Rising Stars: Meet QueenEsther Ekanem of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to QueenEsther Ekanem

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m QueenEsther Ekanem, Owner of StarLuxe Nails & Spa Lounge in Los Angeles, CA. I’m a Nigerian-American from Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria, but I consider Houston, TX my Hometown in America and Los Angeles, CA my Love.

In 2023, the idea of owning a nail salon was sparked when my best friend, a talented realtor in Houston, shared a video of a salon she was selling for a client. While everyone in our group chat said no, I watched the video a few times, and something deep inside told me this was what I had been searching for. Soon after, an opportunity arose in LA, and I knew it was time to take the leap and pursue my vision.

Opening StarLuxe Nails & Spa Lounge, or as we love to call it “SLN Lounge,” felt like a divine blessing of God. It’s one of those blessings we say God put in your hands. Being a Black-owned business, it was also important to me to represent diversity and offer a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. It allowed me to combine my passion for beauty and self-care with my skills in business, management, and design. Today, SLN Lounge is a luxurious space where people can feel completely pampered, relaxed, and truly valued while enjoying the highest quality services in an intimate, calm atmosphere.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth despite the beauty of the vision and my passion for serving others. Not being a licensed nail technician myself and entering a completely new industry was daunting, even with my years of experience in related fields. I had to dive deep into learning the business—things like builder gel and Barbicide were foreign to me at first! lol! Building clientele from scratch has also presented its challenges.

Through it all, we have stayed focused on the vision and the clients we aim to serve. It’s all part of the journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It warms my heart when we see clients return and book appointments—it reassures me that we’re on the right path. I’m grateful for the amazing nail technicians who have joined me on this journey. I’m honored to offer a space where nail technicians feel safe and valued while serving clients. It’s rewarding to see them express their creativity and passion in an environment that celebrates their artistry. Creating a workplace where they feel happy and inspired is just as important to me as ensuring our clients have an exceptional experience.

We officially opened in June 2024, and each day brings new lessons. That’s the beauty of starting a new business—you have moments where you’re beaming with pride, and others where you go home and shed a few tears. I count them all as lessons, and we continue to bring on more talented professionals to meet the high standards of our lounge and provide the best.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I graduated with a BA in Communication from Louisiana State University—Geaux Tigers! With 13 years of experience in the multifamily residential industry, I currently serve as a Property Manager, overseeing a luxury mid-rise community in Los Angeles, CA. With a background in property management, real estate, customer service, and project management, I’ve always had a passion for interior decorating and creating exceptional experiences.

Walking into StarLuxe Nails & Spa Lounge fills my heart with joy, as it reflects my personality and values. My friends joke and say when they walk into SLN Lounge that they feel they are walking into my home, lol! Only difference is pink instead of purple. The organized, clean, and vibrant pink and gold decor creates a space where clients feel beautiful, relaxed, luxurious, and loved. To me, luxury is about presentation and the experience, not necessarily the expense.

One of my proudest moments has been having my Nigerian mother experience her first-ever pedicure and manicure right here at SLN Lounge. As our very first customer, her support has been instrumental in shaping this vision. I truly believe that the positive feedback we receive from clients is a result of her prayers. One of her specific prayers has always been that I will be blessed, our nail technicians will be blessed, and most importantly, that every client who walks into SLN Lounge will leave feeling peaceful, happy, and blessed. Hearing our clients’ compliments about the relaxing environment, cleanliness, and quality of their nails truly warms my heart.

What sets us apart is that our nail technicians don’t just provide services; they also educate clients about their nails while they work, including details on nail care and hygienic space and tools. We welcome our clients with a glass of wine and snacks, and they can catch up on their favorite TV shows while getting their nails done. This way, they never have to feel like they’re missing out on their home comforts or weekend downtime. We serve a diverse clientele, including men, women, and children, and take pride in creating an inclusive, warm atmosphere. Our prime location on Mid-Wilshire Blvd. adds to our accessibility, and we are especially known for our detailed nail designs.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking has been key for me—attending industry events, joining professional groups, and connecting with people on platforms like LinkedIn have opened doors and provided valuable guidance.

I firmly believe that there’s no need to make unnecessary mistakes when you can learn from others who’ve been there. However, remember that it’s important to make decisions for yourself. Take mentorship advice and other opinions into account, but do your research and trust your instincts and God. Seeking help is key, but ultimately, you are the one who decides the direction you want to take.

My goal has always been to create a space that offers an elevated, loved experience, and I’m excited to continue growing that vision in the heart of Los Angeles. I’m grateful to everyone that has experienced services by the StarLuxe Nails & Spa Lounge and welcome others to join us and invite friends and family. Thank you!

Pricing:

• Please visit www.starluxenailsspalounge.com for updated pricing information and details of our services.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.starluxenailsspalounge.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starluxenailsspalounge/

Image Credits
SHINAOKELOLA PHOTOGRAPHY by Shina Okelola