Meet Vivian Nguyen | Nail Artist & Marketing Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to pursue a creative career because it allowed me the space to be flexible with my creativity in many forms. I’ve always been the type to love many things at once with many hobbies at once so pursuing a career that had the capacity to give me my artistic freedom was my dream.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a nail technician for the past 6 years, focusing heavily on nail art with Japanese and Korean gels & nail health for the past two years. I love that I get to bring peoples’ dreams to life on their nails while still maintaining the health of their nails.

I actually was a hostess and absolutely hated it, my aunt was just mentioning in a passing conversation that being a nail technician could be something to help me throughout college. Not thinking much at the time, I ended up getting my license and working for my family’s salon. The first 2-3 years were challenging in many ways, from getting used to customers, to time management, while also keeping up with the never-ending trends. I definitely don’t think the beginning is easy for the majority of careers but definitely in a career that heavily depends on maintaining fulfilling clientele relationships. I questioned whether I should quit or not by my 4th/5th year of doing nails because I was finishing up my Bachelor’s in Marketing at the time, but I soon realized that it wasn’t that I hated being a nail technician but the environment.

It was peak COVID, and with the lockdown, everything became virtual. I stumbled upon Japanese and Korean gel nail art when my cousin was seriously doing some amazing artwork and I decided to ask her about it, and she opened up a whole new world for me.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned is to be patient with building clientele, being authentic & genuine to who you are will attract the right people to you, & keep practicing your art even if you’re “seasoned” in your field.

I want the world to know nails can be as fun as you want, there are no limitations to it which gives some spice to our busy lives. I encourage everyone to treat themselves consistently, we all deserve it!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
With my best friend in town, I would start off with a beach day at Fort Lauderdale Beach, stopping at Archibalds Village Bakery to grab a sandwich to eat on the beach and tan or go bouldering at Project Rock in Fort Lauderdale. If it’s a weekend, we can check out the flea markets they have like Sunnyside Markets in various parts of Fort Lauderdale. If we get hungry, we would go to Kubo (Asian fusion food) or Izziban (Korean bbq). Start the night at Rhythm & Vine, Glitch Bar, or the Hub, then end the night in Wynwood; our favorite spots at Gramps (their cute photo booth) & Coyo Taco’s speakeasy.

There are always cute little beaches that are more secluded throughout Florida but my best friend I are more markets and sightseeing people so places like Orlando and Miami would be fitting for us because we like those hidden vintage places or food halls. Citadel is an amazing food all in Miami as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is a very special group of people in my life that has shaped me into who I am today, my best friend, Bianca, my dearest cousin, Liana, my parents, and my little sister. They all play pivotal roles in my life and always have shown the utmost support to me and my dreams. Also, a super special shoutout to my late grandpa, whose presence and love have always been present in every step of my life.

Instagram: @viviankimnails

Other: Tiktok: @viviankimnailss

Image Credits
Photography: Mailei Le