We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Emily Phommaleuth (@emznailedit), a nail artist based out of St. Charles, IL.
Q&A with Emily
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Emily Phommaleuth (EP): When I was younger, I used to sing at weddings with my parents band.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
EP: My sister is also a nail tech, and when I wasn’t sure which direction to take, she encouraged me to get my license and give nails a try. Now, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
EP: One of my proudest accomplishments so far has been building a loyal clientele and creating a space where people feel comfortable, cared for and confident in their nails. It means so much to me that clients trust me with their hands and keep coming back — it’s something I don’t take for granted.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair/nail trend?
EP: I’m such a sucker for anything aura, ombré or chrome — they always have my heart! I also have a soft spot for textured designs. There’s just something about that added dimension that I love.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
EP: One tip I’d share is to just show up as yourself. It can be easy to get caught up in trends or feel like you have to post a certain way, but the more you lean into who you are and what makes your work unique, the more your people will naturally find you. Stay consistent, keep learning and don’t be afraid to share your journey—even the messy parts.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
EP: Looking back, I would tell my younger self to give herself grace and trust the process. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away — growth takes time. There will be moments of doubt, comparison and mistakes, but each one is part of the journey. Stay curious, keep showing up and remember that it’s okay to move at your own pace. You’re doing better than you think.
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
EP: One thing that’s really helped me become more efficient and confident in my services is investing in continuing education. Taking classes—whether it’s to learn a new technique or to refine the basics—has made such a difference in how I work behind the table. There’s always something new to learn, and staying open to growth has not only improved my skills, but also helped me better serve my clients.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
EP: There are so many talented people in this industry who inspire me, but one person I truly look up to is my sister. She’s the reason I started this journey, and watching how passionate, patient and dedicated she is has taught me so much. I’ve learned not just techniques from her, but also how to carry myself with integrity and care in this industry. I’m really grateful for her guidance and support.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
EP: One practice that’s been really important for me is giving myself time to fully disconnect after work. Whether it’s spending quiet time at home, going for a walk or just putting my phone away for a bit, those little moments help me reset. I’ve learned that setting boundaries doesn’t mean you care any less — it just means you’re protecting your energy, so you can show up fully, both for your clients and for yourself. It’s something I’m still learning, but it’s made a big difference.
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
EP: I think one thing that needs to shift is the mindset around competition. There’s so much room for all of us to succeed, and when we move from comparison to community, everyone grows. More support, more transparency, and more opportunities for education—especially in areas like business, pricing, and boundaries—can really help beauty pros build sustainable careers. We all have something unique to offer, and lifting each other up only makes the industry stronger.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
EP: One career goal I have is to continue sharing what I’ve learned with others —whether it’s through teaching, mentoring or just being a resource for someone starting out. I still have so much to learn myself, but if I can help even one person feel more confident in their journey, that would mean a lot. Growing my skills while also giving back is something I truly hope to keep doing.
