Woman denied nail services due to disability gets surprise manicure after viral video
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) - What began as a hurtful refusal ended in a small act of kindness that made a big difference for one family in Georgia.
Paula Connelly said her daughter, Nykiah, was denied a manicure at the Oglethorpe Mall in the Savannah area earlier this week because she has cerebral palsy.
The refusal prompted Connelly to post a video on TikTok and Facebook documenting the incident and questioning why her daughter, who uses a wheelchair, could not receive the same service as others.
Connelly said U.S. Nails turned them away.
A co-owner at the salon said they declined service because it would have been difficult to open Nykiah’s hands under the UV lamp.
Connelly said she even offered to help the technician accommodate Nykiah’s needs.
“My thing was I don’t care if the nails mess up. All we want is the experience, and she wanted her nails done for the new year, professionally,” Connelly added.
The social media post drew attention quickly.
The following day, Monica Green, owner of Relentless Nails, saw Connelly’s TikTok and reached out to offer help.
“I didn’t know you could get service denied for having a disability. I didn’t know that, so it was shocking to me,” Green said.
Green arranged to meet the Connellys at their home and manicure Nykiah herself.
The visit was simple, but meaningful.
Green worked carefully with Nykiah, who smiled the whole time and kept saying she liked her new nails.
“She liked it, so that’s all that mattered,” Green said. “She smiles every time she looks at her nails, so that’s a good feeling.”
Connelly described the outpouring of support as overwhelming.
“It makes me and my daughter feel happy. I mean, we’ve had a lot of nail techs that have reached out to us, willing and able to come over to the house,” Connelly said.
Nykiah’s morning of pampering didn’t stop at nails. The family said she later had her hair professionally done as well, and the small gestures helped turn a disappointing moment into a happy start to the new year.
“Just because a person is in a wheelchair or doesn’t look like you, don’t assume that they can’t get the same service that everyone else does,” Connelly said.
Copyright 2026 WTOC via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
