We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Ashleigh Owens (@fauxjacat), a nail technician and salon owner of Art Official Nails in Denver, Colorado who specializes in Gel X and nail art.
Q&A with Ashleigh
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Ashleigh Owens (AO): I have an identical twin sister. People mistake her for me all the time!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
AO: I first got into nail art around 2012 as a creative outlet. It was a hobby for years until I ended up in a job I hated. I started asking myself what I’d rather be doing and what kind of life I wanted to live. Doing nails was the answer because it felt natural. I was already doing it for fun, often for free, and I genuinely enjoyed it. My hobby became my passion, and that led me to pursue it professionally.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
AO: My proudest accomplishment so far has been opening my own salon suite — twice! I run two locations of Art Official Nails, which is the creative home to a collective of 12 nail techs. We each have our own style and vision. What I’m most proud of is creating a space that’s about community: a welcoming, supportive environment where creativity and professionalism can thrive side by side.
BLP: What is your current favorite nail trend?
AO: My current favorite nail art trend is 3D sculpting. I love how playful it is. Mini fruits, animals, candy, flowers — the possibilities are endless! I’m also a fan of ‘syrup’ colors. I love how they seem opaque but sheer at the same time.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
AO: A tip I’d give other beauty pros is one I shared on Threads: When taking pics, think ‘less hands, more nails!’”
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
AO: Keep going, and don’t worry so much.
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
AO: A tip I learned that has helped me is from my friend and fellow nail tech, Kadira (@kapu_gel): Fix your mistakes when you make them or else they will build up.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
AO: I consider Su Nguyen (@sauvage_artistry) on Instagram to be a role model to me. I don’t know them personally, but I aspire to their artistic heights. Such inspirational work.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
AO: I’m still figuring out my work-life balance, but one thing that helps is to set aside 10 minutes a day to sit in stillness and silence. That small habit grounds me and helps me move through the rest of the day with clarity.
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
AO: I’d love to see more collaboration and unity among nail professionals. There's power in community, and I think it’s time we set new standards in how we work, market ourselves and support each other.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
AO: I’d love to go on an international nail art tour. I imagine traveling to different cities to do nails, connecting with other artists and taking in inspiration from around the world. It would be an exciting and fulfilling adventure!
