Meet Kelsey Le | Entrepreneur & Nail Designer

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

Hi Kelsey, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a perfectionist, I used to crumble up and throw away any paper I was drawing on when a line I wanted to be straight, wasn’t. I used to give up on any thing I wasn’t immediately good at. I remember in elementary school that I tried to do graffiti because two of my friends were really good at it. In middle school, I took a huge interest in anime and tried to draw my own mangas. In high school, I made and edited Youtube videos inspired by fashionistas. I even took up blogging. The thing all those hobbies had in common is that I wasn’t mature enough to realize that if I stuck through with them, I may have been good or even great at them. Instead, I just always assumed that I was never an artistic person. It wasn’t until I started doing nails, that I finally believed I could become good at a form of art. I started overcoming my imposter syndrome and calming down the perfectionist in me and decided to have fun. This was the moment I realized I could turn this hobby into a career and I haven’t looked back since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a nails designer, what’s really fun and exciting is that I have the opportunity to be more creative and critical with each set. As an entrepreneur and jewelry business owner, I gain knowledge with every idea I am able to execute. It hasn’t been the easiest, but both have taught me to have a little faith in the universe, trust the process, and to be patient. There’s a lot to be learned about both businesses and myself through the process. My definition of success is always elevating. I want the world to know that there’s a lot more to come of me and I can’t wait to bring all my visions to life!

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?
Yay!!!! I love this prompt so much! As a proud Los Angeles baby, this is giving me life. I love sick views of the Downtown buildings, so I’d take my best friend to the Elysian Valley hiking trails and pretty much all of them lead to an amazing view. I’d order some summer rolls (nem nuong cuon voi cha ram tom) from Gigo’s Cafe & Deli in Chinatown and have a picnic at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. After a crazy night at Lock & Key, we’ll go eat combination vermicelli with a side of bone broth at New Kamara in Chinatown and sober up. If there was a food festival in town like 626 Night Market, we’d definitely go to those and I’d convince you to get a deep fried squid. Lol. I’d take you to Porto’s Bakery and wouldn’t let you leave without taking some home. Bea Bea’s is a great breakfast spot where you can get huge matcha and/or Thai tea and many other insane combo pancakes. I’d go shopping down Fairfax and Melrose. I’d go to the beaches in Malibu Canyon and then have all you can eat KBBQ at Road to Seoul or Moon BBQ #2 in Koreatown. There’s so much to do in Los Angeles that it can get super overwhelming to narrow down what to do, but I hope this helps!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This one is obvious, but the first shoutout has to go out to my mom, dad, and sister. My mom has always inspired me through her hard working nature and my sister’s support and love keeps me going on my hardest days. To my dad who keeps me close to my roots through his Vietnamese foods. I’m grateful for Cesar, my loving, supportive, and always encouraging boyfriend. I’d like to thank one of my best friends, Vicky, for booking with me within the first month of me doing nails and continuing to be one of my biggest supporters. To my niece Jazlyn, whom I love dearly. To Tiffany, who loves me from thousands of miles away. To Brenndy, who introduced me to and bought me my first copy of “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, which changed my life. To Adrianne, who smothers me with amazing gestures and gifts. To Solmayra. To Diana. To all those that have given me any of their time and support, I wish I could name each and every one of you. To you, for reading this article. I truly am so grateful that this is my life and that I am so loved. I strive to be what you all have been to me and more.

Website: lagoldinc.com

Instagram: instagram.com/selfmadekelsey

Other: instagram.com/lagoldinc