Today we’d like to introduce you to Long Nguyen.
Hi Long , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello, I’m Long Nguyen, also known as Mr. SHi, the founder of SHi® Professionals.
My journey in the nail industry began over two decades ago, not with a grand vision, but out of necessity. Like many immigrants and aspiring artists, I started in a small nail salon, learning everything from the ground up. It was survival at first. But somewhere between long hours and countless clients, I discovered something deeper precision, artistry, and the power of transformation.
I became obsessed with mastering the craft. Not just doing nails, but understanding the science behind them. Why certain techniques worked. Why some tools performed better than others. Why some artists thrived while others struggled.
Over time, that curiosity turned into a mission.
I realized many nail professionals lacked access to high-quality tools and structured education. So SHi® was born, not just as a product line, but as a platform to elevate the industry.
Today, I’ve had the privilege of training over 1,000+ elite nail technicians and connecting with more than 200,000 professionals worldwide through education, mentorship, and innovation.
But behind every tool, every masterclass, and every tutorial is still that same person who started from nothing, driven by passion, discipline, and the desire to help others build real confidence and success through their craft.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every stage came with a different kind of challenge.
In the beginning, it was survival. Long hours, physical exhaustion, and the pressure to prove myself in a competitive environment. Like many in the nail industry, I had to earn respect through consistency and discipline.
Later, when I transitioned from being just a nail artist to building a brand, the challenges became more complex. Manufacturing overseas, negotiating quality control, protecting intellectual property, handling legal agreements, managing cash flow, and navigating platform algorithms and none of that was taught in beauty school.
There were moments where product launches were delayed, shipments were held, accounts were restricted, or decisions felt overwhelming. But every obstacle forced me to level up. Instead of reacting emotionally, I learned to think strategically.
Challenges didn’t slow me down. They refined me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Shi Professionals ?
Shi Professionals is a premium nail education and tool brand built specifically for serious nail technicians who want to elevate their craft and career.
At its core, SHi® is about precision and professionalism. After spending over two decades in the salon environment, I recognized a gap in the industry. Many nail technicians were working incredibly hard but lacked access to tools engineered for efficiency and education structured around long-term mastery. I wanted to change that.
We specialize in professional-grade tools, particularly e-file bits and precision instruments, along with advanced education that explains not just technique, but the science behind it. Our focus is helping nail professionals work smarter, safer, and more profitably.
What sets SHi® apart is that every product and lesson is built from lived experience. I am not removed from the industry. I’ve experienced heat spikes, inefficient tools, inconsistent product quality, and the real-world challenges technicians face daily. That practical understanding shapes everything we create.
Brand wise, I am most proud that SHi® has become associated with discipline, innovation, and professional growth. We have trained over 1,000 elite technicians and connected with hundreds of thousands globally. But beyond numbers, what matters most is the transformation, watching professionals gain confidence, raise their standards, and build sustainable careers.
What I want readers to know is that SHi® Professionals is not about trends or shortcuts. It is about long term mastery. It is about raising the standard of the nail industry and empowering professionals to treat their craft as a serious career, not just a service.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to the United States just before turning 21. Growing up, I was naturally outgoing and very curious about the world. I loved being around people and constantly challenged myself to learn new things, whether that meant trying different sports, reading personal development books, or studying business ideas long before I ever imagined owning one.
Even at a young age, I was drawn to growth. I enjoyed activities that required discipline and refinement, like table tennis, swimming, and later golf. I was also interested in improving things around me, whether it was fitness, home projects, or understanding how products could be made better. That curiosity to refine and improve eventually became part of my professional identity.
As I got older, especially after moving to America, I realized life carried far more responsibility than I had imagined. Survival, adaptation, and long-term planning became very real. That shift matured me quickly. It pushed me to focus more on health, longevity, and intentional living.
Today, I still carry that same curiosity and drive for improvement, but it’s grounded in discipline and perspective. I value a healthy lifestyle, meaningful travel experiences, and continuous learning. Growth has always been a constant in my life and it just looks more intentional now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shiprofessionals.com
- Instagram: @longnguyen.shi
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shiprofessionals?si=UzDioFXxBFq1wkex
- Other: TikTok @shiprofessionals
Image Credits
Image credit: @shiprofessionals
