Wonder Nails Best Acrylic Nail Ideas, Designs & Colors
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Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’m so happy to introduce you to Natalie Bui and David Cao, the power couple behind Wonder Nails salon inside of Hampton Road’s Greenbrier Mall!
Natalie is the creator behind all of my fabulous nail designs.
I sat down with her recently for a one on one about her business, her husband and how these two have become the youngest owners of this glamorous salon in a prominent mall.
Love in Artistry
Natalie has been a nail professional for eight years, while her husband David has eleven years in the game.
She shared with me her story of how she came from Vietnam to California with her mind made up that she wasn’t going to be another Vietnamese girl in the US “doing nails”.
I’m so glad that this girl was flexible in her stance, because we would have all missed out on one of the most creative designers in the industry!
What Natalie didn’t know at the time is that the industry had evolved into more than French manicures and soaking your fingernails in a bowl.
She also didn’t know that she was about to meet her soul mate and together they would shake things up in the nail industry!
I’d say born an artist
Natalie admits that she’s been drawing little flowers and designs for as long as she can remember.
When she found out that the nail world had exploded with over the top art, designs, nail shapes and amazing color applications, she was all in!
With the infusion of artistry, Natalie could be more than just the average nail tech “doing nails”.
She had found her niche in a field where she previously had zero interest.
Natalie says her husband’s technique and artistry have been an inspiration to her along the way.
They both are insanely creative, so it’s to no surprise that their skills play off one another.
They both worked for other nail companies prior to taking on Wonder Nails in the summer of 2018. They’d been saving money for an opportunity to have a business of their own.
Wonder Nails exceeded even their expectations as first-time business owners!
To Whom Much is Given Much is Required
I was scheduled this day as Natalie’s last client so we’d have time for her to share her story with me.
I watched as she was the last one of her 24 employees to finish working. David’s last client was a couple of hours earlier, but he didn’t go home.
He made a trip to Home Depot to buy a part to fix something in the shop’s restroom, then he mopped the floor while we finished up. The couple acknowledged that to whom much is given, much is required and how they take business and ownership very seriously.
They remember working all day at someone else’s salon, taking in every customer that they could.
Natalie said that she’s in a place right now where she’s doing what she loves.
That credit belongs to the due diligence of the Natalie and David of yesterdays, that put in the work to get to where they are today.
Working for love and not just for money.
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Power Couple
You can find Natalie and David at Wonder Nails at least 6 days out of the 7-day week.
You’ll want to schedule an appointment. Natalie stays booked a month out, and David a month and a half!
They do maintain a full staff of nail techs, so walk-ins are always welcome! Natalie and David both specialize in nail art, including ombré nails, 3D nail art, rhinestone embellishments and all custom designs.
I haven’t found anything that either one of them can’t do!
I was referred to Natalie a year ago when I wanted “24K” nails for a Bruno Mars concert! As an influencer, what was fascinating and funny to me about Natalie and David is that their families have known each other for years.
However, these two met on Facebook!
Follow on Instagram:
@NatalieBAlchemist
and @DavidAlchemist
for your daily dose of nail inspiration!
My monthly beauty regiment at Wonder Nails:
1. gel powder fill-in
2. nail art- I use these resources to pick out designs:
3. shellac nail color for my toes
4. sometimes I add in a pedicure with warm paraffin wax 😉
5. eyebrow tinting (I get the color black because it fades to exactly the color I like 😉
6. eyebrow waxing and shaping
What I wore to the salon
My style with whimsy tip: My monthly visit to Wonder Nails requires a couple of hours in the chair.
I look for outfits that are both comfy AND stylish, since the salon is in the mall 😉
I paired a vibrant red sweatshirt with jeans and added a textured vest on top to get the style and flare I was looking for. I also wear jewelry to step up my sweatshirt from sporty to chic!
SheIn California hoodie | SheIn similar vest | similar Good American jeans | similar Steve Madden loafers | similar Julie Vos bracelet | Sugarfix earrings | Givenchy lipstick
Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest Acrylic Nails Board!
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So cute!
Emma, they are the Cutest, right!?
What a great Valentine’s Day.
Yes, surrounded by GreAtness in these two! Happy Valentine’s weekend!
I love their story. I have always said someone self employed has to work so much harder and make more money in order to bring home what they would from an employer. And this couple is doing just that. Their appointment books show their expertise in being booked so far out. I am happy to see this young couple use their talents and earn a living with them. Thanks for sharing this.
Christy, I couldn’t agree with you more! I have been an entrepreneur for about 12 years, and I’ve never worked harder!!! I love sharing success stories of people putting their talents to work and creating a business. So happy you can also appreciate talent like these two!
Wow, so talented!
I know right! 😉 I couldn’t wait to share with you their inspiring story of success in love!
Some of their designs are so intricate! They have such talent.
I know, right!? Sometimes I have a hard time choosing which design to get! Amazing how they put all of this on one fingernail!!!
My daughters would love being here for sure.
Yes! Wonder nails is indeed a girl’s paradise!
They have some really cool looking styles and colors to choose from.
Don’t they! So hard to pick only one!
Love the looks, beautiful pictures
Thank You, Paula! Happy you’ve enjoyed this article 😉
Wow beautiful nail salon
Dina, isn’t is gorgeous! I can’t wait go back next week!
They are talented and are gifted with great artistic skills.
Aren’t they!? I was just in their salon again today!
Vivid red colours, great for many occasions.. nice!
Thank you- color is my favorite!
How fun! I’ll have to check them
Out somedau
Yes, they are an amazing duo doing beautiful work!
lovely story
Right! The are just as lovely in person and UBER talented!!
looks like a wonderful salon
It is, and they are so talented!
These are beautiful.
Yes, they are both so talented!
So cute
Aren’t they the cutest!!
So inspirational!! A beautiful story.
Right! that’s why I was so happy to feature them!!
beautiful salon and nails! They do some really pretty designs
Yes, they are super creative & talented!!
I loved reading about their journey. Thank you for sharing!
It’s a beautiful story, right!
I love my nails being done. Thank you for this information
. Getting them done makes me feel pretty.
Angela, I feel the same when my nails are done!
I can see why you have to book a month or two ahead of time. That is some talent! Beautiful salon!
So talented, right!!
WHAT A LOVELY WRITING INDEED! GOD BLESS
Thank you and God bless!
I would love to have my nail done by them!
Yes, they are the best!
What a great story.