Meet Rosie Nguyen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosie Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosie, how do you think about risk?
To me, risk is about stepping into the unknown when you believe there’s something more aligned with your goals or values on the other side. It’s not about acting impulsively but it’s about trusting your instincts and being willing to grow through discomfort.

I started working in a nail salon when I was just 14 years old, and for many years, that was all I knew. It was familiar, steady, and safe. But after nearly two decades, I made the decision to take a major leap and step away from the traditional salon environment to become a solo, independent nail artist. That meant leaving behind the structure, the clientele I’d built within the salon, and the predictability of that system.

It was a huge risk, but it also gave me the freedom to build something of my own, on my terms. I had to learn how to market myself, manage my business, and create a unique experience for my clients. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. That risk helped me rediscover my passion, grow as a business owner, and connect with my clients in a deeper, more personal way.

So for me, risk has been a catalyst for transformation. It’s scary at first, but every time I’ve taken a thoughtful risk, it’s opened up doors I didn’t even know were there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is an extension of who I am. It’s detailed, expressive, and deeply personal. I’ve been doing nails for 19 years, and over time, I’ve developed a style that blends clean technique with creativity and storytelling. What sets me apart is that I don’t treat nails as just beauty, they’re tiny canvases for self-expression. Whether it’s a minimalist design or something bold and intricate, I always aim to make my clients feel seen and confident in their own skin.

Getting to where I am today was definitely not easy. For a long time, the nail salons were my entire world. Leaving that environment to become an independent nail artist was terrifying. It meant starting from scratch, building my own clientele, learning how to market myself, and truly stepping into the unknown. There were moments of doubt, financial stress, and imposter syndrome, but I kept going because I knew I was chasing something that felt authentic to me.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built a brand that’s rooted in intention and integrity. I’ve created a space where my clients feel relaxed, cared for, and empowered. The biggest lessons I’ve learned? Trust your gut. Stay true to your craft. And never let fear decide your future. Every challenge along the way taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of community and self-worth.

What I want the world to know is that this is more than nails. It’s about connection, creativity, and confidence. My story is proof that with passion and persistence, you can evolve and thrive even after nearly two decades in the same industry. I’m just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I honestly do not go out much. I am very much a homebody. I have four pets so my idea of going out is hanging out with them!

Since I am Vietnamese, Nam Phuong is a Michelin-recommended Vietnamese restaurant on Buford Highway that serves the best pho and Vietnamese cuisine in Atlanta (in my opinion)!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. If there’s one person I want to give my biggest shout out to, it’s my husband, Leon. He has been my rock through every stage of my career, from long hours at the salon, to the nerve-wracking decision to go independent, to building my own business. He’s believed in me even when I had moments of doubt, and he’s constantly reminded me of what I’m capable of.

What makes his support so special is that it’s never been just words. My husband shows up! He listens, encourages, helps me brainstorm ideas, and celebrates every win with me, big or small. He reminds me to rest, to dream bigger, and to keep going when things get tough. That’s priceless.

So this shout out is for my husband, Leon – my partner in life and one of the biggest reasons I’m able to do what I love every single day.

Website: https://www.donebyrosie.com

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donebyrosie