Liudmya Nikohosian welcomes Beauty Launchpad to Nails by Mila in Seminole, FL.
The Backstory
I moved to the United States from Ukraine in 2022. In Ukraine, I worked as a lawyer, but when I arrived in the U.S., I had to start my life and career from scratch. Right away, I began looking for opportunities to study manicures and pedicures because I’ve always been passionate about the philosophy of nail care. I truly love well-groomed hands and feet — to me, it’s not just about beauty, but about self-respect and confidence. That’s why I chose to become a nail technician.
I completed numerous online courses to strengthen my skills and deepen my knowledge. I then worked in several salons, gaining hands-on experience. The most formative time was when I worked in an American nail salon in St. Petersburg, Florida — it was there that I grew professionally and saw what I wanted (and didn’t want) in my future business.
At some point, I realized I wanted to create a space that reflected my values and personal standards — because I care deeply about every detail, and quality always comes first. After gaining experience and overcoming many challenges, I knew the time had come. If I didn’t take the leap now, I might never do it.
To me, NAILS BY MILA is not just a salon — it’s a brand with a mission: to deliver detailed, thoughtful care that helps every client feel seen, relaxed and beautiful — inside and out.
The Look
It was important for me to create a space that felt cozy, clean and stylish. I was inspired by European aesthetics — minimalism, soft tones, natural textures and thoughtful details. My salon is designed in shades of pink, gray and black, with accents of gold hardware. This palette brings a modern and elegant feel that clients instantly connect with.
I poured a lot of heart and energy into the space. I personally selected the colors, painted the walls myself and even created the two large art pieces that decorate the pedicure zone. They match the interior and reflect my personality.
The pedicure area is one of the most-loved features of the salon. It’s adorned with four stunning, oversized blush-pink armchairs upholstered in plush velvet. These luxurious chairs are not only visually striking — they’re incredibly soft and deeply comfortable. Clients often tell me they feel like royalty while sitting in them, and many don’t want to leave! This cozy, elegant setup makes every pedicure feel like a true spa experience.
Fresh flowers — especially roses — are always present, and I often light scented candles during the day to fill the salon with relaxing aromas. I wanted to create not just a place for services, but a space with soul, where every client feels cared for the moment they step in.
Signature Services
At my salon, I offer European-style manicures and pedicures, nail shaping, gel and polish application, nail art and spa-level hand and foot care. I work with hard gel, gel polish and regular nail polish, so clients can choose what best suits their lifestyle.
One of my signature services is a custom spa pedicure. It includes careful product removal using an electric file (for gel or long-wear coatings), nail trimming, shaping and cuticle work — followed by a warm salt soak, exfoliating scrub, light massage and warm towel treatment. It’s a full relaxation ritual that many clients look forward to each month.
I’m also currently developing my own foot care mask to address dry or cracked heels — a common concern for many of my clients. My goal is to offer a high-quality, salon-standard product they can use at home.
The Goods
I use only professional, non-toxic and hypoallergenic products that are safe for both the client and the technician. My go-to formats include hard gel, gel polish and regular polish — all carefully selected to avoid harsh chemicals and suit even the most sensitive skin or nails.
Some of the brands I rely on include Madam Glam, Dazzle Dry and Ukrainian manufacturers like Dark, Luna and PNB. They’re known for their durability, high pigment quality and consistent results. I also use various care items like scrubs, creams and oils to ensure every treatment ends with nourishment and comfort.
Standing Out
My salon combines the precision and hygiene of European techniques with a deeply personalized approach. I never rush through appointments or treat clients as numbers. Each service is tailored — based on the client’s nail condition, lifestyle and comfort level.
Clients often say my salon feels like home — calm, clean and filled with care. One of them once told me, “Coming here is my favorite part of the month — it’s not just about my nails, it’s how I feel when I leave.” That perfectly captures the experience I aim to create.
Everything — from music and scent to sterilization practices and visual aesthetics — is designed to make people feel safe, appreciated and seen. For me, nail care isn’t just a service. It’s a form of wellness, beauty and trust.
Social Butterfly
I’m very active on Instagram @nailsby_mila_. It’s where I share the salon atmosphere, my techniques and client transformations — along with nail trends, self-care tips and industry insights.
You’ll find Reels, before-and-after videos, step-by-step demos and behind-the-scenes moments from my daily work. I love connecting with my audience through education and transparency — not just curated content.
Clients often tag me in their Stories after appointments, which helps foster community and trust. My work has also been featured in publications like Tampa Bay Times, Voyage Tampa and Ukrainian magazines — where I’ve shared my journey from immigration to entrepreneurship.
What's Next?
I’m currently working on launching a line of hand and foot care products — including creams and masks — so clients can bring a piece of the salon experience home.
I’m also planning to expand my team with nail technicians who share my philosophy: high standards, attention to detail, a clean and personalized approach and love for the craft. I’m building an internal training system to maintain the same level of care across every appointment.
Another exciting goal is to start offering workshops and classes — to support and mentor new nail professionals, especially those starting over like I once did.
