Rising Stars: Meet Sandy Nguyen of San Francisco, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Nguyen.

Hi Sandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
March 15, 2020, was the day my world — and everyone else’s — shut down because of the Covid-19 pandemic. I was furloughed from the hospitality job I had worked at for four years. Up until that moment, I never imagined losing my job or questioned what I would do outside of the hospitality industry. Covid put my entire life into a spiral. After months of lockdown, I started realizing the world would never be the same again. By then, it became clear that I was not getting my job back. The pandemic was real, and it was affecting everyone’s livelihood. In May of 2020, my mother asked me if I wanted to take over a nail salon from an owner who was ready to let it go for a good price. At the time, it sounded risky. Nail salons were shut down, businesses were struggling, and nobody knew if the economy would recover. But deep down, I knew this might be my chance to finally pursue something I truly loved. I have always loved doing nails, especially creative and detailed designs. Even though I was self-taught, I knew I had talent and passion for it. I also realized I no longer had passion for school or the career path I was originally on. So, in the summer of 2020, my mother and I took over the salon. To this day, it is still just the two of us running it together.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wanted the salon to become more than just a place to get nails done. I wanted it to feel like a safe space for like-minded people — a place built on one-on-one interaction, creativity, and genuine connection. Every nail set I create tells a story. Through every appointment, I meet strong, beautiful people from different walks of life, each carrying experiences waiting to be heard. Over time, my clients became more than just clients to me. We built trust, friendships, and meaningful bonds through the art we created together. After being isolated for so long during the pandemic, I think many of us were craving human connection and community. I’m proud that over the last five years, I’ve been able to create that space for people. I’m grateful for every person who has walked through my salon doors, especially the clients who have supported me since the Covid days.
At the same time, being a nail artist has been one of the hardest journeys I’ve experienced. People often only see the finished nails and creativity, but they do not see the struggles behind the scenes. One of the biggest challenges has been reaching the right clientele — people who truly value the artistry, time, and passion behind my work. Social media has made the industry even more competitive because now I not only have to be a nail artist, but also a content creator, marketer, and business owner just to stay visible. The economy has also greatly affected the nail industry. As the cost of living continues to rise, nails are often seen as a luxury people cut back on first. I’ve seen clients stretch appointments further apart, downgrade services, or stop booking entirely. At the same time, my own expenses continue to increase — supplies, tools, products, rent, and daily business costs are all more expensive now. It can be stressful trying to balance staying financially stable while still keeping my services affordable for my clients.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in abstract art, freehand imperfect designs, fun textures, and 3D nail art. My work is all about creativity, individuality, and making every set feel unique to the person wearing it. I take pride in taking my time with each nail set — my appointments are never rushed because I truly care about the quality of my work and the experience my clients have with me. What sets me apart is the connection I build with my clients. I’ve created a safe, judgment-free space where people feel heard, seen, and respected. During appointments, I’m not just doing nails — I’m also someone my clients can talk to openly. I value compassion, trust, and human connection just as much as artistry. The career I want to build is rooted in community, self-expression, and mutual support. I want every person who sits in my chair to leave feeling more confident, understood, and inspired.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Starting a nail career can be scary, but don’t wait for the “perfect” moment — just start. You’re going to make mistakes and have sets that don’t come out how you imagined, but that’s part of learning and growing. Every new set teaches you something different and helps you improve your craft. Be bold, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is not a loss — it’s a gain in perspective, experience, and knowledge. Study your mistakes, embrace them, and use them to become better instead of letting them discourage you. Growth comes from consistency, patience, and believing in yourself even when progress feels small. Most importantly, never give up on your vision. Even when hope feels small, keep pushing forward and continue to thrive. Your passion, dedication, and willingness to learn will take you further than perfection ever could.

Pricing:

• Freestyle Long Set 140 (all 10 designs)
• Freestyle Medium Set 100 (all 10 Des)
• Freestyle 2XL set 170 (all 10 designs)
• Freestyle 3XL set 200 (all 10 designs)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sunshinenails_sf
• Other: tiktok @sunshinenails_sf