Today we’d like to introduce you to Sammy Rah.
Hi Sammy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a very young age, I was deeply drawn to detailed artistic work. As a child, I loved creating delicate designs, fine embroidery, and handmade crafts using anything I could find—even discarded materials. By the age of seven, I was already working with intricate details, and I was naturally fascinated by beauty, aesthetics, and creativity.
My mother recognized this passion early on and encouraged me to pursue an artistic profession. At sixteen, I began learning nail services—at a time when nail extensions were still very new in Iran. Education was extremely limited: training courses lasted only three days, professional materials were difficult to find, gel polish had not yet entered the market, and electric nail drills were unavailable. Everything was done with hand files, requiring precision, patience, and strong foundational technique.
I practiced constantly. My cousins, relatives, and friends volunteered as models, and I worked on their hands at every opportunity. Because formal training was not enough, I became largely self-taught—learning through repetition, observation, and experience. Even setbacks never discouraged me. Instead, they pushed me to become more independent, resourceful, and resilient.
By the age of twenty, I had built a loyal client base of over 400 regular clients. Together with my older sister, we opened our own specialized nail salon—she invested financially, and I managed and operated the business. I began training aspiring nail artists, hiring my students, and distributing my clients among my team. Over time, the salon grew significantly. In Iran, I managed a team of 14 employees and trained hundreds of students, many of whom went on to build successful careers.
To stay aligned with global standards, I continuously pursued advanced education. Around eleven years ago, European and Russian nail techniques were introduced to Iran. I competed in a national competition organized by a Russian nail company and ranked among the top five nail artists in the country, placing third overall. This achievement earned me official Russian instructor certification and the opportunity to teach professionally.
Academically, my background is in graphic design, and I hold a master’s degree from one of Iran’s top universities. With a strong passion for sculpture, I merged my artistic education with my nail career—creating three-dimensional nail sculptures using acrylic powder. This work gained international recognition and resulted in an honorary instructor certification in nail design and artistic sculpture.
After more than ten years of growth and success in Iran, I made the decision to immigrate to the United States to continue my education and expand my vision. During my first year, I completed my U.S. licensing and began working in local salons, where I quickly built hundreds of clients. Although I faced financial and structural limitations, I continued moving forward strategically.
Eventually, I relocated to a more central area, allowing me to attract clients from all cities, cultures, and backgrounds. After two years of relentless work, I opened my own specialized nail salon in McKinney, Texas. There, I introduced advanced Russian and European techniques that were still largely unfamiliar in the area. The precision of my work, clean execution, and distinctive designs set my studio apart.
When opening my salon in McKinney, I returned to the same educational philosophy that shaped my success in Iran. I trained students according to my own standards, supported them through licensing, hired them, and distributed my clients among my team. I firmly believe that to build an exceptional business, you must grow people alongside you. While no one can replicate another’s abilities exactly, with proper mentorship and structure, they can come remarkably close.
My journey is built on resilience, artistry, education, and leadership. As an immigrant woman entrepreneur, I stand as proof that when passion meets discipline and vision, borders do not define success—commitment does.
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?
No, my journey has never been smooth. Like any path built with passion and commitment, it has included complex human and professional challenges. Over the years, I have taught generously—often offering my knowledge and experience freely, believing that helping others grow would never diminish my own success.
Yet, I learned that trust is not always met with integrity. Some chose to move forward after gaining experience, occasionally leaving professionalism and appreciation behind. Along the way, I also encountered those who struggle to celebrate others’ success and view progress as a threat rather than inspiration.
Still, these experiences shaped me—not with bitterness, but with discernment. They taught me the importance of boundaries, clarity, and self-respect. I continue to believe in growth, mentorship, and excellence—now guided by wiser choices and a deeper understanding of my values.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ase’moon studio ?
Ase’moon Studio is a luxury nail studio built on precision, artistry, and education. We specialize exclusively in advanced European and Russian nail techniques, with a strong focus on structure, nail health, and long-lasting results rather than fast trends.
What truly sets us apart is our approach. We don’t believe in standard or rushed services. Every set is customized—from Russian manicures and structured gel systems to detailed, hand-painted designs—based on the client’s natural nail, lifestyle, and long-term wear. Technique matters deeply to us, and that comes from my background as an educator. Teaching shaped how I work, how I train, and the level of discipline and consistency behind every service.
Ase’moon Studio is rooted in European nail philosophy, where clean work, precision, and respect for the natural nail are non-negotiable. We prioritize nail health, proper structure, and continuous education. Every technique we use is intentional, and every result is meant to last.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is integrity. We’ve grown through reputation, referrals, and results—not shortcuts or hype. The studio represents resilience, high standards, and true craftsmanship. It’s a space where clients feel confident knowing their nails are treated as both an art form and a responsibility.
What I want readers to know is that Ase’moon Studio is more than a nail salon. It’s the result of years of experience, teaching, and refinement. Our mission has always been to raise standards, lead with expertise, and create nail work that is beautiful, healthy, and built to last.
What makes you happy?
What truly makes me happy is seeing growth—both in my work and in people. Creating something with intention, watching a client gain confidence through the care and precision I put into my craft, or seeing someone I’ve taught become skilled and independent brings me a deep sense of fulfillment.
I’m also happiest when I feel my work and artistry are making an impact beyond a limited space. It’s meaningful to me that my craft is seen, understood, and able to connect with a wider community. I hope that one day more people across the United States will become familiar with my work, recognize its value, and that through my art and professionalism I can be a positive, contributing member of this country.
Ultimately, happiness for me comes from alignment—when creativity, effort, responsibility, and purpose come together. At that point, my work is no longer just a job, but a contribution I’m proud to offer to the community I live and grow in.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asemoonstudio?igsh=bjdnMTFvaGV6MHdr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17ph9oGjgF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
