Meet Meghna Verma | Private Artist and Public Health Professional

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

Hi Meghna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Navigating life as a kidney transplant recipient while running a small business and diving deep into public health has taught me that every day is a tightrope walk. But here’s the thing—life’s too short to play it safe all the time. Risks are everywhere, but I choose to maneuver through them like an artist, making sure every brushstroke I make adds color and depth to my canvas of opportunities.

Owning a small business is like painting a masterpiece, especially when you’ve got health challenges to juggle. For example, figuring out how long I can work without burning out, keeping stress in check, or even deciding which products to offer—all of these decisions are like choosing the right colors for my palette. But just like in art, I’ve got to be intentional, making sure each stroke contributes to the bigger picture without smudging the details that matter most.

In my world of public health, the focus is on prevention and managing risks—skills I bring into my business, too. Keeping my workspace safe and germ-free isn’t just a smart business move; it’s like priming the canvas before the first stroke of paint. I’m constantly on the lookout for potential hazards, ensuring I’m one step ahead of anything that could disrupt my creative flow.

Take client interactions, for instance. With a compromised immune system, I’ve got to be super cautious, especially during flu season or when there’s something nasty going around. So, I’ve got backup plans like virtual consultations or limiting face-to-face meetings. It’s all about preserving the integrity of the masterpiece I’m creating without risking unwanted splatter.

This whole experience has turned me into a master planner—whether it’s tweaking my business to fit my health needs or using my public health expertise to create a safe environment. I’m all about calculated risks, making sure that every move I make enhances the beauty of the life I’m crafting. Like Mark Zuckerberg said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” So, whether I’m balancing health, business, or both, I’m here to prove to anyone reading this today, with the right mindset, yes mindset, you WILL create something truly extraordinary out of every challenge life throws your way—and enjoy the process of painting your own path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is all about staying true to my values, and a big part of that is using only the highest quality products from brands that genuinely care about their customers. This is what sets me apart—I believe the integrity of the products I use shows how much I care about my clients. That’s why I’m super picky about the brands I choose. If a company seems even a little shady or doesn’t vibe with my values of transparency and respect, I won’t use or promote their products.

This approach is what makes my work special. My clients trust me not just for my skills but also because they know I put a lot of thought and ethics into everything I do. Whether it’s picking safe, high-quality products or supporting brands that treat their customers right, I’m all about making sure my clients get the best experience possible.

I’m also big on attending national beauty conventions. These events give me a chance to get to know the brands I work with and make sure they’re all about quality, ethics, and keeping customers happy. Plus, these conventions keep me inspired and motivated—because let’s be real, burnout is no joke!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Orange County, I’d plan a perfect week filled with the best Asian food, beach days, and relaxing in beautiful parks. We’d start in Irvine with some incredible Indian cuisine—lunch at Vishnu Restaurant for authentic South Indian flavors, followed by chai and snacks at Taste of India. We’d finish the day with a flavorful dinner at Adya, enjoying modern takes on classic Indian dishes.
Day two would be all about Laguna Beach—grabbing acai bowls from Banzai Bowls, enjoying sushi at Okura Robata Grill, and wrapping up with dinner at Starfish Laguna after exploring local galleries.
In Little Saigon, we’d start with Vietnamese coffee and banh mi at Saigon’s Bakery, followed by lunch at Brodard for their famous spring crunchy rolls, and finish with a comforting bowl of pho at Pho 79.
Next, we’d hike at Crystal Cove State Park, picnic with goodies from Mitsuwa Marketplace, and unwind with ramen at HiroNori Craft Ramen in Irvine. A chill day in Huntington Beach would follow—starting with a hearty Indian breakfast at Clay Oven, then enjoying poke bowls at the pier, biking along the boardwalk, and finishing the day with a feast of Indian street food at Urban India Cafe. We’d spend a day in Anaheim and Garden Grove, starting with breakfast at S & J Gran Cafe, hitting up Disneyland, and ending with delicious Japanese BBQ at Anjin or garlic noodles at The Vox Kitchen. You have not lived until you’ve had the garlic noods. On the last day, we’d relax at Newport Beach, soaking up the sun with breakfast burritos from Chronic Tacos, picnic with bento boxes from Fukada in a local park, and end the trip with a sunset dinner at Mastro’s Ocean Club.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to a few key parts of my journey that have shaped who I am today. First, a huge thank you to California Baptist University, where I pursued my Master of Public Health and found a community that deeply inspired and supported me in finding my passion for public health. My kidney donor is another person who deserves endless recognition—without their incredible gift; I wouldn’t be where I am today, both in health, wisdom and in life.
I also have to shout out my favorite short story, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. It’s a story that has guided me through many crossroads, reminding me there’s magic in every choice and step I take. Finally, my amazing village—My shoutout HAS to go to the incredible friends who’ve become an essential part of my journey. These friends aren’t just the people I hang out with—they’re the ones I work with, my amazing clients, and even the incredible souls who reach out to me on social media to cheer me on, even though we’ve never met in person. They are my village, my support system, and they show me daily that there’s magic in our connections. Just the camaraderie of working with people who understand and uplift me, means so much as these relationships have been transformative. They constantly remind me that I’m not alone on this path. Their belief in me makes all the difference, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their presence in my life. Together, they’ve all contributed to the path I’m on, and I’m forever grateful.

Instagram: @thenailmanicurist

Image Credits
https://www.sweetmphotography.net/clients/ for the first image with purple dress and polishes behind me