We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jesilyn Fiel Kamminga. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jesilyn Fiel below.
Jesilyn Fiel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
Moving to Texas was a fresh start in so many ways- new city, new people, & the challenge of rebuilding my clientele from scratch. I had spent 12 years of perfecting my craft, co-owning a nail salon for 5 years with my mother in law, and transforming thousands of nails. But now, I was in a place where no one knew me, and I had to prove myself over again.
March 2024, I started promoting myself, running ads, and consistently posting my work. I wasn’t just showcasing my skills-I wanted people to get to know me, to understand my passion for natural nails & how I can help them grow stronger, healthier nails. Every post, every ad, every interaction was a chance to reach someone who might take a chance on me.
Then, one day, it happened. A notification popped up-a booking from someone I had never met before. My heart raced as I read the name and appointment details. This wasn’t a friend, a family member. or a referral. This was a complete stranger who had seen my work, trusted my expertise, and decided to book.
I remember sitting there for a moment, just soaking it in. This was proof that all the effort, all the hours spent marketing myself in a brand new state, were paying off. The day of the appointment, I was both excited and a little nervous. I wanted the first Texas client to feel completely at ease, to leave my chair not just with beautiful nail but with the confidence that they had found their new go-to nail tech.
When the appointment ended, and they smiled, saying they couldn’t wait to come back, I knew-this was the beginning of something special. That first dollar in a new state wasn’t just money. It was a validation. It was the start of rebuilding my reputation and business in a place where I was determined to thrive.
And from that first booking, word started filling up, and soon, Texas didn’t feel so unfamiliar anymore. That first client was just the beginning, but I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing their name pop up on my schedule- because in that moment, I know I was where I was meant to be.
Jesilyn Fiel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Jesilyn Fiel Kamminga. I am a Wife, a Mom & a Small Business Owner. I was born in the Philippines, and when I was 5, my family moved to Guam, where I got Naturalized and became a U.S. citizen. After high school, I went to college for early childhood education, soon found out that was not meant for me so I dropped out. I had always loved doing my nails, sharing my nails on Myspace just for fun. One day, someone reached out to me from the nails I had posted. She mentioned her boss was hiring. Since I didn’t have anything going on, I went to apply. Lisa, the owner, saw something in me before I even saw it myself. When she hired me, I didn’t have my license, but she believed in me so much that she invested in my education, paying for my school and launching my career. Until this day, I am so grateful for her & how she started my career. That was 12 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.
In 2017, my husband & our kids moved to Louisiana to be closer to family. I transferred my nail license from Guam to Louisiana, and with the support of my in-laws, Lorie & David Foster, we opened our first nail salon, The Nail Den. It was more than just a salon-it was a place where clients felt valued, where quality and care came first. Over the five years we owned it, we won dozens of awards, built an incredible clientele, and created a space we were truly proud of. But after years of pouring into hearts into it, we decided to step back, selling the salon in May 2024.
Not long after, my family and I made another big move-this time to Texas. With a fresh start came a new vision, and that’s when Elysium Nail Studio was born. I started in Canyon Lake but quickly realized that New Braunfels was the perfect fit for both me and my clients.
What I do & What Sets Me Apart
At Elysium Nail Studio, I specialize in natural nail health and strengthening. Many of my clients come to me with brittle, weak nails, and with the right products, techniques, and care, I help them grow stronger, healthier nails they never thought possible.
While I don’t like to compare myself to others, I take immense pride in what I bring the table. My clients consistently tell me that my sanitation is top tier, my customer service is unmatched. and they never feel rushed- a rare luxury in an industry where walk-in salons often prioritize speed over quality. Being appointment-only allows me to give every client the undivided attention and customized care they deserve.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Building my business from the ground up in Louisiana and now in Texas has been one of my biggest professional accomplishments. In just seven months, I’ve been to grow an incredible clientele base- something I’m deeply grateful for. But I couldn’t have done it without my biggest supporter- Anthony, my Husband. I am forever grateful for him. He has always believed in me, even in the moments of doubt, and his unwavering support is one of the reasons I’ve been able to create a thriving business once again. Personally, I’m most proud of being able to balance work & family life. My family is my #1 priority. I am thankful I can have a career while being able to be present for my family as well.
What I Want The Readers To Know.
To the readers, my followers, my clients and for those discovering me- I want you to know that when you book with me, you’re not just getting a nail appointment. You’re gearing a service built on years of expertise, passion, and a commitment to the highest standards in nail care. Whether you’re looking to restore your natural nails, maintain their health, or simple enjoy a luxury ( that won’t break the bank) nail experience, I’m here to help you achieve your goals.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Elysium Nail Studio isn’t just a business-it’s a space where you can relax, feel taken care of, and leave with the nails you love. I can’t wait to welcome you in my studio!
What’s Next For Elysium Nail Studio?
