We always talk about the impact teachers have on students but less so the ways student can change their teachers' lives. Tell Williams, a Philadelphia pre-K teacher, started painting his nails to show solidarity with one of his male students. Three years later, Williams has now created a successful nail polish brand inspired by that student.
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He showed up when his student needed him
"A boy in my class asked his parents to paint his nails, and when he came into school the next day to show them off, some students and a few teachers, even, started to tease him," Williams said in a now-viral Instagram Reel. "So to show support I came in the next day with my nails painted, and I’ve done it ever since."
His student felt supported
Williams told People that his student was "super excited" to see him also wearing nail polish. "I remember him saying something along the lines of ‘We are twins,’" he shared, adding that the child's parents were also really grateful for Williams' support.
Creating nail polish with a purpose
As a result, Williams teamed up with his childhood friend James Jerlecki to create Boitoi, a nail polish brand that offers dozens of colors and other fun merchandise. The brand, which sold out quickly, also donates 10% of its profits to organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
"I’d had this idea in my head of an all-gender cosmetics brand, but one particularly targeted towards a younger audience," Jerlecki told People.
Boitoi is making a difference
Jerlecki and Williams share messages of support on the Boitoi official Instagram account that show how much the brand is needed.
"I love this soooo much! Last year, a 3rd grade sub gave her unsolicited opinion on my son’s stating that nail polish was for girls," one comment read. "When I say I lost my ever loving mind and let the school know that she’s there to sub not to give her opinions…I may or may not have asked the principal if she wanted to handle it or if I should talk to the sub myself . She handled it."
"As a former country kid from Wyoming, people like you have given me the permission to be brave enough to be more queer and more myself by something as simple, and powerful, as nail paint," read another comment.
