Inside junior Chealsie Nguyen’s growing nail business
At just 16 years old, Chealsie Nguyen (11) has turned a simple interest into something much bigger. What started as inspiration from her aunt has grown into a skill and a business she’s been developing for the past year.
Nguyen tried doing nails for fun and gradually turned the hobby into a steady routine of appointments. “I like the experience because I get to meet new people while doing something I enjoy,” Nguyen said.
While doing nails may seem simple from an outsider’s perspective, it requires patience and precision. Each set can take up to 2 hours depending on the design, and even longer if the details are more complex. Nguyen said the process takes time and focus. “I have to prep the nails, shape them, and then do the design, so it takes a while depending on what the person wants,” she said. “Sometimes it can be stressful because I want everything to look perfect.”
Friends say Nguyen’s hard work shows. “She puts so much effort and creativity into every set, even though it can be stressful,” said Jannet Fawad (11), a close friend.
For others, watching Nguyen has been motivating. “It’s not easy, but it’s impressive how she stays patient and still creates detailed work,” said Sophia Dosanjh (11).
Nguyen’s nail work on one of her clients (Photo Credit: Chealsie Nguyen (11)).
Balancing school with her work has been one of Nguyen’s biggest challenges. As a junior, she manages assignments while also scheduling clients. “I have to plan around school and make time for everything,” she said. “I try to stay organized so I don’t fall behind.” Learning how to manage her time has become an important part of maintaining both her academic responsibilities and her work.
Nguyen focuses on creating a comfortable experience for her clients. She said she wants people to feel relaxed during their appointments; she believes her job is not just about the final result. That effort has made a difference for those who visit her. “She’s really easy to talk to, and her space feels comfortable,” said Leia Hernandez (11), a client. After trying other places, Hernandez said Nguyen was the first to meet her expectations.
At home, Nguyen’s work has also been noticed. “I’m proud she found something she enjoys, and it’s helped her become more independent,” said her mom, Tracy Ho.
Through managing clients and earning her own income, Nguyen has learned responsibility at a young age. “I’ve learned how to manage my time better and talk to clients,” Nguyen said. These skills have helped her become more confident not only in her work, but also in how she interacts with others.
Despite the time and pressure, Nguyen continues because she enjoys the work. “I like being creative and seeing how everything turns out,” she said. Over time, she has built both skill and confidence, improving with each set she completes.
Nguyen said her work is also helping her plan for her future. “I plan to continue to do nails to help pay for college,” she said. She explained that being able to earn her own money has made her more motivated to keep improving. With time, she hopes to build a larger client base and continue developing her skills while saving for her education.
Eagle Era 
Leave a comment