Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Nguyen.
Hi Emily , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Emily Nguyen, and I’m the co-owner and manager of AVA Spa & Nails in Austin, Texas.
Beauty and self-care have always been something I’m passionate about, but I believe a great salon should offer more than beautiful nails—it should provide a place where people can relax, recharge, and escape the stress of everyday life. That vision inspired my husband and me to create AVA Spa & Nails, a modern nail spa located on West 5th Street in Austin, just minutes from Downtown.
From the beginning, our goal has been to create a clean, welcoming, and Zen-inspired space where every guest feels comfortable the moment they walk through our doors. We’ve continued investing in the salon by remodeling the space, enhancing our services, and building a talented team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer care. Whether someone visits us for a Gel-X manicure, builder gel nails, a luxury spa pedicure, custom nail art, or simply a relaxing self-care experience, we want every appointment to feel like a peaceful escape from the busy pace of life.
Like many small businesses, we’ve faced challenges and learned valuable lessons along the way. Those experiences have strengthened our commitment to listening to our clients, continually improving, and creating an experience that keeps people coming back. We believe every guest deserves to feel valued, pampered, and confident when they leave our salon.
Today, I’m grateful to be part of the Austin community and proud of what we’ve built together. The most rewarding part of this journey is seeing our clients leave feeling refreshed, confident, and cared for. Our mission at AVA Spa & Nails has always been simple: to provide exceptional beauty and spa services in a peaceful environment where every guest feels at home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any small business, our journey hasn’t always been smooth. The beauty industry in Austin has become increasingly competitive, and the recent economic slowdown has affected customer spending. Because we’re located on West 5th Street near Downtown Austin, we’ve also felt the impact of fewer people traveling and working downtown.
Instead of seeing these as setbacks, we’ve focused on improving our salon, staying current with new services and trends, and providing the best possible experience for every guest. Those challenges have made us stronger and continue to motivate us to grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
AVA Spa & Nails is a locally owned nail spa located on West 5th Street in Austin, Texas. We specialize in luxury spa pedicures, Gel-X extensions, builder gel nails, dip powder, acrylic nails, custom nail art, manicures, and waxing services, all provided in a clean, modern, and relaxing environment.
What sets us apart is our focus on the overall experience, not just the service itself. We designed our salon with a peaceful, Zen-inspired atmosphere where guests can unwind from their busy day while enjoying high-quality nail and spa services. We believe every client deserves personalized attention, exceptional customer care, and the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
We’re also proud of our talented team, who continuously learn the latest techniques and trends so we can provide the best results. Whether someone is looking for a quick manicure during lunch or a relaxing spa day, our goal is to make every visit enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable.
More than anything, we want AVA Spa & Nails to be known as a place where people feel welcomed, cared for, and confident when they leave. Building long-term relationships with our clients has always been more important to us than simply completing another appointment.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
One of the things I love most about Austin is its energy and diversity. It’s a city that embraces creativity, supports local businesses, and has a strong sense of community. We enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and being part of their self-care routine, whether they’re local residents or visiting Austin.
If I had to choose one challenge, it would be the increasing traffic, the rising cost of living, and the higher operating costs for small businesses. Rent, property taxes, insurance, and other business expenses have continued to increase, making it more challenging to operate. We’ve also noticed fewer people spending time downtown than in previous years. Despite those challenges, we remain optimistic and are committed to continuing to invest in our salon and providing the best experience for our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avaspaandnails.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avaspanails_atx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AVASpaNails
- Other: https://share.google/BP8N3VXDBO0mntMHK
