Nail salon owner who believes in positivity

CINDY Nguyen is the owner of Nail Deluxe in Duke Street, Henley, which has just celebrated its second birthday. Originally from Vietnam, she is a single mother, with two children, and lives locally.

Describe your business.

I own a nail salon that provides manicures, pedicures and all services for nails.

How many people does it employ?

Five people, including me.

What did you do before you started this business?

I have been in the nail business for the last 20 years.

When did you start your business?

I opened the salon in 2023 and we have been busy ever since we opened. We recently came seventh in the National Beauty Awards, which is a great start.

What was your objective?

My goal was to be self-employed and therefore I wanted to own a business and generate a steady income for myself and provide a high quality of care to my clients.

Who or what influenced you?

I was inspired by people I know in the nail industry to provide a friendly professional working envi-ronment.

Do you have a mentor or role model?

I learned a lot from long-time friends in the industry and they are all very successful.

What would you do differently if starting again?

I would invest more in advertising and invest in more staff if I could. We are always busy at the moment — there are not enough hours in the day — and even open on Sundays.

How is your business doing?

My salon has increased revenue year on year by 23 per cent.

Do you compare on a regular basis?

I compare monthly and annual revenue to evaluate performance and make appropriate adjustments.

How do you market your business?

I promote through social media and we have positive reviews on Google.

What’s the best thing about running your business?

It’s being able to make your own decisions to be productive with my time and learning more about the business. We can experiment, it’s a craft and my decision.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

Managing staff and maintaining a stable service every day.

Where is your business headed?

I hope to grow my nail salon into a well-loved brand where customers always feel satisfied and want to return.

How important are online sales?

We don’t have online sales or an online booking system. However, an online presence is very important to us.

Are you using generative AI to shape your business?

Yes, I have started using AI tools to write promotional posts and design banners and help to manage bookings.

Do you have a five-year plan?

I hope to build a strong stable plan and earn a solid reputation in the industry.

How do you have a work-life balance?

I try to manage my time well and I always reserve evenings or days off to spend with my children.

Do you set any goals at the start of a new financial year?

Yes, to increase client number and improve service quality and make upgrades to the salon.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Local customers are the valuable asset. If you serve them well they will return and recommend to others.

What advice would you offer to anybody starting a business?

Prepare your finances carefully, master your craft, don’t be afraid of hard work and always stay positive.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?

I did not focus on marketing and I regret this.

How organised are you?

I am very organised, I have to be.

How are you planning for retirement?

I am saving, and I am planning to pass the salon on to a trusted family member, or staff in the future.

What’s the secret of your success?

Always work with your heart — I listen to my clients and keep learning to improve every day.

What three qualities do you think are most important to running a profitable business?

Hard work, good communication with customers and consistency in quality.

How do you dress for work each day and is it important?

Clean professional comfortable clothes. It is important because this shows respect to clients and helps build trust.

What can’t you be without every day?

A smile and positive attitude.

Lunch at your desk or going out?

I usually have lunch at the back of the salon or have a quick break outside if time allows.

Do you continue to study?

Yes, I watch online tutorials, join workshops and follow new trends to improve my skills.

What do you read?

Beauty magazines and nail trend blogs.

What change would you most like to see in 2025?

More appreciation for personal care service. Clients come to us not only to get their nails done but to relax and feel better. I hope more people will see the nail salon as a part of wellness — not just beauty.