Today we’d like to introduce you to Tee Thai.
Hi Tee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for nails started with something simple—I fell in love with how much creativity you can fit into such a small space. A nail may be tiny, but to me it’s a canvas where I can freestyle and create something unique. That passion pushed me to practice over and over until I became confident in my work.
Back in 2011, I met a woman with the longest, most beautiful nails I had ever seen. I remember thinking, “If she would just let me do her nails, I’d be so happy.” I finally got the courage to ask her. She looked at me for what felt like a full minute without saying a word. I nervously said, “I promise I won’t mess them up.” She laughed and replied, “If you mess up my nails, I’m going to whoop your ass!”
She trusted me anyway, and when I finished, she looked at her nails and said, “Oh my gosh, Tee, I love my nails!” Seeing the smile on her face made me feel incredibly honored. In that moment, I realized this was more than doing nails—it was about making people feel beautiful, confident, and happy.
That experience inspired me to continue growing my skills and eventually build Nails by Tee. My goal is to give every client that same feeling of excitement and confidence when they look at their nails. Every set I create is an opportunity to express my creativity while helping someone leave with a smile.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely wasn’t always a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was balancing my passion for nails with being present for my family. The nail industry is very time-consuming, and there were many days when I spent long hours practicing, taking clients, and working to build my business. While I loved what I was doing, it often meant sacrificing family time, and I missed my kids a lot during those years. That was one of the hardest parts of the journey.
At the same time, my children became some of my biggest supporters. They watched me practice for hours, encouraged me when I felt discouraged, and celebrated my progress along the way. Their support reminded me why I was working so hard in the first place. Knowing that they believed in my craft gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward, even when I was exhausted or questioning myself.
There were also challenges such as learning new techniques, keeping up with trends, and building a loyal clientele from the ground up. But every obstacle taught me something valuable and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, those struggles shaped me into the nail artist and business owner I am today, and they made me appreciate not only my career, but also the love and support of my children even more.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Nails by Tee, my goal is to provide more than just beauty services—I want every client to leave feeling confident, empowered, and beautiful. I specialize in freestyle nail designs, creating one-of-a-kind sets that reflect each client’s personality and style. One of the things I’m most known for is being able to freestyle quickly without sacrificing quality, allowing my clients to enjoy beautiful custom nails without spending their entire day in the salon.
What truly sets me apart is my attention to detail and my commitment to mastering my craft. I have perfected my techniques over the years, including creating and mixing my own acrylic powders to match a client’s skin tone for a seamless, customized look. Every service is personalized because I believe no two clients are the same.
In addition to custom nail services, I also offer lash extensions and waxing, making Nails by Tee a place where clients can enjoy multiple beauty services in one appointment.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the artistry—it’s the confidence my clients gain. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone look in the mirror, smile, and leave my chair feeling more beautiful and confident than when they walked in. That feeling is what inspires me every day and is the heart of the Nails by Tee brand.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making a positive impact on the people who sit in my chair. It’s never just about doing nails, lashes, or waxing—it’s about helping someone feel more confident, beautiful, and seen. Seeing a client smile when they look at themselves in the mirror reminds me why I chose this career.
My family means everything to me. Building my business has required sacrifices, including time away from my children, but their love and support have kept me motivated through every challenge. They are the reason I continue to push myself to grow.
I’m also passionate about building a loyal clientele and growing the Nails by Tee brand. Every new client is an opportunity to build a lasting relationship based on trust, creativity, and quality service. As my business grows, I’m able to create a better future for my family and provide the life we’ve always dreamed of. Being able to support my family while doing something I truly love is one of my greatest accomplishments and biggest motivations.
At the end of the day, I want my legacy to be known for creativity, genuine care, and helping people leave feeling more confident than when they arrived. If I can build a successful business that changes lives—both my clients’ and my family’s—then I know I’ve accomplished what matters most.
Pricing:
- $125
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tee_nails
- Facebook: Nails by tee
