Alexia Boukou shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Alexia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
There are two things that truly make me lose track of time. The first is when I’m working during shows or photoshoots for my nail business. When I’m in that space, collaborating with other artists, perfecting the details, and seeing the vision come to life…I get completely absorbed. I’m in my element, and hours can go by without me noticing.
The second is when I’m doing something my kids really enjoy. Whether we’re playing, or exploring, I’m so present in the moment with them that time doesn’t exist. It’s a different kind of creativity and joy that also helps me reconnect with myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alexia Boukou, and i’m the founder of Lexi Nails & Beauty. I started my brand back in 2021 after having my twin boys. At the time, I couldn’t make it to the salon, so I began doing my own nails at home. What started as a personal escape during postpartum quickly turned into a passion that grew into a business.
Lexi Nails is all about high-quality, reusable press-on nails that actually fit every nail bed size, so women can enjoy beautiful, trendy nails without the hassle or damage of salon visits. What makes us special is that our nails are convenient, reusable, and designed with style in mind.
Right now, I’m in a really exciting chapter. After spending a while feeling disconnected from parts of my business, I’ve refound my spark. I now collaborate more with stylists, assist on photoshoots, and contribute to ad campaigns and commercials. It’s been amazing to merge nails with the creative world of fashion and media while building a brand that speaks to women who want beauty, confidence, and convenience.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what often breaks the bonds between people is a lack of understanding, empathy, or communication. Sometimes it’s not even intentional. life gets busy, we get caught up in our own worlds, and little by little, distance forms. I’ve also felt that in my own journey, both personally and in business, where I became disconnected from myself and from the people I wanted to serve.
What restores those bonds is empathy, honesty, and showing up authentically. For me, it was taking the time to pause, rediscover what I truly love, and communicate that openly. That shift has helped me rebuild connections, with myself, my audience, and the amazing people I now collaborate with.
Sometimes, it’s the willingness to slow down, listen, and return with intention that makes the bond even stronger than before.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes!! absolutely.
Honestly, it happens more often than we think. Between postpartum, raising twins, living temporarly to another country, and the day-to-day grind of growing a small business, there were many moments I wondered if I should keep going. I even lost joy in parts of Lexi Nails for a while, it felt heavy and more like a chore than a passion.
What pulled me back was remembering why I started. Also, the support of mentors, creative collaborators, and the chance to reinvent what I do. Now working closely with stylists, assisting on photoshoots, and contributing to ad campaigns, helped me reconnect with the love for my craft. Giving up crossed my mind, sure, but rediscovering my purpose and those little wins kept me moving forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
My public self is a curated, honest slice of who I am: the founder, the mom, the creative behind Lexi Nails & Beauty. I share the wins, the designs, the photoshoots, and the collaborations, because those are real parts of my life and work.
But Yes, it’s totally real. I share my doubts, moments of burnout, and my authentic self with my audience. What I don’t show is the Alexia with messy hair or the chaotic behind-the-scenes moments, because that’s not the version I want to portray for my brand haha. Everything else the wins, the struggles, the creative process, is completely me. I want people to see the real journey just a little polished.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop doubting myself completely. I’d go after every idea I have in mind, whether I have the budget or not, and trust my instincts more than ever. I’d also stop holding back from asking for help, collaborating, and putting myself out there, because time is too precious to wait for the “perfect moment.”
Image Credits
Alexandra Jones
Chanteuse: Asma
Aziliz Zara (photo en rouge et jaune)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
