We recently connected with Waleska Ujueta and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Waleska thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

My name is Waleska Ujueta. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and I hold a degree in Advertising and Marketing. I moved to the United States over nine years ago with my husband and our daughter, who is now eleven. Like many immigrant families, we arrived full of hope, but had to face the reality of starting from scratch — in a new country, with no English, no network, and a child to raise while trying to rebuild our lives.

As a mother, my purpose became even more defined. I wanted to create something meaningful — not just for me, but to show my daughter what resilience, reinvention, and building with heart truly look like.

At some point, I had to ask myself: What am I naturally good at? What fulfills me? The answer wasn’t just about skills — it was about calling. I’ve always had a strong vocation for service. I genuinely care about others and love helping people feel better about themselves, whether through my words, support, or presence. That, combined with my artistic eye and love for beauty, led me to the perfect intersection of all my strengths: the art of healthy nails.

Leaving behind a traditional career path wasn’t easy. Many people questioned me — “Why would someone with a university degree start doing nails?” But I had a vision. I wasn’t just learning a trade; I was building a brand rooted in care, quality, and intention. I got licensed and started working as a mobile nail tech, driving all over Houston with just my car, my tools, and a dream. One client at a time, I built a loyal following.

Eventually, I opened a small, home-based studio — cozy, professional, and completely focused on excellence. From the very beginning, I offered Russian Manicure, a highly detailed and precise technique that was still rare in Houston. Word spread quickly, and before I knew it, I was fully booked with waitlists for weeks.

One of the moments that made me realize I was doing something truly different — and that people were noticing — was when I started seeing clients driving two hours or more from other cities just to get their nails done at my humble home studio. That kind of commitment from my clients showed me that what I was offering had real value, and it gave me the confidence to keep going and growing.

That’s when I rented a private suite and opened my first nail studio in Houston. It was my first space outside of home, where I could offer a more professional setting and expand my services. I also hired three talented nail techs to join my team. But just as things were growing, I was suddenly asked to vacate the space — no backup plan, no notice. I had two options: go back to my home studio and let go of everything I had built, or take a leap and scale. I chose to rise.

I found a larger, more permanent location — and that’s how Nails Rehab was born. Going from a mobile tech to a full-scale salon owner was one of the biggest and scariest steps of my life. There were permits, remodeling, deadlines, and fears — but everything came together. Opening day was a dream come true.

At Nails Rehab, we specialize in Russian Manicure and hard gel overlays, and waterless pedicures — a dry technique that eliminates foot soaking for better hygiene, deeper cuticle work, and longer-lasting results.

Russian Manicure is a meticulous technique focused on detailed cuticle care using an electric file (e-file) and precision tools. It results in a cleaner, more polished appearance, allows for longer-lasting wear, and promotes nail health by carefully removing excess cuticle without damaging the skin or nail plate. When combined with a hard gel overlay, it reinforces the natural nail and delivers a smooth, glossy finish that can last for weeks without lifting or chipping.

What makes Nails Rehab different isn’t just the services — it’s the experience. We’ve created a calm, spa-like environment where cleanliness, detail, and personal care are at the core of everything we do. From medical-grade sterilization to premium products and thoughtful service, every touchpoint is intentional. That’s why our slogan is: “We don’t do regular.” Because what we offer is far from ordinary.

Today, we are a team of seven highly trained technicians, fully booked year-round, and currently preparing to open our second location in North Houston. And beyond salon services, I’ve made it part of my mission to educate and mentor others. Since the early days of my studio, I’ve been offering personalized training in Russian Manicure for aspiring nail techs. With our expanded space, we’re building a dedicated training area to help raise the bar for nail care in Houston.

My journey hasn’t been easy — but it’s been real. Built with discipline, sacrifice, love, and a clear purpose. I built this business as a woman, a wife, a mother, and an immigrant — and that energy is in every corner of our salon. If you’re looking for a place where beauty meets care, detail, and excellence — welcome to Nails Rehab.

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

My name is Waleska Ujueta. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and I hold a degree in Advertising and Marketing. I moved to the United States over nine years ago with my husband and our daughter, who is now eleven. Like many immigrant families, we arrived full of hope, but had to face the reality of starting from scratch — in a new country, with no English, no network, and a child to raise while trying to rebuild our lives.

As a mother, my purpose became even more defined. I wanted to create something meaningful — not just for me, but to show my daughter what resilience, reinvention, and building with heart truly look like.

At some point, I had to ask myself: What am I naturally good at? What fulfills me? The answer wasn’t just about skills — it was about calling. I’ve always had a strong vocation for service. I genuinely care about others and love helping people feel better about themselves, whether through my words, support, or presence. That, combined with my artistic eye and love for beauty, led me to the perfect intersection of all my strengths: the art of healthy nails.

Leaving behind a traditional career path wasn’t easy. Many people questioned me — “Why would someone with a university degree start doing nails?” But I had a vision. I wasn’t just learning a trade; I was building a brand rooted in care, quality, and intention. I got licensed and started working as a mobile nail tech, driving all over Houston with just my car, my tools, and a dream. One client at a time, I built a loyal following.

Eventually, I opened a small, home-based studio — cozy, professional, and completely focused on excellence. From the very beginning, I offered Russian Manicure, a highly detailed and precise technique that was still rare in Houston. Word spread quickly, and before I knew it, I was fully booked with waitlists for weeks.

