Linda Nguyen

Linda Nguyen Nail Technician

Linda Nguyen never dreamed of opening her own nail salon. Until recently, Nguyen said she was perfectly happy working at shops owned by other people.But, when the Reston salon she had worked at for six years changed management and she had to leave, she realized she had enough regular clients to start her own business.

Linda Nguyen never dreamed of opening her own nail salon.Until recently, Nguyen said she was perfectly happy working at shops owned by other people.But, when the Reston salon she had worked at for six years changed management and she had to leave, she realized she had enough regular clients to start her own business.
...
Nguyen created a space for her customers that is clean, comfortable and has a spa feel to it.The boutique also offers facials, waxing and other skin care.

"It's small and cozy," she said of her shop, which has four manicure stations, three pedicure stations and a separate room for skin care.

"It's just a really warm, nice place to go," said Janet Lane of Reston, a client of Nguyen's for about seven years.
...
Trudy Severa, who has been Nguyen's client for about 10 years, said all of the places where Nguyen has worked have been cleaner than less expensive shops and the quality of the work is much better.
...
Nguyen, 33, has lived in Fairfax County most of her life and has been doing nails in Reston and Herndon for more than 10 years.A graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, she now lives in Annandale with her husband and two sons.

Though she lives on the opposite end of the county, Nguyen has strong ties to Reston and Herndon through her customers.
...
Nguyen said she has seen clients through marriages and the births of their children.One group of women comes in together every Thursday.

"That's just in my nature," she said."I'm easy to talk to."Severa, who is a Realtor in Reston, said Nguyen is a natural businesswoman, in addition to being a skilled nail technician.
...
Moving into the role of business owner has been "a new adventure," Nguyen said, but she is handling the challenges well.She is already thinking of adding a fourth nail technician to her staff to keep up with demand.

"So far, everything has been good," she said.