Inspiring Conversations with Shawn Park of Nails on 6th / Big Unni

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Park

Shawn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Shawn, and together with my mom, Jane, we run a small nail salon business in Los Angeles. For over 20 years, my mom has been in the nail industry, starting her career in various salons before becoming a private nail technician and building a loyal clientele for more than a decade. When the pandemic forced her to close her private setup and return to working at a salon, she never stopped looking for a way to rebuild.

That opportunity came in the summer of 2022, when she found a cozy spot in our neighborhood. She took a bold step and opened her own salon, investing our savings and her determination to create something that could provide stability for our family. At first, she worked solo while I supported her after my 9-to-5 job and on weekends. As word spread and both our team and client base grew, I left my job to help her manage the business full-time. By the end of 2023, we had grown enough to open a second location. It was an ambitious move, and while we were optimistic, we couldn’t have predicted the challenges that were just around the corner.

This business means the world to us because it represents so much more than nails — it’s the story of my mom’s dedication and hard work as a single mother. She spent her life providing for us, always putting me first, and now it’s my life goal to help her retire and finally put her needs above all else. It’s my way of honoring her sacrifices and showing how much she means to me.

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?
It’s been anything but smooth. The past year has tested us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Shortly after signing the lease for our second location in November 2023, our apartment building caught fire in January 2024, displacing our family and turning our world upside down. (We even ended up on the local news!) Then, in March 2024, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her treatment involved surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

When we opened the second shop in June 2024, she had just started chemo. (In fact, she worked for a week before beginning treatment.) With only two employees — one of them part-time — there were moments when she had no choice but to step in, even while undergoing treatment. As her son, it was heartbreaking to see her push through when I knew how much she was enduring. At the same time, a new shop without its owner present posed another challenge. I found myself constantly bouncing back and forth between locations, doing everything I could to keep both shops running.

Adding to the stress, it took us seven months from signing the lease to opening the second shop, with only the first three months of rent covered. We had to pay for rent without operating, which put a significant financial strain on us. Those months were some of the most challenging we’ve faced.

The challenges have been overwhelming, but they’ve also reinforced what matters most: family and resilience. My mom is the heart of our business, and when she had to step back, I stepped forward. It hasn’t been about having a perfect plan — it’s been about showing up, even when things felt impossible.

We’ve been carried by the unwavering support of our clients and team, and with my mom now finishing her treatments and taking things slow, we’re starting to see hope. It’s been a tough road, but we’re walking it together, and that’s what keeps us going.

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?
We currently operate two nail salons in Los Angeles, both located in Koreatown: Nails on 6th and Big Unni Nail Haus. Nails on 6th, our flagship location, is a boutique studio that holds a lot of sentimental value as it was our first shop. Big Unni Nail Haus is our newest addition, continuing our mission of creating warm, welcoming spaces where clients feel truly cared for.

We specialize in gel nails and custom nail art, offering over 1,000 color options and countless design accessories. Our clients love the long-lasting results and exceptional quality of our services, thanks to the high-grade products we use, many of which are sourced from Korea and Japan.

What truly sets us apart is the personal connections we build and the cozy, intimate vibe of our salons. We’re small by design because we love creating spaces that feel relaxing and just like home. Whether it’s chatting about life or helping clients find the perfect design, we strive to make every visit more than just a service — it’s an experience.

We’re also proud to prioritize health and comfort. Our salons are acrylic-free and dip powder-free, ensuring a clean, odor-free environment without harsh chemicals or airborne dust. But for us, the heart of our business is people. Our relationships with clients and the community mean everything, and we strive to make every guest feel at home and cared for.

As someone who grew up in Los Angeles and has lived here for most of my life, I love sharing things about LA with our clients. It’s a small way we connect and celebrate the city that we call home. People come and go — some move to LA, others leave, while some share life milestones with us, like getting married or starting new jobs. I love this dynamic — it’s a reminder of how much life happens within the walls of our salons, and it’s an honor to be part of our clients’ journeys, even in small ways.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a role, but it’s not the whole story. The timing for our first shop felt just right — everything fell into place, and we were lucky to find the perfect location. But with our second location, we’ve faced hurdle after hurdle. From the fire that displaced our family to my mom’s cancer diagnosis, the challenges have been immense. And then there’s all the stuff in between. We’re just regular people trying to navigate it all, humbled again and again.

Even in tough times, moments of good luck have reminded us why we started. It was the small gestures of kindness that carried us through. Luck may open doors, but it’s resilience and action that carry you forward. And above all, be kind and grateful — that’s what keeps you grounded. For me, it’s about working toward my goal of giving my mom the retirement she deserves — I owe her everything. She’s sacrificed so much for me, and that’s what drives me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nailson6th.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsonsixth/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/mybigunni/
• Other: hello@nailson6th.com