Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Nguyen.
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
While I’ve been doing nails for as long as I can remember, it was not until recently that I began to see nails as a creative outlet. I grew up in Fairfax, VA, where there is a large Asian community. Nail salons are a common means by which Vietnamese immigrants earn a living. While some see this as a negative stereotype, I have come to see it with a great sense of pride.
My mom owned her own nail salon in the late ’90s into the early 2000s
I used* to go to my mom’s nail salon all the time when I was younger. She would have me polish her client’s nails, or cut the skin of lime to practice cutting “cuticles”. I eventually learned everything about doing nails.
Since moving to Memphis in 2017, I’ve worked in two different nail salons. While I learned a great deal from my time there, I always felt driven towards independence as an artist and creative. While many nail techs make great careers within a salon, I wanted to go beyond that and have my own space and practice.
My transition into an independent nail artist happened earlier this year. Last year’s quarantine gave me time to reassess where I wanted to take my life and how I wanted my future to look. Roughly a year later, I have a beautiful space I can call my own.
While those in my industry are commonly referred to as nail techs, I take the liberty of calling myself a nail artist to emphasize the creative aspect of what I do. Some see nails as a simple way of making a living, but I also see them as a creative outlet for myself. I get to support myself, my own way, while also expressing my artistic side.
While I would not have imagined this ten years ago, I have come to really love what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A lot of first-generation Asian Americans are encouraged to follow a clean-cut path to what our parents consider the “American Dream”; go to school, get a degree, work a job with a guaranteed salary. I guess you could say my first challenge is the one against the cultural expectations I’ve internalized.
The second set of obstacles all has to do with being self-employed. While there is great freedom in it, there is also so much responsibility. The weight of it can be a lot at times. I have a really good friend, Morgan, who helps me with social media and my appointments, which gives me a little less to worry about when I get home at the end of the day.
Outside of the work itself, I have to make sure I can pay rent, I have to manage my own space, I have to keep up with all my supplies. It’s important for me to find some time to relax because it’s easy to worry about work around the clock when you’re in charge of everything.
Overall, the pros of doing my own thing outweigh the cons. The freedom I’m afforded is very empowering.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an independent nail artist located in downtown Memphis. I specialize in Japanese soft gel, apres, and intricate nail art. I love to create! I love when my clients come in with cool ideas, pulling inspiration from art pieces, fashion, or whatever they capture on their camera. I try to create my own vision on people’s nails instead of copying a Pinterest nail design.
I’m most proud of the confidence I’ve developed. I love my craft and the relationship I’ve built with my clients. Few things compare to the feeling of satisfaction I get when seeing my completed work on a client’s nails. What keeps me going is the possibility of constantly improving, wanting to be better and better. It’s all about meeting small goals after small goals.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Always ask questions, do lots of research about the brands you would like to use. I’ve followed a couple of nail artists that I look up to and they inspire me to keep challenging myself and testing my skills. Always stay ahead of the game! Pay for these classes that will benefit you in the future (not everything can be found on YouTube).
Starting off in a nail salon really helped me learn a lot of the basics. I learned the basic manicuring steps, polishing correctly, basic designs, sanitization, and even learning how to communicate in a proper and genuine way with clients. The OGs in the nail salons will tell you how it goes.
Pricing:
- Regular Gel Manicure $55
- Enhanced Gel Manicure $65
- Apres Set $75-$100
- VIP fee $100
Contact Info:
- Email: julienguyenstudio@gmail.com
- Website: https://julzfamousbling.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julzfamousbling/
Image Credits
@dirtychinesemoney
