Today we’d like to introduce you to Tu Epicc.
Hi Tu, 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 story really began out of necessity. I was a full-time college student from an immigrant household, so supporting myself wasn’t optional — it was simply reality. I needed something flexible, something that paid quickly, and something I could balance with my coursework. That’s how I stumbled into this line of work.
At first, it was just a way to cover tuition. I was studying accounting, and surprisingly, this job taught me the real-life side of everything I was learning — management, numbers, responsibility, interacting with different personalities. But what I didn’t expect was how much it would awaken something inside me.
I’ve always had a natural creative streak, even before I fully understood it. Once I got into this field, that creativity just poured out of me. Ideas came naturally. I saw things differently. I built things, designed things, organized things in ways that felt instinctive. And people noticed — fast. Over the years, I built a strong, loyal clientele, and that’s when it truly hit me: this wasn’t just a job. This was a talent I was meant to use.
I’m a people person, and the connection I create with others paired perfectly with my creative nature. The more I worked, the more I realized that this was more than a side hustle to pay for school — it was a calling. The flexibility, the instant income, the creativity, the human connection… it all aligned so naturally for me.
What started as a temporary way to survive college ended up becoming the foundation of my career. I didn’t just find this line of work — in a way, it found me.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“Not at all. The journey to becoming a Master Educator was anything but smooth. I always had the creativity, the eye for detail, and the natural talent for nails — that part came easily. But the reality of this industry is that many of us are immigrants, many of my colleagues struggled with English, and society already had a strong stereotype about nail technicians.
In the beginning, that stereotype made everything harder. When I told people I was a nail tech, they would give me that look — like it wasn’t a real profession or something to take seriously. I knew I had the talent, but earning respect was a whole different battle.
Breaking out of that box and building a name for myself took years of consistency and courage. I had to show people that what we do requires real skill, real artistry, and real passion. And becoming a Master Educator… that came with its own set of challenges. I used to be extremely shy — the thought of speaking in front of a group made me nervous. So stepping into a classroom, standing in front of students, and teaching wasn’t just a career step for me; it was a personal test.
I had to push myself through the fear. I had to show my kids, my community, and myself that I could overcome those insecurities. Little by little, I found my voice. And now, I’m teaching classes across the country. I’m hosting workshops, speaking confidently, and being recognized and praised for what I do.
So no, it wasn’t a smooth road. It was a journey full of obstacles and stereotypes. But every challenge was worth it. It shaped me into the educator, artist, and leader that I am today.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“In this industry, I’ve been incredibly fortunate. Early on, salon owners noticed my talent and the way I approached the craft. Before I even opened a place of my own, I was invited to become a shareholder or part-owner in several salons. Those opportunities allowed me to invest, learn the business side, and really understand what it takes to run a successful operation.
After building that foundation, I decided it was time to bet on myself and go solo. That’s when I opened my own salon in Chicago. It was a major milestone because it represented independence, creativity, and everything I had worked so hard to build.
As my career grew, I became an educator, and that opened even more doors. I started traveling, doing shows, meeting distributors and manufacturers, and connecting with people across the industry. Those experiences inspired me to create something of my own — my brand, Epicc.
Epicc isn’t just a product line; it’s my legacy. It carries the name of my salon, and it represents the standard I hold myself to: excellence, creativity, and craftsmanship. I’m extremely proud of it. And even though I try to stay humble, it feels surreal knowing that Epicc is now being distributed across multiple states.
My goal has always been simple: build something meaningful, something that lasts, and something that proves that nail artistry is a true profession with talent and heart behind it. Epicc is a piece of me — and it’s only the beginning.”
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
“I’ve always believed that life is built on risks. Every step we take — opening a door, starting a journey, making a big decision — it’s all a form of risk. And honestly… I love it. Even though risk-taking can be scary, it’s also where every opportunity begins.
For me, some of my biggest breakthroughs came from choosing to take a chance. Standing in front of a crowd to speak? That was a huge risk for someone who used to be shy. Investing in businesses and opening my own salon? Definitely risky. Creating my own brand, Epicc? Another big leap.
But I look at risk very differently now. There are only two possible outcomes when you take a risk:
You either gain something — a win, an opportunity, growth, a new door opening…
Or you learn something that makes you better, stronger, and wiser.
There is no true failure in risk. The only failure is not trying at all.
So I take risks because every single one pushes me forward. Either I succeed, or I grow — and both are worth it. That mindset has shaped my entire journey, and it’s the reason I’m able to stand where I am today.”
Pricing:
- $100
- $700
- $1000
- &10k
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tim epicc
- Facebook: Tu nguyen
