We were lucky to catch up with Thoa Nguyen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Thoa , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’ve been licensed since 2013. Back then, a full set of nails were $25. Manicurists weren’t not seen as a popular profession and finding a nail artist was rare then.

At that time, I was pursuing my undergraduate degree, while, completing my apprenticeship for my manicurist license. I didn’t necessarily take the manicurist career seriously because, at that time, it wasn’t seen as an ideal profession for me. My degree was in business and the goal was to go to law school after completing my undergrad.

Well, then the pandemic happened…..

I was working in an office for corporate and spent my free time working as a manicurist in a salon..

Both shut down during the pandemic. I was on furlough at my company and salons were shut down. I had so much free time…I just started painting.

I remember I was bored watching my significant other playing video games. Looking to past time, I started to paint cartoon characters on nails.

I was following a nail artist on instagram that inspired me to work on character nail art. The more content she posted, the more I practiced. Then, she released these nail art brushes that focuses on detailed nail art. Those brushes changed life.

Since then, I have been painting almost every night.

Two years later, I work for her and promote her brand.

Nailz By Dev helped me pursue my nail art career and since I’ve joined her team my nail art skills have leveled up. I’m so grateful. It took so much work and sacrifice. I’m glad I took that risk.

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

My name is Thoa Nguyen and I own BLASIAN Nails located in Painted Hair Studios in Jackson, Mi.

My speciality is hand painted nail art, natural nails and nail extensions. I’ve been licensed since 2013 with a bachelors in Business management.

Aside from working on clients and creating nail content online, I’m an educator for LECHAT Nail products, brand ambassador for NAILZ By Dev and NYFW (New York Fashion Week) nail manicurist.

Golly, all of those roles took WORK! Tears and sacrifices got me where I am today. I took risks and missed out on a lot of family life events to focus on my nail career.

Instead of telling the story of how I got here, or where I plan on going, I want to share my advice to anyone who is following their dreams and passion…

KEEP GOING! When the time comes where you goals are reaching,, things will happen quick but save time for your mental health. Blessings come in the smallest forms. Celebrate your small wins.

The best advice someone quoted to me was
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity”.

And when working in the service industry
I was taught “superior service, every client is a celebrity client.”

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Collaborations and promoting other artists are a few of the ways we can support artists and creatives in a thriving ecosystem.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My clients and supporters are the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. It’s hard to value yourself and your work without a team of supporters rooting for your success.

My clients are my VIP clients. We share pieces of our lives during each appointment and grow closer to one another as the time goes by. I’ve had clients for almost a decade and watched their children grow. My clients mean a lot to me I wish they knew how much I appreciate them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blasiannails.squarespace.com/home
• Instagram: @blasian_nails
• Facebook: BLASIAN nails

Image Credits
I own all the images