Today we’d like to introduce you to Ailena Nguyen
Hi Ailena, 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?
I grew up around Nail Flower, a salon my mom took over when I was about 7 or 8 years old. It’s been a love-hate relationship, but this place has always felt like my second home. Even on my days off, I find myself here when I’m bored.
As time passed, I developed a deep passion for the work here. But let me tell you… nails and toes weren’t exactly my thing. My mom once told me, “You better figure out what you like to do here because you’re not going anywhere.” One day, she brought me in as a model for her lash training. She hated it and never picked up the tweezers after that session. I questioned her about it, and then I decided to give it a try myself. At 16, I had my “aha” moment. I was like, this is what I want to do. This is my passion. (Meanwhile, my mom was looking at me like I was crazy.)
After high school, I dropped out of college, got my license, and took a few lash training courses. My mom always told me, “You have to work harder without a degree,” and I accepted that challenge. Eight years later, I’ve built an amazing clientele, opened my own storefront, hosted 1:1 trainings, produced a lash product line, paid off my car, and proved to myself that hard work pays off.
“No matter where life takes you, never forget where you come from.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is full of tough moments, but I don’t like to call them “challenges.” Instead, I prefer to view them as life lessons. Every tough time holds a lesson, and no matter how it’s dealt with, it ultimately shapes you into a stronger person. Throughout my career, the toughest lesson I’ve learned has been isolation. I began building my career at a young age—16 years old, still in high school—and it forced me to learn how to be alone. I had to understand that being alone didn’t mean I was missing out on fun; it meant I was building something that would pay off in the future. Over time, not seeing my close friends as often led to eventually not receiving invites at all. Now, at 25, as I near the end of my 20s, I can confidently say that isolation has been one of the most valuable tools in my self-growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a local Lash and Brow Artist in San Antonio, Tx. Ailena Nguyen— A passionate esthetician dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty and helping you feel your best. With a keen eye for detail, my services provide unique from lash enhancements to precise brow shaping.
With 8 years of experience, I focus on using high quality products with the latest and greatest techniques to deliver results that leave you glowing and confident. Whether you’re looking to perfect your brows, achieve flawless skin, or simply unwind, I’m here to support your beauty journey every step of the way.
Pricing:
- Ombré Brows
- Brow Lamination
- Lash Lifts
- Individual Lash Extensions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Funwithlashes.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funwithesthetics?igsh=bmxnY2l2dDhuNjl1&utm_source=qr
