We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Nethan Nguyen (@nailsbynethan), a nail artist, educator and owner of Nails & Co in Cranberry, PA.
Q&A with Nethan
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Nethan Nguyen (NN): I have an eye for perfect color matching, a natural gift for turning nail sessions into therapy, a quick wit that keeps my clients laughing and a true passion for making people feel effortlessly beautiful.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
NN: With over a decade in the nail industry, my journey has been fueled by a deep love for both art and music—two passions that inspire my creativity every day.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
NN: One of my proudest accomplishments in the industry so far is having the honor of working with celebrities like Hilary Swank and Karrueche, and teaching at a major nail magazine event after placing 2nd in a national competition—a moment that truly celebrated my passion, skill and love for nails.
BLP: What is your current favorite nail trend?
NN: My favorite nail trend is mermaid, 3D ocean-inspired nails.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
NN: A tip I always share with fellow beauty pros: invest in quality equipment for filming and editing, stay consistent with daily posts and focus on creating original, authentic content that truly reflects your style because that’s what sets you apart and keeps people coming back.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
NN: I’ll thank myself for never giving up and for letting this passion grow, evolve and inspire others along the way and for pushing through the tough days, staying true to my artistry and turning every challenge into fuel. Because of that resilience, I’ve built something meaningful—not just a career, but a purpose.
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
NN: One key technique that’s boosted my efficiency is implementing time blocking. I schedule specific blocks of time for focused tasks, client meetings and admin work, minimizing distractions and multitasking. This has streamlined my workflow, improved productivity and allowed me to deliver better results for my clients consistently.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
NN: Vivxue, TinoVo and Nailz_by_dev
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
NN: I take a short vacation every few months to relieve stress. I unplug from work, skip all nail-related tasks and just relax with family or binge a favorite show. This keeps me recharged and separates my work from my personal life.
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
NN: The beauty industry needs better training for nail techs, mental health support with mandatory vacation time and tech tools like AI scheduling to boost efficiency. Embracing inclusivity and sustainable products will also help pros thrive.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
NN: As a nail artist, my career goal is to build my own nail product brand, focusing on high-quality, inclusive designs that reflect global trends. I aim to travel internationally, collaborating with beauty pros worldwide to share techniques, spark creativity and grow my brand’s presence while connecting with diverse communities.
