Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Tong.
Hi Christine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After the pandemic, I found a fresh start in the nail industry. I never expected that one practical decision would become one of the defining moments of my life. What I thought would simply be a new job became a profession that challenged me, changed me, and eventually gave me a completely different definition of success.
Working in the banking industry earlier in my career, I learned the importance of professionalism, precision and accountability. Even though my career took a completely different direction, those values never changed. To this day, I believe those values are fundamental to any profession.
I don’t consider myself the best nail artist, and I don’t think that’s what defines a successful career. What I do have is a clear vision of the kind of professional I want to be and the kind of business I want to build.
Over the years, I’ve realized that technical skills alone aren’t what set someone apart. Our industry is filled with talented artists and beautiful nail designs. What truly sets someone apart is being genuinely passionate about the craft, understanding the responsibility that comes with having someone’s trust, and never losing sight of why they chose this profession in the first place.
The nail industry is incredibly competitive and constantly evolving. Rather than comparing myself to others, I’ve learned to focus on continuing to improve my skills, earning my clients’ trust, and staying true to the standards that matter to me.
I approach every client and every service with four core values in mind: professional ethics, passion, accountability, and consistency.
When people think of me, I don’t necessarily want them to remember a particular nail design. I want them to remember that they could trust me. If they left feeling cared for, respected, and confident they were in good hands, then I’ve done my job well.
Everything I’ve built today started with one decision I never planned to make. Looking back, I wouldn’t change it. Every client who walked through my door challenged me to raise my standards, and that’s what shaped not only my business, but also who I am as a professional.
Above all, my faith in God has been the foundation that has carried me through every stage of this journey. It has given me the strength to keep moving forward, the courage to stay true to my values, and the determination to keep raising my own standards. Whatever the future holds, that’s the foundation I never want to lose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, but not in the way most people might think.
The biggest challenge was never learning the technical side of nails. It was learning to stay true to my standards in an industry where it’s often easier to take shortcuts.
There were times when doing the right thing meant spending more time with a client, recommending against a service they wanted, or putting the long-term health of their nails ahead of making a sale. Those decisions aren’t always the easiest ones, but they’ve always been the right ones for me.
Another challenge has been accepting that I can’t be everything to everyone. Early on, I felt pressure to offer every service and follow every trend. Over time, I realized that saying “no” to the things that don’t align with my standards allows me to say “yes” to the things I truly believe in.
Looking back, every challenge has strengthened my values rather than changed them. They’ve taught me that a lasting career isn’t built by trying to please everyone. It’s built by earning the trust of the people you serve, one decision at a time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I stay up to date with the latest nail trends and techniques, and I enjoy creating beautiful nail art. However, most of my clients come to me because they prefer something different—clean, natural, healthy, and long-lasting nails with an understated sense of luxury. When they choose nail art, it’s usually elegant, timeless, and suitable for both everyday life and a professional setting.
I started my career offering a wide range of services, including basic gel, acrylic, dip powder, polygel, Gel-X, and builder gel. As I gained more experience, I realized my passion wasn’t about offering every service—it was about offering the services that truly benefit my clients. That’s why I chose to specialize in Russian manicures and builder gel, focusing on nail health, precision, and long-term results.
What sets me apart is my philosophy. I believe luxury isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things exceptionally well.
My clients trust me because I don’t just create beautiful nails—I help their hands look cleaner, healthier, and naturally elegant as a whole.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I spent most of childhood surrounded by my family. My parents have always been the most important people in my life, and they have had the greatest influence on the person I am today.
Pricing:
- Start from $100
Contact Info:
- Email: Nailsartbyks@gmail.com
- TikTok: @nailsartbyks
