Meet Michelle Nguyen

We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Nguyen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

I didn’t come from a business background, so in the beginning, I had to learn by doing — and by failing. Every mistake became a lesson that teaches me to trust my instincts. Over time, I built a team of incredibly talented people who believe in TAD’s vision as much as I do. We don’t always agree but I have learnt to listen to their advice and take calculated risks.

I trust my gut, I trust my team and that has really helped me grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and CEO of two beauty brands: Paris Lash Academy (PLA), a global professional lash and nail supply company, and TAD Beauty, the world’s first 3D printed DIY lash system. I started my career as a lash artist nearly 18 years ago, and today I focus most of my time on something I’m truly passionate about: product development.

I’ve built an amazing team that runs the day-to-day operations of both businesses, which allows me to focus on researching, innovating, and creating products that don’t just follow trends, they set them. I never want to create something you can find anywhere else. Whether it’s TAD’s 3D printed cluster lashes or PLA’s professional lashes, my goal has always been to develop products that solve real problems for beauty professionals and consumers, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

What excites me most is seeing ideas that once lived only in my head come to life and actually change how people experience beauty, making things more comfortable, more efficient, and often, things they didn’t even realize they needed until now. I’m incredibly proud to have recently been granted my first patent, with several additional patents currently pending, a true milestone in bringing innovative beauty solutions to life.

Right now, I’m especially focused on expanding TAD Beauty and developing even more innovative lash solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with real-world beauty expertise. I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One of the most impactful skills I brought into this journey was my deep knowledge of lash extensions from my time as a lash artist. That hands-on experience gave me a strong understanding of lash structure and what clients truly want. It allowed me to design and develop products I personally wished I had when I was behind the chair—products that truly solve real problems for lash artists.

Resilience has also been a key part of my story. I’ve heard “no” more times than I can count, but I never let that stop me. I learned early on that rejection is not the end—it’s just a redirection. Refusing to give up has been crucial to getting where I am today.

Lastly, none of this would have been possible without my incredible team. I credit so much of my company’s success to the dedicated, talented people who have joined me along the way. They are the heart of PLA and TAD, and without them, I’d still be a solo lash artist with a dream instead of a thriving business.

For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is this: move fast. If you have an idea, act on it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—it rarely comes. And don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the process, and you only need to get it right a few times for everything to change. Be bold, be quick, and learn as you go.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

I grew up on a farm, raised by parents who were hardworking farmers. From an early age, I was taught that nothing in life is given to you — you have to earn it through hard work and determination. Even though we didn’t have much, I never truly went without, because my parents worked tirelessly to provide for us.

What made their influence even more special was that they encouraged me to dream far beyond the boundaries of our small farm. They believed in me and pushed me to reach for the stars — something that was rare in our community, especially for girls. In the small farming town in Asia where I grew up, most women were expected to become housewives. My parents broke that mold by teaching me that my future could be anything I was willing to work for. That mindset shaped everything I am today.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Headshot: Whitney Finuf @whitneyfinufphoto

Action shot: Sam Bearden @abphotoreno

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