Meet Amber Michaux of The Gleaux Lounge in Leimert Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Michaux.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started doing nails in college/ when I was too busy working to go to the nail salon. I am also very picky about my sets and nowhere I would go had the nail art I wanted. I decided to search, buy the materials and practice on myself, my cousin, and friends…I found myself really enjoying my hobby and thinking of how to turn it into something real, and permanent. I had to get in the mindset that not everything is perfect when you start out so once I created my page and The Gleaux Lounge was born.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh, definitely not..with anything in life you’ll run in to road blocks and I’ve always been a very resilient individual… I kept dusting myself and going again because to me, failure isn’t an option..it just adds to your story and mine was just getting started. In the beginning of my journey I was going to school- not thinking about making this into a full time business. Once I graduated I started working full time slowly growing my nail supplies. I was definitely in my head, caught up on what people were going to say. When COVID hit and we had the stay at home order, I found that a lot of schools were transferring their lessons to online learning- which wasn’t heard of for cosmetology I decided to go for it. Once I started to really get committed to getting my manicuring license, I was involved in a pretty serious car accident, I had to stay in bed, rest and sleep. I was restless during this time, wanting to grow my business and stay online all day completing hours, but I couldn’t. As I healed, I started to slowly jump back in and had to modify my nail services due to the new COVID Regulations- to protect not only my clients but myself and my family.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Gleaux Lounge – what should we know?
The Gleaux Lounge is a privately owned travel nail salon. The services I provide are manicures and pedicures- mostly Acrylic nail enhancements. I also focus on healthy nails and nail care in between nail sets. I want my clients to glow hence my business name ‘The Gleaux Lounge’. To many especially speaking for myself my nails are a form of self-expression, how I want to feel and look…it can either be fun/ flirty, cool/ classy, or wild/ eclectic. The options are endless and I love bringing new ideas and my client’s enhancements to life. It’s been an extremely worthwhile journey to see my once fun idea come to life and have my clients leave happy and coming back. What also sets me apart is that I am extremely passionate about my business and very meticulous when I come to your nail health and the service that you’ve asked for. In my chair, you wouldn’t second guess if the right precautions are being taken & you’ll leave feeling relaxed and glowing.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family actually, I threw the idea around playfully to start seriously doing acrylic nails after the initial me being in my head and worried about others opinions. To my surprise they told me to not doubt myself. Going into this industry is pretty tough, it is primarily ran by mostly Vietnamese men and women. It wasn’t until the last few years that I have seen more young Black women becoming acrylic manicurists and it wasn’t so far fetched for me to join the industry. My parents helped me with the legal side of ‘The Gleaux Lounge’ and my cousin allowed me to do her nails. My close friend started to help me with promotion and getting my Instagram together- also a few clients other than family and friends. During this journey, I can say even though wasn’t easy – I definitely have great and supportive tribe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bookthegleauxlounge.as.me/schedule.php
• Phone: 3236138396
• Email: thegleauxlounge@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegleauxlounge/

Image Credit:
Nail pictures // The Gleaux Lounge

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