chelle

A little about me

I grew up in Garden Grove, Orange County, also known as part of Little Saigon. Before starting my nail artist journey, I did the responsible thing any first-gen child did: I went to university and got a double major in accounting and information systems. I quickly realized that I loved creating art more. The spreadsheets lost.

As a little girl, I remember seeing displays of nail designs on long curved tips, airbrush machines, rhinestones, and a wide selection of colors on the walls. My uncle had his own nail salon and many of my other relatives worked in nail salons, so it was a familiar thing to me. Many people in the community saw a career in nails as an opportunity to build a foundation; many of them had come from Vietnam following the end of the war in 1975.

My first studio was in my grandmother’s old bedroom. She passed away in 2007 and I turned her room into my place of work. I kept her bàn thờ, her altar, right where it had always stood, in respect to her and in hope of her blessing on what I was building. Every set I made in that room, I made in front of her.

Following my grandma’s passing, my uncle had closed his nail salon. I decided to continue what my uncle left behind and to give it more prestige. Now my studio is in the Arts District, and I brought Little Saigon with me: the patience, the pride in the trade, and the discipline that stemmed from survival.

I don’t rush my work. Before I start, I ask about your style, colors, and references. I value my relationships with my clients. If you feel like talking, we can talk. I have been there for breakups, engagements, graduations, promotions, you name it. If you’re tired, say the word and it’s a silent appointment: I’ll put on a podcast and you can close your eyes.

The appointment can be social or quiet, whichever you prefer. If you just want a French tip, we can do that too.

My work has appeared in ELLE, L’Oréal Paris, and Bustle.