Today we’d like to introduce you to Gaokhue Xiong.
Hi Gaokhue, 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 backstories with our readers.
I’ve always had an interest in the beauty industry as a teenager. Growing up I had three sisters who were dancers and part of that required makeup and hair to be done for their performances as their sister I helped them get ready. My interest in nails started when I wanted to get my nails done but the nail art I wanted can never be done the way I wanted. So I bought a DIY kit from target and started doing my nails at home and attempted nail art.
However, as a first-generation Hmong youth born in America and the eldest child in the family, my parents wanted me to pursue a traditional college education, something they didn’t have access to. Therefore, when I graduated from high school in 2010, I went on to pursue my 4-year undergraduate studies and graduated with my B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2014. After graduating, I decided to work and took a break from school. During this period, my parents decided to start their own business and they opened a clothing alteration business.
My parents inspired me to become an entrepreneur, I thought to myself that if my parents could do it, so can I. Therefore, when I was considering going back to school, instead of going to graduate school I decided to pursue cosmetology school. I worked full-time and started beauty school part-time in December 2018. Part of my schooling took place during the pandemic which delayed my graduation to January 2021. During the pandemic and without being able to work on actual clients I had to keep practicing somehow, so I started painting press-on nails and posting them on social media and that kickstarted my small press-on nail business. After graduating I worked part-time at Little Luxuries Nail lounge in uptown Minneapolis for a little while. Half a year later, in December 2021 I started my own nail business, GXY Nail Designs LLC located at Sola Salons Maplewood, MN and I can’t believe that it’s been a year already since I opened my business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was definitely nervous to start my own business, especially starting up a business that required consistent in-person contact in the midst of the pandemic. I had to figure out what can make it the safest for my clients and me.
We’ve been impressed with GXY Nail Designs LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
GXY Nail Designs LLC is a nail studio located at Sola Salons Maplewood, MN.
I provided one on one nail experience. I specialize in natural nails, artificial nails (Acrylics and Gel-X nail extension), and nail art designs. I strive to keep up with the nail trend in America and abroad with nail practices, techniques, and products on the market to provide my clients with the best nail experience and nail care.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, the Covid -19 Crisis definitely challenged me to think about how I want to structure my business and the decisions I need to make to ensure safe practices are being met.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gxynaildesigns.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gxynaildesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gxynaildesigns
