We are spotlighting the winners of Nailpro’s 30 Under 30 competition for 2023, featuring 30 nail artists under 30 years of age.
Get to know Jenny (Tra) Nguyen (@jennpaintt). She is a nail tech and salon owner at JennPaintt Nail Lounge in Los Angeles, CA.
Q&A:
Nailpro (NP): What is a fun fact about you?
Jenny Nguyen (JN): I have two adorable dogs, Milo and Cookie.
NP: How did you get started as a nail tech?
JN: Side hustle! I was a math teacher. During COVID, social media was blowing up with nail art, and I thought, "Why not give it a shot?" So, I turned to YouTube and became a self-taught nail artist. The pandemic also had beauty schools shutting down, but I didn't let that stop me. I got my nail license online, and I started doing nails for free. Why? To get my work out there, of course! It was essential to showcase my work to the world. My clients became my canvases, sharing their stories on Instagram.
NP: What do you love about your job?
JN: Making people happy and the excitement of nail art trends. Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they see their nails is one of my favorite things in the world.
NP: Where do you find inspiration?
JN: Fashion trends, Instagram and Pinterest
NP: What is a piece of advice you would give other nail technicians who are just getting started?
JN: Follow your passion, and do what you love with no regrets. Continuously refine your skills, seek wisdom from experts and don’t ever quit too early. I moved to LA four years ago without money or knowing anyone. There were numerous moments when I was on the verge of giving up, but I'm incredibly glad I persevered. The lesson here? Stick with it, and eventually things will get better. Surround yourself with clients who truly appreciate your artistry and wave goodbye to the unkind ones. As a nail tech, you could cross paths with all kinds of people.
NP: What is your favorite nail trend right now?
JN: Aurora and 3D Chrome nail art
NP: What is your favorite service to offer?
JN: Structure Gel Builder and Soft Gel Extensions
NP: What is one of your proudest achievements as a nail tech?
JN: I've had the privilege of providing nail services to prominent figures, including Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, the Kardashian sisters, Iggy Azalea, Lana Corner, Shanina Shaik, Diane Guerrero, Riley Keough, Emma Brooks, Hannah Ferguson and more. I opened my own chic nail lounge in downtown LA called jennpaintt_naillounge and created my own nail brand called “LÀMAY Beauty.” I designed the world’s first crystal nail machines and exquisite essentials to nurture strong and healthy beautiful nails. Here is the thrilling part – nearly 90% of our supplies at my salon are custom-made. I have my own pedicure chair design with my name on it. That's not all – I'm gearing up to open a second location in the charming Bloc shopping mall, boasting almost 4,000 square feet of space.
NP: What do you love about the nail community/industry?
JN: The creativity and supporting each other on social media and in real life. I’ve met amazing friends for life!
NP: What are your top goals as a nail tech?
JN: Continue to open more JennPaintt Nail Lounge locations in Los Angeles and make exciting new products for the nail industry under my brand LÀMAY Beauty. I’m also currently working on retail products that could be selling at Target and Sephora for busy individuals (no time for salon) to taking care of their nails at home.
