Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - May 2025

M AY 2 0 2 5 | A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S 11 I n 1949, Mental Health America launched what would become Mental Health Awareness Month, leading the effort every May to promote mental wellness. One local entrepreneur is doing the same, one manicure at a time. Take one part business venture, another part personal healing, add a helping of mindfulness, and you get what Nina Massinello is not only selling but also living. A mental health advocate and beauty enthusiast, Nina launched The Mani Co. three years ago, delivering a message as clear as the ethyl acetate making your nails look shiny and new. As her marketing mantra states, if you think all she’s doing is selling nail polish, you’re not paying attention. Driven by the loss of her father, Nina embarked on a quest of self-discovery and healing. “The tragedy my family experienced sparked an awareness of mental well- being for all of us,” recallsNina. “Through meditation, yoga, and reading, my awareness of proper mental health just blossomed. Then, my perspective shifted from not only caring for myself but also helping others.” That perspective put Nina on a path that has connected past and present. Gravitating toward vibrant colors herself, she’s paired the frequency of applying nail polish and lip oils with meaningful affirmations that serve as real reminders, such as I Am Resilience, I Am Serenity , and more. Consider, for example, that the word depression is an anagram for the affirmation I Pressed On . These beautifying activities, already a form of self-care, now bring the additional components of personal reinforcement and a positive mindset. Nina sees these rituals not merely as routines but rather as a bridge for mental and emotional empowerment or even a vehicle for inner transformation, a process where beauty meets brains and well-being. “Daily affirmations were lifting me in a profound way that I had to share my experience. Since we have emotional associations with colors, I’ve connected specific hues with affirming positivity, which, with continued practice, helps manifest a healthier self-image.” Not feeding into the potential chaos of typical marketing hooks, Nina can be found every Saturday at the West Palm Beach Green Market. There, you’ll find her radiating positive vibes from her creatively branded tent, invitingmarketgoers to join her in a mission that impacts well-being through mental health. “I had a woman in the midst of a divorce return to me in tears weeks after purchasing our affirmation I AmWorthy ,” shares Nina. “Focusing on these words as she did her nails gave her great strength, reminding her of who she is, which alone fulfilled my mission that day.” While Nina continues to build her brand, the weekly market has also been a form of therapy for her and her mother, Elizabeth, who has been impressed with her daughter’s business acumen and resourcefulness to fund The Mani Co. entirely on her own. Nina’s entrepreneurial, adventurous spirit is nothing new. Fifteen-year-old Nina experienced her first flight, sleepover, and snowfall on a trip to Moscow. Always eager to experience what life, the universe, and everything have to offer, this Florida State University graduate remains an avid traveler, a foodie, and the proud dog mom of a Maltipoo. Today, thirty-something Nina is sharing her passion for personal growth as organically as her products are crafted – by word of mouth and a new opportunity with Palm Beach State College. With an expanding entrepreneurial program, Florida’s oldest public junior college has invited Nina to share her story with students. It’s a testament to being recognized for the authenticity and integrity that she exudes, inspiring others through her own experience, motivation, and savvy business sense. What would her father say about The Mani Co.? Nina jokes, “He’d be in every tent at the Market, talking to vendors, helping them sell their products, and treating everyone the same regardless of job or status.” Perhaps Nina is going further, not only treating people well but also empowering them to treat themselves well, strengthening mental health one manicure at a time. Visit The Mani Co. at themanico.com and Mental Health America at mhanational.org – By Dean Glorioso – - Photos courtesy of Nina Massinello - Nina and Elizabeth at the West Palm Beach Green Market Nina Massinello STRENGTHENING MENTAL HEALTH ONE MANICURE AT A TIME EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR