The Tsuki Nails

I’ve always loved getting my nails done — it made me feel confident, like I had my life together (even if I didn’t). But back when I was still in secondary school, I didn’t have much money.

I also hated the pressure. The upselling. The awkwardness when I couldn’t say no. It made me feel small, even when I was just trying to feel pretty.

So I started doing my own nails. Practiced nonstop. Eventually, I began doing them for friends — we’d sit for 4 to 6 hours. I charged just a small amount, it was about making people feel taken care of.