Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Quach.
Hi Kelley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a licensed manicurist since 2014, but my story with nails started long before that. I practically grew up in a nail salon. My parents owned a salon in North Fort Worth, and after school I would spend my afternoons there watching my mom work, helping where I could, and slowly falling in love with the industry. It became a second home and shaped so much of who I am today. After becoming licensed, I worked in the salon environment for several years and gained valuable experience, but I always knew I wanted to build something of my own. In 2021, after the challenges of the COVID shutdown, my esthetician partner Gabriela (BarebyGC) and I made a bold decision to take a leap of faith and become business owners. We opened our own space and started building our dreams together. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to constantly learning and investing in advanced education, specializing in structured gel, Russian manicures, and Asian-inspired nail art techniques. Every year has taught me something new, not only about nails but about entrepreneurship, customer service, and creating an experience that clients genuinely enjoy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Like most small business owners, there have been plenty of ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges has been learning that growth isn’t always linear. Clients move away, schedules change, and slow seasons happen. Early on, those moments felt discouraging, but they’ve taught me resilience and the importance of adapting. Finding a healthy work-life balance has also been a constant work in progress. When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s easy to pour every ounce of yourself into your business. I’ve had to learn that taking care of myself allows me to show up as a better artist and business owner.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My specialty is Russian manicures, with advanced expertise in Builder/Structured Gel and Gel-X services. I’m also passionate about creating Asian-inspired nail art, drawing inspiration from contemporary Korean and Japanese nail trends. I curate a collection of more than 100 premium nail colors sourced from Korea, Japan, Europe, and Canada, allowing for a wide range of unique and trend-forward designs. Because I have eczema-prone and ingredient-sensitive skin myself, I’m especially mindful about the products I use. I prioritize high-quality, non-toxic, and cruelty-free formulas to provide a safer, healthier experience without compromising on results.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is the relationships that come with them. I genuinely love hearing about my clients’ lives and being part of their special moments. Whether they’re coming in for wedding nails, graduation nails, vacation nails, birthdays, or simply a little self-care, it’s an honor that they choose to spend that time with me. Over the years, many of my clients have become close friends. We laugh together, cry together, celebrate milestones together, and sometimes just sit and decompress after a long week. People often tell me that their nail appointment feels like therapy, and I don’t take that lightly. Creating a space where someone feels comfortable, safe, and heard means just as much to me as creating the perfect manicure. I also love seeing my clients’ reactions when they look at their finished nails. That excitement and confidence boost never gets old. Knowing I can make someone’s day a little brighter and help them feel like the best version of themselves is incredibly rewarding.
Pricing:
- Jade Permanent Jewelry $65+
- Russian Manicures $88
- Builder Gel $70
- Gel X $80+
- Designs $20-50+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://qutenails.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/q.utenails?igsh=Nzl3YmJicWxwejA4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083129360819
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/qutenails
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@q.utenailsdfw?lang=en&is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=7651801057458390542
