Meet Melly Nguyen | FOUNDER + NAIL ARTIST + OWNER of MAINSTREAM NAILS

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

Hi Melly, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“The grass is greener on the other side” is a phrase that describes that something else is better or someone is in a better situation than they are. I believe “The grass is greener where you water it” and I try to keep this mindset! Regardless of how we look at different people and different situations, we should focus on our own goals and purpose in life. If we continue to think what we have is not good enough, then we will stay unhappy and forever compare ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to be inspired and motivated by others but don’t let what you perceive consume you. It is up to you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am authentic, confident and have a big personality. I enjoy learning about everything to its science and use my knowledge in all aspects to educate others. I demonstrate perseverance and seek to help others thrive. The best part of being in the service industry is that there is never a dull moment, as I love to socialize, build great relationships and make people feel pretty; I get to do this as a career and that’s the fun part. To me a job is just a job that you have to do, a career is something that you live and love for. I honestly get excited every day when I come into my salon, as I bring in my high energy and big smiles, I know and hope to have positively impacted someone’s day!

Where I am professionally and through all the challenges I’ve been through, are nothing but good experiences. I try to find the beauty in every moment and seek guidance when I need it but in the end I have learned to overcome anything that happens by taking time to understand the situation. Since now being a mother of two beautiful babies under two with my wife, I let things go when it does not serve purpose. Life’s too short and having kids really helps you open your eyes and practice patience. I always say this lately but my babies have made me a better person and has given me the strength to push through anything life brings me.

Since I started as a nail artist 11 years ago and a salon owner for 6 years, my intentions continue to be the same and that is to be legendary and make an impact in people, inspire others and to keep it MNSTRM. “Keeping it MNSTRM” means to stay relevant. To me, being relevant is staying connected. When you stay connected you feel-good do-good type of attitude and in the end that is what makes the world a better place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I LOVE a good time, especially when I get to host! The first thing I think about is FOOD, as that is my second favorite thing after nails. Denver is an up and coming city with so many good restaurants and places to experience.

Here is a list of my must go-to’s:

Coffee:
Kaladi Coffee Roasters
Summer Moon

Donuts:
Dochi

Boba:
Gong Cha

Bakery:
Tous Les Jours

Restaurants:
Urban Egg
Gyu Kaku
Uchi
Tamaki Den
Sushi Den
Aki Hot Pot
Hop Alley
Yabby Hut
Tofu House

Experiences:
Red Rocks
Meow Wolf
Botanical Gardens
Ball Arena
Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace
Babe’s Tea Room

Fitness:
Studio CLMBR

Massage:
Sabai Thai Massage

Facial:
Jalan Facial Spa

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My successes come hand in hand with my upbringing and my partnership with my wife.
Being raised by hard-working independent women and in a household of 20 family members at my grandparents house, I automatically had the big-sis role (as being one of the oldest in my generation). I felt like this prepared me for leadership skills, taking on a lot of responsibility and built my strong character. Even before I knew what I wanted to do with my future, the acceptance and undivided support from my Mom made me feel safe no matter what decisions I made, as she has always been my cheerleader.

I dedicate and owe the biggest “THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING and I COULDN’T HAVE DONE ANY OF THIS WITHOUT YOU” to my wife, Ena Vu. Without her self resilience, I don’t think I would have taken such a leap of faith in my own future. Throughout our 24 years together, she was that girl who had that “bad-bitch” “get-shit-done” energy. As I can remember; any job, task, project or role given, Ena made sure she finished what she came to do and more. I guess when you are around someone so much, you are influenced by them. She was the one who first told me to “just do it” and “you don’t know if you don’t try” mentality and as I progressively climbed I took risks and sacrifices because of her. There was never a doubt in her mind that my hard work and determination would have me living my dreams- as I thank her every day for building the salon I’ve always wanted; she is the reason why Mainstream Nails exists and I am forever so grateful.

I painted this picture in my head that one day I will look back and give thanks to all the people who were and still continue to be the building blocks to my stamina. A huge shout out to every client, nail artist, follower and all the future people we will meet along the way; it’s because of you all, that the MNSTRM culture stays alive- your contributions never go unrecognized. THANK YOU ALL for keeping the MNSTRM vibe going strong, I couldn’t imagine this without any of you. With the salon full of amazing talent, great laughs and conversations, I can say it is exactly what I wanted and dreamed to be.

Website: https://www.mainstreamnails.com

Instagram: @mainstream_nails

Image Credits
Nicole Marcelli @nicole_marcelli_photography