One of the moments that made me realize I was doing something truly different — and that people were noticing — was when I started seeing clients driving two hours or more from other cities just to get their nails done at my humble home studio. That kind of commitment from my clients showed me that what I was offering had real value, and it gave me the confidence to keep going and growing.

That’s when I rented a private suite and opened my first nail studio in Houston. It was my first space outside of home, where I could offer a more professional setting and expand my services. I also hired three talented nail techs to join my team. But just as things were growing, I was suddenly asked to vacate the space — no backup plan, no notice. I had two options: go back to my home studio and let go of everything I had built, or take a leap and scale. I chose to rise.

I found a larger, more permanent location — and that’s how Nails Rehab was born. Going from a mobile tech to a full-scale salon owner was one of the biggest and scariest steps of my life. There were permits, remodeling, deadlines, and fears — but everything came together. Opening day was a dream come true.

At Nails Rehab, we specialize in Russian Manicure and hard gel overlays, and waterless pedicures — a dry technique that eliminates foot soaking for better hygiene, deeper cuticle work, and longer-lasting results.

Russian Manicure is a meticulous technique focused on detailed cuticle care using an electric file (e-file) and precision tools. It results in a cleaner, more polished appearance, allows for longer-lasting wear, and promotes nail health by carefully removing excess cuticle without damaging the skin or nail plate. When combined with a hard gel overlay, it reinforces the natural nail and delivers a smooth, glossy finish that can last for weeks without lifting or chipping.

What makes Nails Rehab different isn’t just the services — it’s the experience. We’ve created a calm, spa-like environment where cleanliness, detail, and personal care are at the core of everything we do. From medical-grade sterilization to premium products and thoughtful service, every touchpoint is intentional. That’s why our slogan is: “We don’t do regular.” Because what we offer is far from ordinary.

Today, we are a team of seven highly trained technicians, fully booked year-round, and currently preparing to open our second location in North Houston. And beyond salon services, I’ve made it part of my mission to educate and mentor others. Since the early days of my studio, I’ve been offering personalized training in Russian Manicure for aspiring nail techs. With our expanded space, we’re building a dedicated training area to help raise the bar for nail care in Houston.

My journey hasn’t been easy — but it’s been real. Built with discipline, sacrifice, love, and a clear purpose. I built this business as a woman, a wife, a mother, and an immigrant — and that energy is in every corner of our salon. If you’re looking for a place where beauty meets care, detail, and excellence — welcome to Nails Rehab.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation was built on a clear intention to raise the standard — not just in how nails look, but in how they’re treated. From the very beginning, I set out to offer something different: a service where quality, hygiene, and client care come first.

Unfortunately, in Texas — and I say this as someone who has only lived and built my career here — many nail salons have developed a bad reputation. It’s widely known and often talked about: stories of clients getting their nails damaged, experiencing painful procedures, or leaving traumatized by how little care was given to their natural nail health. These aren’t just isolated incidents — I’ve heard countless stories from my clients, friends, and even family members. We’ve all had that one salon experience that left us thinking, this shouldn’t have happened.

In many places, technicians don’t take the time to listen to what the client actually wants. They rush the service, use low-quality products, and work aggressively, ignoring the importance of technique and safety. This kind of environment can do real damage — not just cosmetically, but to your actual nail health.

That’s exactly what I set out to change. At Nails Rehab, we specialize in Russian Manicure and other advanced techniques that prioritize precision and protection. But beyond the service itself, what truly sets us apart is the way we treat our clients — with care, education, and respect. We listen. We take our time. We explain what we’re doing and why. And most importantly, we put your nail health first.

Clients quickly noticed the difference — not only in how their nails looked, but in how they felt after each appointment. That’s why people started driving from other cities, booking months in advance, and telling their friends. They weren’t just looking for pretty nails; they were looking for a place they could trust.

If there’s one thing I hope readers take away, it’s this: nail care is not just about aesthetics — it’s about health. The products that touch your skin, the tools that enter your body space, the hands that work on you — all of this matters. Don’t entrust your hands and feet to just anywhere. Find a place that treats them — and you — with the care you deserve.

That’s the heart of what we do at Nails Rehab. And that’s how we’ve built our reputation.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

While Instagram has definitely been a powerful tool for visibility, where potential clients can see our work, learn about our techniques, and get a sense of who we are — I’d say the most impactful and consistent source of new clients has been word of mouth.

Yes, social media plays a key role. I’m active on Instagram, sharing real results, behind-the-scenes moments, before-and-after transformations, and educational content about our services. It allows people to connect with our brand and see the level of detail and care we put into every appointment. But what truly brings clients through our doors — and keeps them coming — is the experience they have once they arrive.

We offer a type of service that isn’t easy to find in Houston: a highly detailed, health-conscious approach to nail care that prioritizes both beauty and integrity. That difference is something clients immediately recognize. And when they leave, they don’t just leave with beautiful nails — they leave with the desire to tell others.

It’s incredibly common for clients to say things like, “I’m going to tell all my friends about you,” or “I didn’t even know a place like this existed until my sister/friend/co-worker told me.” That organic enthusiasm has become our strongest growth engine. Every satisfied client becomes a multiplier — spreading the word and bringing people they care about to a place they trust.

In a city full of salons, standing out comes down to quality, consistency, and care — and when people feel that, they naturally become your best ambassadors. That’s why I believe reputation is everything, and I’ve built mine one client, one conversation, and one transformation at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.nailsrehab.com
• Instagram: nails.rehab