Im beyond excited to share that Elysium Nail Studio is expanding! This Spring, I’ll be opening a mini salon where I will be hiring and personally training nail technicians in everything from customer service and nail care to client retention and beyond. My goal is to build a team that upholds the same high standards and dedication to natural nail health that Elysium Nail Studio is known for. I welcome you to Pash, a Private Nail Salon. Want more information? Follow us on IG: pash_newbraunfelstx
Stay tuned-Big things are coming, and I can’t wait for you to experience what Pash has to offer.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media wasn’t something that happened overnight—it took consistency, strategy, and showing up as my authentic self. When I first started in Texas, I knew I had to create buzz around my work, so I focused on building hype around my services.
I did this by showcasing my skills, posting transformations, and sharing real client results. Reviews played a huge role as well. Every time a happy client shared their experience, I made sure to highlight it. People love to see proof that you deliver on what you promise, and social proof builds trust.
But beyond just showing my work, I knew I had to show who I am. I let my personality shine through—whether it was through captions, behind-the-scenes moments, or interacting with my audience. People don’t just book services; they book with people they connect with. The more I engaged with my followers, responded to comments and DMs, and shared pieces of my journey, the more my audience grew.
I also used strategic marketing to reach the right people. Running targeted ads in my area helped me get in front of potential clients who had never heard of me before. I made sure my content spoke directly to them, whether it was educational posts about nail care, before-and-afters, or a sneak peek into the experience at Elysium Nail Studio.
Advice for Those Just Starting
->Be Consistent – Post regularly! Your audience won’t grow if people don’t see you. Even if you don’t have a ton of followers yet, act like you do. Stay active and keep showing up.
->Build Hype & Social Proof – Share your work, highlight client reviews, and get people excited about what you offer.
People trust what others are saying about you more than what you say about yourself.
->Show Your Personality – Your skills matter, but so does your presence. Let people connect with the real you—whether through videos, stories, or captions that reflect your personality.
->Engage With Your Audience – Respond to comments, reply to DMs, and make your followers feel seen. A simple interaction can turn a follower into a loyal client.
->Use Local Targeting – If you’re a service-based business, focus on reaching people in your area. Run location-based ads, use local hashtags, and make sure your content speaks directly to your ideal client.
->Educate & Entertain – People love learning something new or being entertained. Share nail care tips, answer common questions, or show fun behind-the-scenes moments to keep your audience engaged.
Social media isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a community that trusts you. My journey proves that if you stay consistent, stay true to yourself, and show up for your audience, your social media presence will grow in ways you never imagined. Keep going, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
How’d you meet your business partner?
They say don’t mix family and business, but honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without mine. My in-laws, Lorie Foster and David Foster, and my husband were the ones who believed in me from the very beginning, and without them, our first salon in Louisiana, The Nail Den, wouldn’t have been possible.
Before opening The Nail Den, I was getting tired of the way salons in our area were treating clients. I saw how so many salons were cutting corners—rushing through appointments, reusing tools without proper sanitation, and charging ridiculous prices for work that wasn’t even great. Clients were being taken advantage of, and I knew I could offer something better.
I wanted to create a salon where quality, hygiene, and customer service actually mattered. A place where clients weren’t just another number in a packed waiting room but felt valued and taken care of. That’s when I knew—I had to open my own salon.
When we moved to Louisiana in 2017, I had the vision. I was telling my husband I really wanted to open a nail salon but we didn’t have the money for it. That’s when Lorie and David stepped in. They didn’t just support the idea—they fully invested in it. They believed in us, saw my passion, and helped turn my dream into reality.
While I was still working in another salon, they were getting everything set up. They funded the buildout, handled the paperwork, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the salon was ready to open.
My Mother in Law, Lorie, is so AMAZING!! She did it all—painting walls, decorating, making sure the business was legit on paper, and just being that structured, organized person I could always count on. She’s one of the most hardworking women I know, and over the five years of running the salon together, I learned so much from her. I have so much respect for her as a Woman, a Wife, a Mom, a Grandmother & a business owner. I am so grateful of her.
Now, don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Like any business, we had our struggles. There were times we fell short on bills, and instead of letting us sink, Lorie and David covered whatever was missing until we started making a profit. There were also days we butted heads, had disagreements, and felt the stress of running a business together. But at the end of the day, we never let the challenges break us. We pushed through, adjusted, and figured it out—together.
I know people say, “Never do business with family,” but for me, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Yes, it was hard. Yes, we had our moments. But they always had my back, and that kind of support is rare.
My Husband was such a huge help as well. Through it all, my husband was right there beside me—not just as my life partner but as my business partner, my rock, and my biggest supporter. He has seen me stressed, exhausted, doubting myself, crying in frustration, and even completely broke. And no matter what, he never let me quit.
Whether it was helping with the business side of things, holding it down at home so I could focus, or just reminding me why I started in the first place, he has done more for me than I could ever put into words.
Running a business is never easy, but having My Husband, Lorie, David, and in my corner made all the difference. They taught me resilience, structure, and what it really takes to build something from the ground up.
Now, as I expand Elysium Nail Studio and open a private nail salon
(IG: pash_newbraunfelstx), I carry everything I’ve learned into this next chapter. I know what it takes to create something successful. And most importantly, I know that when you have the right people in your corner, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elysiumnailstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysiumnailstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Elysium-Nail-Studio-61558110196455/
Image Credits
Shelbi Conde