Imagine you want to get your nails done somewhere,. It can be daunting because nearly every nail salon you visit is overpriced or has limited customization. That’s where Nails by Venus comes in. Nails by Venus is a local nail business specializing in Gel X nails and custom nail art. It was started in 2023 by Venus Cheng, a senior at Plano Senior High School.
“I wanted to combine that with something that helps people feel confident and express themselves,” Cheng said.
Cheng’s journey into the world of nail artistry began with her passion for creativity and her desire to empower individuals through self-expression. What started as a casual hobby amongst friends has grown to a thriving business that goes beyond nails and instills confidence and individuality in her clients through art.
“Seeing my dad’s dedication motivated me to take a chance on something I love. He taught me to work hard, take risks, and believe in my ideas. I wanted to combine that with something that helps people feel confident and express themselves,” Cheng said.
Being inspired by her dad’s own successful small business, Cheng learned the value of hard work, risk-taking, and confidence. In addition, it’s become much easier to start a business nowadays. According to financial journalist Carmen Reinicke, sixty percent of teens want to launch their own businesses rather than work regular jobs, and 6 percent of teen boys and 4 percent of teen girls have already started a business. This is due to lower startup costs, new political laws that removed multiple steps in registering a business, and greater access to online resources. Teens, like Cheng, can learn valuable skills and lessons through such opportunities.
“My favorite part, though, is the artistry, getting to design nails that make people smile and feel confident. I love seeing their reactions when they love the final look.”
Like any other business, though, the core skill is the interest and talent of its workers. In this case, it would be Venus’ nail creativity. What makes local businesses like hers unique and appealing is the authenticity and devotion of her product. She can better accommodate individual customers in a local environment. However, it is important to remember that Cheng, after all, is still a teenager with other commitments.
“My least favorite part is probably time management, especially when balancing school and client work, but it has helped me become more organized and disciplined,”
School can be hard enough on its own, but handling that while juggling business logistics, customer service, and creative work is even more daunting. Moreover, the fear of failure, which 67% of teens have when considering starting a business, looms over them. Despite this, Cheng perseveres by remembering why she does this: her clients. They are her source of inspiration, creativity, and motivation to continue her passion.
“Besides my nail business, I love art and crafts, painting, sketching, and designing small projects for fun. I also enjoy exploring creative trends and finding new ways to apply them to my nail designs. It keeps me inspired and constantly improving.
All in all, Cheng’s business is more than just fun. It serves the community. It teaches her lessons in artistry, business, and general life management. Even when Cheng encounters roadblocks, she continues for her customers and herself. While not necessarily the most popular option, Cheng considers her business to be a success because of what she has learned and who she has served.
And as famous American author Booker T. Washington said, “success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
“I’d say my business has been very successful since I started. I’ve learned so much from artistry and marketing to customer service and accounting.”
For those who are interested in seeking a more intimate and personalized experience in nail art, Nails by Venus offers a unique blend of artistry, affordability, and customer-oriented service. Whether you’re a student wanting to pamper yourself or a local Plano resident in search of a creative solution, Cheng’s business is for everyone.
“Students who are interested in getting their nails done or have any questions can contact me through my Instagram, @Venus.ohh.”
What began as a simple act of painting nails among friends has flourished into a successful business that serves as a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and self-expression. Nails by Venus is an outstanding example of how a young entrepreneur’s vision can transform a hobby into an empowering and inspiring business.
