flowers-Young. A dedicated Cosmetology Instructor of 39 years, Ms. Young began her career at "Stage 1, The Hair School" and spent the majority of her career within the Memphis City Schools and Shelby County School systems. She has enjoyed teaching teenagers whom have now become successful and creative hair stylists, manicurists, salon owners and instructors.
Ms. Young has decided to suppress her retirement from Shelby County Schools to provide instruction for our students. She is a wealth of information and industry knowledge and a joy to work with.
Meet Ms. Jacie Currington.
She is currently the night class student instructor at The Black Pearl Nail Academy. Jacie became a licensed cosmetologist in 2012 and has practiced nail technology throughout her career. She is the co-owner of Pretti Nails, a successful nail salon located in the heart of downtown Memphis.
Jacie embodies the mission of TBPNA with her dedication to teaching future Manicurists to be fully equipped with the skills they need to be successful in starting their nail journey.