We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Li a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Michelle Fifth Ave Nail Inc, our mission is to help people maintain beautiful, healthy nails—and to restore and nurture nails that have been damaged, so they can grow back strong and vibrant. Aesthetics are important, but healthy aesthetics are even more empowering, knowing that your nails are both beautiful and healthy. It’s when your customers feel positive and joyful that we know we’re making a difference—they can sense that we truly want the best for their nails.

As the founder, this mission is deeply personal. I’ve been in the nail industry for over 20 years, and I noticed a troubling pattern: many of my clients were experiencing yellowing nails, white spots, thin brittle nails, “ring of fire,” and hard cuticles. Some of these issues were due to harsh chemical or mechanical damage, while others were the result of excessive cuticle cutting and lack of proper aftercare.

I realized that customers not only wanted a quick fix but also long-term solutions for healthy nails. So, I started helping people develop healthier nail care habits that would last. I wanted to create a space where people didn’t just get a manicure or pedicure—they also received the education and tools they needed to take care of their nails in a way that nurtures their health.

When we help a client who has been struggling with weak, damaged nails and they leave our salon with a renewed sense of hope and confidence, that’s when we know our mission is truly meaningful. Seeing our clients’ nails heal, grow stronger, and become something they’re proud of gives us purpose. It’s more than just making nails look beautiful—it’s about restoring a sense of pride and self-worth.

Every time a client tells us that they’re excited to show off their newly healthy nails or that they’ve learned something new about how to care for themselves, it reinforces the importance of our mission. For us, it’s not just about the service we provide; it’s about the lasting impact we have on people’s lives—helping them feel better, more confident, and empowered in their own skin. That’s why we do what we do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me and My Journey into the Nail Industry:

My name is Michelle Li, and I am the founder of Michelle Fifth Ave Nail Inc. I’ve been in the nail industry for 20 plus years. I love seeing woman feeling confident and beautiful after their manicure and pedicures. I started my career as a nail technician, and over the years, I noticed a recurring issue – many clients were struggling with nail health. Thin, brittle nails, yellow nails, or damage from improper care. I realized that nail after care wasn’t always prioitized in other salons.
This sparked a desire in me to offer more than just a pretty manicure. I wanted to create a space where clients could experience not only beautiful nails but also healthier nails. My goal is to provide a holistic approach to nail care, addressing the root causes of damage and teaching people how to care for their nails in a way that promotes long-term health and beauty.

What We Offer:

At Michelle Fifth Ave Nail Inc., we specialize in a wide range of nail services, from traditional manicures and pedicures, acrylic, dip powder, gel to more advanced non toxic non sanding nail services that helps to maintain healthy nails. What really sets us apart is our non sanding non toxic gel manicure and our long lasting, quick drying lacquer system. We use high-quality, non-toxic products, and we provide personalized consultations to help our clients understand their unique nail needs. Whether it’s advice on growing stronger nails, help repairing damage cuticles or nails or guiding clients through proper aftercare, we’re here to support the long-term health of their nails.

The Problems We Solve:

One of the biggest problems we solve for our clients is nail damage, whether it’s from overuse of harsh chemicals, improper nail care, or physical damage. Many of our clients come to us with weak, brittle nails, discoloration, or damaged cuticles. Our team takes the time to educate them about how to reverse or prevent nail damage, while still achieving the aesthetic look they desire.

We also help clients who have struggled with finding a nail salon that understands their specific needs. Whether they’re allergic to certain products, have sensitive skin, or just want to ensure the products we use are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly, we take great care to offer services that are tailored to each individual.

What Sets Us Apart:

What truly sets Michelle Fifth Ave Nail Inc. apart is our combination of expertise and care. We are not just another nail salon. We are a destination for clients who are looking for more than just a quick fix. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive approach to nail care that emphasizes both beauty and health. From using premium, non-toxic products to creating an environment where our clients feel listened to and supported, we aim to provide a level of service that is hard to find anywhere else.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

What I am most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with our clients. We’ve been able to help so many people feel more confident in their own skin, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see clients return, not just because of the services we provide, but because they truly trust us with their nail care. Hearing their stories about how their nails have improved after just a few treatments, or how they now feel empowered to care for their nails on their own, is what drives me to keep doing what I do.

What I Want Clients to Know:

I want potential clients to know that at Michelle Fifth Ave Nail Inc., we’re not just about giving you beautiful nails—we’re about giving you the knowledge and tools to maintain them long-term. We are deeply committed to promoting healthy nail care, offering personalized services that address each client’s specific needs, and making sure that every person who walks through our doors leaves feeling empowered and confident.

Our approach is holistic, and our services go beyond just making your nails look great—they’re designed to be gentle and help your nails to better restore to it’s original health so they look great for years to come. When you choose us, you’re choosing a salon that cares about your overall well-being and takes the time to help you feel and look your best.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Recently, I relocated from Bensonhurst to Bay Ridge. Unfortunately, all of my former employees left, despite promising to join me at the new Bay Ridge location. I was left with just one employee, and as a result, many customers left due to the shortage of staff. To make matters more challenging, several other nail salons opened within a three- to four-block radius around the same time. The competition is tough, and being short-staffed has made things even harder. Despite these obstacles, I’ve stayed and continue to push forward. I won’t say it’s easy, but we are still here, staying strong. We are committed to doing our best to meet our customers’ needs by offering them a healthier nail care option.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve learned that nail technology is constantly evolving. There are times when you have to unlearn old techniques and adapt to new ones. For example, I had to completely rethink how I apply polish, especially when it comes to gel polish. Some things you think you know may need to be unlearned and relearned differently.

When I first learned nail techniques, I worked mostly with regular polish. Regular polish dries quickly, which encourages you to apply it fast and often use a larger bead of polish. This was because the polish would start drying almost immediately. However, gel polish is different. A little goes a long way. To apply it correctly, you need to use thin layers and more brush strokes to ensure the color evens out perfectly.

For a while, my gel polish was thin and uneven, and I couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t coming out right. That’s when a younger staff member—someone passionate about staying current with new techniques—showed me the proper way. It was a reminder that experience doesn’t always mean knowing everything. Sometimes, we can learn just as much from the younger generation as they can from us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellefifthavenail/profilecard/?igsh=dHMxamd2MGdlcm1p
• Other: Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EAaLjCHWLKtn74i58

Image Credits

Michelle Fifth Ave Nail Inc