If you’ve ever looked at another student’s nails and found yourself mesmerized by the design, they were likely done by Kimberly Ng (N ’29), Penn’s personal nail technician. Kimberly started off doing nails for her friends before starting a business that provides for anyone looking to adorn their hands. While most people were busy wiping down their groceries during the pandemic, Kimberly was exploring the world of Do–It–Yourself beauty. She discovered nails—an often overlooked aspect of one’s appearance—as a mode of self–expression and source of inspiration.
Name: Kimberly Ng
Hometown: San Diego, California
Field of Study: Major in nursing, minor in biology and nursing & healthcare management
Activities: Chinese Student Association, Asian Pacific American Nursing Student Association (APANSA)
Can you describe your business?
My business is called Kimberly Does Nails. I started doing nails during the COVID–19 pandemic when I was in seventh grade. Initially, it was just a hobby for myself because I was really bored at home. I was usually just doing my own nails, but then I started doing my friends’ nails when I got to Penn. I honestly didn’t think it was going to turn into a business, but people kept referring me to others. I started doing other students’ nails and eventually it just grew into a business.
What does the pricing structure look like?
I didn’t charge for my services when I was just doing nails for a few of my friends. When I got to strangers, I started charging them, but I kept the prices pretty low compared to salons around the Philadelphia area. Right now, the pricing starts at $20 for simple colors and plain designs on both hands, and $1 for each added charm. It goes up in increments of five as the customer adds colors or more detailed patterns. For example, I charge $25 for two to five colors with basic patterns, and $30 for any set with three or more colors with intricate designs. A lot of people tell me that I charge very little for my nails, which I agree with, but I honestly do nails just as a side hobby and a fun activity for myself.
How do clients reach out to you? How do you schedule and manage appointments?
People usually DM me over Instagram. I started off on my personal account, but I eventually transitioned over to a professional business account to better manage appointments and inquiries.
Last semester, I found myself working around others’ schedules because I would try to coordinate dates and times that would work better for the customer. But this semester, I provide my availability through a Calendly, especially because I’m more busy with schoolwork. I’ve also been limiting my appointments to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and only taking two to three customers each day, instead of meeting several people everyday like last semester. From a customer standpoint, it’s pretty easy to book an appointment with me.
How long do nail sets typically take you to complete?
A typical set doesn’t last more than two hours per person, but it really depends on what the customer comes in with and what they want. For plain sets, I can honestly get those done in an hour, or an hour and a half. For more complex designs, it could take me up to two or two and a half hours, especially if they want different designs on each nail. Also, if the person needs to get their previous set of nails removed, that can add up to 30 minutes, depending on the removal technique.
How do you manage both school and the business?
It’s pretty hard, especially during midterm season. Right now I’m still taking a good amount of clients, but I’ll cut off certain days to make sure I’m getting my schoolwork done. For instance, I have a midterm on Monday, so I’m not taking any clients on Sunday just so that I have that full day to study. I’d say I’m pretty good at time management because throughout my entire life—especially in high school—I did a lot of extracurriculars. Coming to Penn, I’m not in that many clubs, but school is definitely my priority. It’s not really that I find time—I’ve just learned to make time.
Who was your first Penn client and what was that experience like?
My first client at Penn was my roommate. I didn’t know her that well because we met each other through Instagram, so I offered to do her nails since I had brought all my nail supplies with me from home. I posted the set I did on Instagram and started getting requests from other friends, and the business grew from there.
Do you have any previous entrepreneurial experience in managing or running a business?
I have a track record of turning hobbies into jobs. In high school, I really enjoyed baking and cooking. I found a cafe that served both drinks and desserts, where I first worked as a barista, and then transitioned over to working as a baker.
I feel like when you start looking at your work as more of a business rather than a hobby, it takes the joy out of it. So with my nail business, the money is a perk, but I really just do nails for fun.
What do nails mean to you?
Other types of style—outfit, hair, makeup—are all temporary, but nails have a sense of (relative) permanence. With proper care, they can stay on for at least three to four weeks and can be a long–term source of joy. I’m a lot happier when I have my nails done, and I love it when others compliment me on my nails.
Lightning Round!
If you had to pick, would you choose school or your nail business? School, without a doubt.
What has been your favorite nail set so far? Orange Blossom–themed set from the Strawberry Shortcake series.
What is your most requested style? Cat eye. Everyone wants a cat eye.
What’s the longest a set has ever taken you? Two days on my own nails. I’m a perfectionist.
Would you rather have an early morning class or a late night nail appointment? Early morning class.
There are two types of people at Penn … Minimalists and maximalists.
And you are? Minimalist.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
