Meet Kenny Le

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenny Le. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kenny, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

As a nail artist, I’ve dealt with impostor syndrome. Even though I’ve worked hard and finally gotten some recognition in my community, I still have moments where I doubt myself. Clients are excited to book appointments weeks in advance, but when I’m under pressure to create a perfect manicure for a client or when I get some tough feedback, those self-doubts come back, “What if they find out I’m not as good as they think?” I’ve learned to accept these feelings as part of the process! I try to channel my insecurities into my work, and use them to spark my creativity. Every time I finish a stunning set of nails, I remind myself of my skills and turn those doubts into chances to grow, showing myself and my clients that even the best artists can feel uncertain sometimes.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve been in the nail industry since December 2017. During the pandemic in 2020, I explored further in gels and no acrylics and fully transitioned to only gel products in October 2020, when Alchemy X Nails launched!

As a proud Vietnamese and an LGBTQ+ friendly business, I believe in creating an inclusive space where everyone can feel welcomed and celebrated. Alchemy represents a “seemingly magical process of transformation and creation,” and to me, that perfectly describes the art of nails. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a fresh set! My vision for Alchemy X Nails is to foster a community of fierce individuals who love to express themselves through stunning nail art.

Nail art hasn’t always come easily to me, and I still face challenges along the way—but that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable! I’m grateful to be surrounded by talented artists and a supportive community that inspires me every day.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three important qualities that helped me are perseverance, creativity, and community spirit. Perseverance has been key for overcoming challenges in mastering nail art. Creativity allows me to try new designs and express myself. Building a sense of community has connected me with other artists and clients, making my journey even more rewarding.

For those just starting out, my advice is to be patient and open to learning. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make mistakes, they can teach you a lot!! Find a supportive friends, and find other artists who can inspire you. Remember, growth comes with practice, so keep practicing!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My family has played such a huge role in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills I needed to succeed as a nail artist. While some family members aren’t in the nail industry, they’ve always encouraged me to follow my passion and provided so much support behind the scenes. I’m also fortunate to have relatives who are skilled in nails, and their guidance and mentorship have been invaluable. I truly couldn’t have made this journey without the love and encouragement from my family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alchemy-x.square.site/home
• Instagram: AlchemyxNails

Image Credits

ZARA_ASHBY_PHOTOGRAPHY