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

Leslii , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

**From North Philadelphia to Nail Salon Owner: My Journey**

I’m a proud Latina from Puerto Rico, born and raised in North Philadelphia, where every day I faced a choice: keep partying and living for the moment, or push through the pain to build a future I could be proud of. I’ll be honest—life threw me a lot of tough moments, and sometimes the weight of it all made me want to escape. But deep down, my heart kept telling me that I wanted more. I wanted to break the cycle, to rewrite my story.

At first, I tried to pursue an education, but I quickly found myself forced to choose between paying the bills or staying in school. So, I put school aside and focused on getting a higher-paying job to make ends meet. Around that time, a close friend shared some words that changed everything. They told me, “If you really love this, nothing will stop you from growing.” It was the push I needed, and I realized that so many people would love to have the chance I had, and they’d risk it all for that opportunity. That’s when I decided to go all in.

For two years, I dedicated myself fully to nails, head down, working as the only nail tech in a hair salon. I hustled, gaining experience, building my skills, and growing a clientele. Then, in 2018, I decided to open my own shop. I had $3,000 to my name, and I relied on Google and YouTube to guide me through the process. I filed for my LLC, scheduled inspections, and put every last dollar into decorating the front of the shop.

Today, that tiny start has blossomed into a two-floor salon in the heart of North Philadelphia. We provide nails, and other services in the beauty industry, and I have a team of six amazing employees, with space to grow. I started with a dream and a lot of grit, and now I have a thriving business right in the community where I grew up.

This journey wasn’t easy, but every step has been worth it. From working as a solo nail tech to running a full-service salon, I’ve built something I’m incredibly proud of. And if my story shows anything, it’s that no matter where you start, hard work and determination can turn a dream into reality.

Leslii , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Leslii, a Latina from Puerto Rico who grew up in North Philadelphia. My journey into nails and owning a salon has been driven by passion, resilience, and a desire to create something meaningful. I first got into nails because of the creativity and artistry involved—it felt like each client’s hand was a canvas where I could craft something unique and beautiful. I didn’t just want to make pretty nails; I wanted to connect with people and make them feel their best.

Over time, I dedicated myself to mastering my craft, working as the only nail tech in a hair salon. Eventually, I took a leap of faith, saved up $3,000, and opened my own shop in 2018. From that small beginning, I’ve grown my business into a two-floor salon in North Philly, where we now offer a full range of services: nails, hair, lashes, and more. We’re a one-stop beauty haven in the heart of the community I love.

The services we provide go beyond just aesthetics. For my clients, nails are a form of self-expression, self-care, and even confidence. I cater to everyone—from people with high-demand jobs who need durable nails, to clients who want intricate nail art or need help managing nail anxiety. What sets my brand apart is the family-like atmosphere and commitment to positivity. We’re all about supporting each other and creating a safe, uplifting space where clients and team members alike can thrive.

I’m most proud of building this business from the ground up, creating a supportive environment that empowers my staff and clients. My brand is rooted in self-love, positivity, and good energy, with every piece of work representing a promise to oneself. For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my team and I are dedicated to quality and care. We stay on top of the latest trends, and we pour our hearts into our work. At Le Touce, our goal is to make everyone who walks through our doors feel seen, valued, and beautiful.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I first decided to open Le Touce, I had saved $15,000, ready to invest in my dream. But, before I knew it, a chunk of that savings went toward buying a car in cash and taking a few vacations—important at the time, but in hindsight, they took a big piece out of my budget. By the time I paid for the salon’s security deposit and initial expenses, I was left with only $3,000 to put into the rest of the shop.

With such limited funds, I had to make every dollar count. I skipped big purchases that I thought would have to wait, like a proper sign for the salon—which I didn’t even get until two years later. Instead, I put everything into creating a welcoming atmosphere with whatever I could afford, focusing on making sure clients felt comfortable, even if the space wasn’t fully decorated yet. Every cent I made from my clients went right back into the shop, little by little adding to the space and improving the experience.

Over time, my hard work and my loyal clients allowed me to build Le Touce up from those humble beginnings. It was a challenge, but those early days taught me how to be resourceful, to make tough choices, and to stay focused on the big picture. Now, looking at the salon as it stands today, I’m proud of every decision and every reinvestment that got me here.

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

One story that truly captures my resilience is navigating the challenges of keeping Le Touce open during COVID-19. As a solo nail tech and the only one working at the salon, I was the sole income provider. Almost overnight, I went from a full schedule to dealing with cancellations and uncertainty. It felt like everything I had worked for could slip away, and I knew I had to act fast to adapt and stay afloat.

I started by reaching out to local talent, nonprofits, and small businesses throughout Philadelphia. Collaborating with them was my way of not just surviving but also strengthening our community. Together, we shared resources, promoted each other’s work, and came up with ways to keep business going while supporting one another. I also leaned on my incredibly loyal clients, who booked appointments as soon as they were available and encouraged me to keep going. Their support reminded me that Le Touce was more than a business; it was a community space that people valued and wanted to see succeed.

Even with all the obstacles, I managed to keep Le Touce open, slowly bringing in more clients and expanding our services. That time showed me what resilience really means—not just pushing through alone, but building a network, leaning on my community, and adapting to whatever challenges came my way. Now, I can look back on that chapter with pride, knowing I’ve created a space that’s not only survived a crisis but has become a place of connection and growth for everyone involved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://LeTouceNailSpa.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letoucenailspa/