Today we’d like to introduce you to Yean Bahuman.
Hi Yean, 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?
I was only 15 years old when I was forced to start doing nails. At that age, all I wanted was to stay in school, hang out with my friends, and enjoy being a teenager. But because of my family’s situation, I had to grow up much faster than most kids. I started working to help support my family, even though I never imagined nails would become my passion.
When I was 22, I met my husband and moved to the United States to start a new chapter of my life. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I spoke very little English, and I didn’t know the nail styles or techniques that clients wanted here. I failed my driving test and my nail licensing exam more than once. Some of my coworkers even made fun of me because I was different and still learning.
There were many moments when I wanted to give up, but I kept telling myself, “Just keep going.” Every challenge became another reason to work harder. I believed that if I stayed consistent and never quit, one day I would reach the life I dreamed of.
Looking back now, almost 10 years later, I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I’m proud to have owned my salon for nearly five years, and I’ve built an incredible community. My clients have become like family, and without their trust and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
My message to anyone chasing a dream is this: Your beginning does not define your future. It doesn’t matter where you come from, how many times you fail, or how many people doubt you. If you keep believing in yourself and refuse to give up, your hard work will eventually pay off. I hope my story reminds others that anything is possible with perseverance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first moved to the United States, life was far from easy. My husband was young and single before we got married, so we didn’t have much savings. We used almost everything we had to pay for my nail school because we believed it would give us a better future.
We only had one car, so every morning my father-in-law would wake up early to drop me off at school at 5:00 a.m., even though my classes didn’t start until 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. I would sit there for hours waiting because it was the only way we could make it work. After school, I had to wait until my husband finished work around 5:00 p.m. before he could pick me up. The drive was about an hour each way, so by the time I got home, I wasn’t done. I still had to attend ESL classes to learn English.
During all of this, I became pregnant with my son. It was physically and emotionally exhausting, but I knew that every sacrifice we were making was for a better future. Looking back now, those difficult days taught me perseverance, gratitude, and the value of never giving up
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Q Nails Potranco is more than just a nail salon—it’s a place where clients can relax, feel confident, and be treated like family. Since opening nearly five years ago, my goal has been to create a welcoming environment where every client receives personalized care and high-quality service.
We specialize in custom nail designs, healthy nail care, pedicures, waxing, and beauty services while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and customer service. What sets us apart is the relationships we build with our clients. Many of them have been with me for years, and they have become like family. I truly believe that listening to our clients and making them feel valued is just as important as creating beautiful nails.
As the owner, I continue to invest in education, improve our services, and remodel the salon to give our clients the best possible experience. I also recently launched my own cuticle oil line because I believe beautiful nails start with healthy nail care.
I am most proud of the community we’ve built. Q Nails Potranco isn’t just known for beautiful nails it’s known for kindness, consistency, and making every client feel welcome. My hope is that every person who walks through our doors leaves feeling more confident than when they arrived
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think one thing people don’t know about me is how hard it really is to own a business. I rarely talk about the difficult parts because I don’t want people to worry about me or see me differently. Most people know me as the funny, happy Jen who is always smiling and making everyone laugh. That’s the side I choose to show.
Behind the scenes, though, there are long days, sleepless nights, and a lot of pressure. As a business owner, you’re responsible for your employees, your clients, and your family’s future. There are moments of stress and self-doubt that most people never see.
Even through those challenges, I remind myself why I started. Seeing my clients smile and knowing we’ve built a place where people feel welcome makes every sacrifice worth it. I believe staying positive is part of being a leader, and that’s why I choose to focus on the joy I can bring to others.
Pricing:
- * Gel Manicure – Starting at $40
- * Spa Pedicure – Starting at $35
- * Acrylic Full Set – Starting at $55
- * Waxing Services – Starting at $15
- * Custom Nail Art – Starting at $10+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://freetimepos.com/appt/q-nails-tx
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/q_nails.potranco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qnailssatx/
