The pursuit of one’s own business is not for the weak— from scheduling to budgeting, there are a myriad of challenges that come with the attempt to succeed as an entrepreneur. Many students at CU Denver are studying to enter this profession in the hopes of finding a job out there that will meet their expectations, but one junior has already given herself a head start.
Faith Khang started her business as a pastime that would eventually grow into something more. As a person of Hmong descent, she wanted to find a path in life that would make her and her parents happy, but when she started to sell her artistically crafted nails, people started to pay attention, and the success could not be denied.
“I grew up under typical Asian parents where lawyer, doctor, or engineer was the only way to be successful. Nails were just a hobby I had started in middle school with cheap nail polish, until now, in 2024, I have a full-on nail business that I run!” says Khang.
These nails are not just the typical solid color of the past, though. These designs are detailed, with a level of customization that can only come from a talented artist who has a passion for her craft.
“I had always enjoyed doing nails, hair, and makeup. It wasn’t until I was introduced to Korean and Japanese nail styles where I was completely blown away by their nail art. I had practiced every day to draw and paint nails just as intricate as they did,” says Khang.
As a student herself, the nail artist had to contend with her own assignments alongside her entrepreneurial goals. “Student stress was real and that’s where my priorities were,” says Khang, “but in the back of my head, while studying for exams or sitting in class, I was thinking of my next business promotion or whose appointment was next.”
Finding the potential in her audience was key to her growing popularity. Khang recognized that social media, specifically the Snapchat and Instagram stories dedicated to the different class years at CU Denver, were the perfect avenues for advertising her work.
“I had a lightbulb-moment, in which I would start promoting my business to the students of CU Denver. On occasion, I would do special promotions where I would drop down nail prices, affordable enough for students to get their nails done,” says Khang. She goes on to explain that, “being a student myself, I needed a break from school, studying, and stress, but I didn’t want to spend an arm and a leg to treat myself under a college student budget.” With all the financial burdens that people attending school deal with, Khang offers an alternative as a student who understands the plight of university living.
A successful business is not easy to achieve, especially when one has classes to attend and homework to finish, but Khang found a way to elevate her ambitions and find her audience through CU Denver. Her future as an entrepreneur is far from over, and she plans to continue pursuing her aspirations after she graduates.
Her work and any scheduling inquiries for any of her services, including nails and hair, as of recently, can be found at @rebornpretty on Instagram.
All photos taken and owned by Faith Khang.
