We recently connected with Tailinh Le and have shared our conversation below.

Tailinh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

At City Nail Bar, we strive to offer more than just nail services – we provide a memorable experience. What sets us apart from other salons is our focus on creating a warm and inviting environment where clients not only receive high-quality nail work from talented artists but also enjoy wholesome conversations and a sense of connection. We take the time to get to know our clients, ensuring they never feel rushed. Whether it’s chatting about the latest trends or sharing fun gossip, every visit feels like catching up with friends, all while leaving with beautiful nails. It’s about the personal touch as much as the professional one.

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

When I first started in the nail industry at 16, things were much simpler. We focused on basic manicures and pedicures, and the goal was to get clients in and out in an hour. Fast forward to now, at 30 with two little ones, I understand the need for moms – and really anyone – to escape and have a little ‘me time.’ Our clients today aren’t just looking for quick services; they want an experience. Some even ask if they can stay and hang out after their nails are done! Nail art has also become a big trend. I have clients who come to me because their previous salons didn’t offer intricate designs, and they know I’ll take the time to create something special, even if that means spending a couple of hours for a perfect look.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My co-owner, Sophie Ly, is not only my business partner but also a dear friend. I know people often advise against going into business with friends, but I’m a firm believer in trusting your gut. We both had this shared hunger to transform the nail industry and aligned visions for what we wanted to create. That’s what makes it work. Yes, there are times when the line between friendship and professionalism can blur, but honestly, that’s what makes the journey more enjoyable. It adds a layer of trust and fun to everything we do, and we balance each other out in all the right ways.

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

My co-owner and I made the decision to start our business debt-free. My approach has always been to invest only what you can afford to lose. It wasn’t important to me how big the salon was or whether we had the most updated interiors. I wasn’t willing to take out a large loan and invest capital if I couldn’t handle the potential loss. While I trust myself, there are always factors beyond my control. My main priority was building a strong reputation for our salon first, and then focusing on growth from there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Citynailbargr

Image Credits

Lotus Portraits