Meet Sela Vo | Freelance Nail Tech & Accounting Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sela Vo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sela, what matters most to you?
Learning and self-improvement is the most valuable principle to me. When growth comes from within, everything else comes together.

Learning to reflect on myself and hold myself accountable is the reason I can show up as a better person than who I was before. My only competition is myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in Gel services, specifically Gel X and Builder Gel, emphasizing artistry. I enjoy trying to recreate complex designs. When I finish, each set is a wearable piece of art. When people love their nails, it feels like my art is appreciated, loved, and showcased.

I started in the nail salon industry over one year ago with my family, shortly after earning my cosmetology license. Challenges along the way led me to pursue a path as a freelance nail tech. Thanks to my friend, Stephanie, I have a studio in North Richland Hills, TX. My transition to independence gives me the creative freedom to build my brand, clients, and business.

Balancing life as a part-time nail tech and part-time student is tricky. I’m learning to be intentional about my time and my boundaries. I hope my clients can understand that freelancing is new to me. I may make mistakes, but I’m here to grow and learn to provide the best for my stakeholders.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I’m out, I’ll probably be with friends eating out, studying at the library, or playing Top Golf. I love food. I’d head to Tandoor in Arlington for some Chicken Tikka Masala or have some Japanese BBQ from Gyu-Kaku in Dallas. If I’m in the mood for something sweet, I have a few options: Meccha Matcha at Asia Times Square, nước mía from Vita Cane, boba from Feng Cha or Teagether, or Smalls Acai Bowls. These are some of my favorite spots to visit in DFW to visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thank you to Tarrant County College staff and faculty for providing a safe place to explore and learn. I’m grateful for my fellow officers and advisors in Phi Theta Kappa (the official honor society of community colleges). TCC and PTK have taught me skills and principles that I can bring to my creative side as a freelance nail tech and for the rest of my life.

I want to dedicate a shoutout to my boyfriend, Rafael, who I trust is on my team. Thank you to Stephanie, Juliet, Camryn, Kevin, Mya, and Danny for supporting me.

Another big thank you to every one of my nail clients who book, revisit, bring me treats, tip me generously, and encourage me.

Some resources that deserve recognition:
• “You Are a BADASS” a book by Jen Sincero (I recommend the audiobook on Youtube),
• YouTube channel “School of Life” for showing us how profound mental health is
• Podcast “Love, Happiness, and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby”

Finally, thank you to my mom who tried her best, and my dad for unconditionally supporting me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selaxnails/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sela-vo-080358257

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=U6zr_qxkG0bDwijjhMqXFQ&utm_source=ishare

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@seyluh?si=MdWn76CwxTlv8oHk

Image Credits
Kevin Silva, Sela Vo