Today we’d like to introduce you to Winn Willis.
Hi Winn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path to becoming a nail artist was anything but planned. As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist. By 22, I found myself studying computer programming, but after a year and a half, I burned out—worn down by life’s challenges and the weight of trying to make the “right” choice. While working in a salon as a bookkeeper and assistant, my mother encouraged me to pursue a cosmetology license. I had no interest in doing hair, but I’d always had a fondness for nails. That spark led me to enroll in a manicuring program, and I became licensed in 2005.
I started performing nail services, but it wasn’t an easy start. My sensitivity to acrylic products—the industry standard at the time—made me feel physically ill. I struggled with confidence in my work and ultimately decided that perhaps the nail industry just wasn’t for me. I returned to office work, convinced I had closed that chapter for good.
Then in 2009, the housing and market crash hit, and like many others, I was laid off. With jobs vanishing across industries and few options ahead, I remembered that I still held a manicuring license. I decided to give nails another try—just until I could get back on my feet. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with the craft. There’s a quiet, meditative joy in painting a nail, in creating beauty through care. Even more fulfilling was the ability to provide a safe, welcoming space for others—a place where clients could feel genuinely cared for.
As my passion grew, so did my desire to offer the kind of experience I rarely encountered in nail salons: thoughtful, trust-based, and focused on long-term nail health. I worked independently in a hair salon for several years before joining a high-end nail art salon in West Los Angeles in 2014. After two years, I felt it was time to step out on my own. I craved full autonomy—to shape the quality of care, products, and services I knew my clients deserved.
In 2023, I took my biggest leap yet: I began working on The Nail Insider, a small salon built from the ground up. My mission is to cultivate a community of passionate nail professionals and offer services and products that support healthy, natural nails—especially through the use of high-quality gel systems. At the heart of everything I do is a simple vision: to create a safe, caring environment where self-care is honored, and trust is earned one appointment at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As my passion deepened, so did my commitment to providing thoughtful, health-conscious nail care. But turning that vision into a reality wasn’t easy. Working out of a shared salon space, I often felt limited in how much I could offer. Finding a location that aligned with my values—clean, welcoming, and accessible—was a long and frustrating process. Securing funding to build a salon from scratch was another significant hurdle. I was self-financing much of the journey, which meant every decision carried weight.
Sourcing products was one of the most important—and challenging—parts of building my business. I was determined to use only high-quality, low-toxicity gels and care products, prioritizing the health of both my clients and myself. That led me to research and import products from Japan, Korea, and Canada—brands known for performance, innovation, and a commitment to safety. This process involved trial and error, shipping delays, import fees, and constant education, but it was non-negotiable for me. I refused to compromise on quality or health.
This journey has been full of challenges, but each one has brought me closer to the purpose behind it all: to create something lasting, honest, and healing—one appointment at a time.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Nail Tailor offers manicure and pedicure services using carefully selected products that omit harsh ingredients like synthetic sulfates, benzophenone, parabens, and other common irritants. Our space is entirely acrylic-free—designed to be a true sanctuary for your self-care routine.
This is a place where you can relax, be heard, and feel safe—without pressure, upselling, or judgment. Communication and comfort are core to the experience, and we prioritize creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where you can be exactly who you are.
It’s all about the vibe. We cater to individuals who resonate with our mindful, wellness-focused approach to nail care. As an adult-only salon, our clients value peace of mind, cleanliness, and personalized service. From curated color selections to thoughtful nail art, our team works with you to express your style while supporting the health of your natural nails.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenailinsider.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenailtailor/
Image Credits
All hand-painted nail art designs and photographic content are the original work of W. Willis and are the exclusive intellectual property of The Nail Tailor LLC.
