Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Gialinh Doan.
Christine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My parents owned several salons growing up, being there everyday after school–I was always interested in the detail work that was put into every client. Being a first generation immigrant myself, I never wanted to follow in those footsteps, but rather explore a medical/scientific field. I joined the U.S. Navy after I graduated high school and pursued a career in nuclear engineering.
After serving my time, I felt that I wasn’t using my creative energy to the fullest potential and would take the time after work or on my downtime to paint my nails. My boyfriend started taking noticed and suggest that I start doing it more often and challenge myself with more designs. When I started my path onto nail art two years ago, I would use traditional lacquer polish–my coworkers and customers at my retailer job also took notice and asked me to start doing their nails.
One year later with the amount of inquiries that kept coming in and more and more friends and customers returning for me to practice on them, I enrolled into cosmetology school. I continued to practice every day after my 9-5pm school day and every Sunday and Monday I had off–my days became 12-14 hour days for a full year. After I graduated and got licensed, I was able to focus on my craft full time and am honored to have revolutionary brands in my industry recognize my work and collaborate with them for certain events and projects.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Challenging is the least that I could say when it comes to the path that I have taken. I gave up time, relationships and other social activities/experiences that I won’t have to remember in the future but I am excited to see what comes into fruition from my sacrifices. I have also learned to live a healthier life while adapting with my mental health diagnosis. There has been so many things that have constantly come up along my path but there isn’t a thing that I would change.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Although I’m licensed as a cosmetologist, my specialty and focus is on nails and the health of them. Since I first started, I have always been adamant about working with my client’s natural nails and the health of their nail plate and nail beds. All my products that I work with are gel–the base and color will always be soft gel to allow for safe removal and depending on the lifestyle of my clients; I will use a soft or hard gel top coat to protect the designs and nails.
What makes me most proud and sets me apart from others in my industry in this area is that I was the first to adapt and offer Après Gel-X extension system. It is a full coverage soft gel alternative extension system that soaks off completely while allowing the nail plate to remain intact completely without the need of filing done to it. I often use this system to allow my clients to grow out their nails naturally so that they can maintain their natural length with gel once it grows out to the desired length. My high-quality products I use are the backbone of my business but what I take pride in most is the attention to detail I take in every step of my process. I will never allow a client to leave without clean lines and detail when it comes to the art that I place onto their hands and nails. I also make my own custom blend of cuticle oils for my clients to use and I always give one to any existing and new clients in order for them to maintain the condition of their nails.
What were you like growing up?
I didn’t grow up into my personality until late on in my life. Growing up, I tended to keep all my hobbies on the back burner while I tried to focus on extracurriculars that my parents would approve of. While my parents were at work, I would take that time to indulge my crafts, sewing small crafts, small clay crafts, and mimicking other artists’ work. I also taught myself how to make macrons since I would often enjoy them so much–now for special occasions and gifts to close friends I will always explore different flavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: christinedoan.com
- Email: cgldoan@gmail.com
- Instagram: @by.cgd
Image Credit:
Mallory Kessel https://mallorykayphotography.
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