Lastly, I’ll continue strengthening my online presence and brand voice. My dream is to build not just a salon, but a space where women feel confident, cared for and empowered — from the inside out.
+Details
Owner: Liudmya Nikohosian
EST: June 2024
Location: Seminole, FL
Employees: 5 professionals: 2 nail technicians, 1 front desk administrator, 1 permanent makeup artist and 1 lash extension specialist
Chairs: The salon is approximately 700 square feet, featuring a main manicure and pedicure area and one private room for beauty services such as permanent makeup and lash extensions. At the moment, we have: 2 manicure tables and 4 pedicure chairs with built-in sinks We’ve also ordered two custom-built double manicure tables to replace the current ones and increase the number of workstations. These additions will support the salon’s growth and offer rental opportunities for licensed nail technicians who share our commitment to quality, hygiene and personalized care.
Website: milanovanails.com
Up Close with the Owner
How did you get your start in the industry?
I didn’t just enter the nail industry — I built my place in it step by step. It started with education: I enrolled in a licensed nail school in the U.S. and complemented that learning with countless online classes and global workshops. This gave me a technical foundation — but more importantly, it sparked a deeper curiosity about quality, hygiene and technique.
Next came hands-on experience. I worked in two very different salons — one that focused on Russian-style manicures and another that followed a more classic American approach. Observing both environments helped me understand what kind of experience I wanted to create for my own clients someday — one rooted in consistency, care and thoughtful detail.
That’s when I shifted from being just a technician to a professional with a vision. My standards, my voice and my long-term goals became clear — and that’s what ultimately inspired me to launch my own salon.
What are some of your biggest challenges as a salon owner?
The biggest challenge is finding balance between the creative and operational sides of the business. I love the craft — working with my hands, designing beautiful sets and connecting with clients. As a salon owner, I also manage logistics: inventory, scheduling, payroll, licenses, leases and team operations.
Some things were especially difficult to navigate as an immigrant. For example, learning Florida’s licensing regulations, registering my LLC, setting up accounting systems and doing it all in a second language required persistence and patience. There were many moments of self-doubt — but each obstacle made me stronger and more disciplined.
Today, I see those challenges as part of my growth. They’ve shaped me into a more adaptable, confident and business-minded leader.
What changes would you like to see in the industry to empower other salon owners?
I would love to see more support specifically for salon business owners — such as associations, professional communities, online platforms or in-person meetups where we can share experiences, learn from one another and offer mutual support. There’s a real need for a stronger sense of community, especially for those who are just starting out or navigating the industry in a new country.
I also believe that European manicure techniques deserve greater recognition and trust in the U.S. These methods are gentle, precise and focused on cleanliness and detail. I’d love to see more professionals feel confident adopting them, and more clients understanding their value.
In addition, I think it’s important that salon owners and technicians have better access to affordable education, clear information and legal guidance — particularly for newcomers who are building their businesses from the ground up.
What advice would you give a new salon owner? What is something you wish you knew when you were first starting out?
Start with structure. Learn not just how to do nails, but how to run a business — understand contracts, licenses, taxes, client communication and the value of digital tools. Build systems early: checklists, timelines and clear processes will keep you grounded.
Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment — it doesn’t exist. Mistakes are part of the process. What matters is how you respond to them. Be curious, stay open and always keep improving.
Most importantly: surround yourself with people who support your goals. The journey can feel lonely, but when your business reflects who you are, it’s incredibly rewarding.
What services/nail art/designs have you seen trending in your salon recently? Why do you think this is?
As we shift from summer into fall, I’ve noticed a beautiful balance between softness and boldness in nail design trends.
One of the most requested styles right now is Cherry Nails — small, hand-painted cherries over neutral or translucent bases. It’s playful, feminine and nostalgic. A standout summer trend was Buttery Yellow — a soft pastel tone that brightened up every skin tone. As we head into cooler months, shades are shifting.
Mocha Mousse, a cozy chocolate-brown hue seen in Gucci, Max Mara and Saint Laurent collections, is rising fast. Powder Pink, featured in Miu Miu’s fall lineup, offers a delicate touch. I also see Pistachio and Mint Green gaining popularity — they feel fresh, modern, and elegant.
For clients who prefer something striking, red, orange and metallic accents (like chrome or abstract graphic lines) remain go-to favorites.
These trends resonate because they connect fashion, social media and self-expression. Nails are no longer just a grooming service — they’re a creative extension of personal style.
At my salon, I love pairing modern tones with minimalist design to create timeless looks that feel both trendy and wearable.
What are some top tips you have for fellow nail pros to grow their manicure and pedicure skills?
Never stop learning. This industry is always evolving — and those who stay curious will always stay relevant. Take classes, try new products and refine your technique. Don’t be afraid to challenge your own routine.
Study nail anatomy, sanitation and product chemistry. Understanding the science behind what you do sets professionals apart from hobbyists.
A few more tips:
- Photograph your work regularly — it helps track growth and build your portfolio.
- Focus on the little things — details matter more than you think.
- Stay consistent — consistency builds client trust.
- Most of all: love your work. Your passion will always come through.
Excellence doesn’t happen overnight, but when your work carries pride and care, people will notice.
