Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesilyn Fiel Kamminga
Hi Jesilyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Jesilyn, owner of Elysium Nail Studio. I started my journey in nails back in 2014 when I went to nail school in Guam. In 2017, my husband, our three kids, and I moved to Louisiana, and two years later, in 2019, we opened our first nail salon. We were able to make that dream happen with the help of my mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, who believed in us and invested in our vision. Our salon, The Nail Den, quickly became a success, earning multiple awards over the years.
The reason I wanted to open my own salon was because I noticed so many issues in the industry, especially in Louisiana. A lot of salons had poor sanitation, unlicensed techs, and low-quality work that didn’t last—but they still charged high prices. On top of that, many of them lacked great customer service. I wanted to change that and create a salon where clients felt valued and could trust they were getting quality nails in a clean and professional environment.
In May 2024, we sold our salon and moved to Texas. Now, I’m in New Braunfels working out of a private studio, and the response has been amazing. In just a few months, I’ve grown to doing 100+ appointments monthly as a private nail tech. I’ve gained so many regulars while continuing to meet new clients who appreciate my focus on high-quality nails, strict sanitation practices, and exceptional customer care.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening and managing a nail salon was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, especially with the added pressures of being a wife, a mom, and trying to take care of myself. The goal was always to make it—no matter what that looked like—and to do whatever I had to do to ensure the business was successful. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my in-laws & most especially, my husband, Anthony, who has always been my backbone. He believed in me even when I questioned myself. Oh gosh, there were many days when I didn’t believe in myself and wanted to quit so bad! He was always there to re-assure me, til this day. He’s the best Husband and Father to our kids. I am forever grateful.
On top of everything, being a business owner comes with its own set of challenges—balancing the demands of life, running a business, and being there for my family. But with the support of family, our amazing nail techs and loyal clients, we made it all work.
Selling the salon was bittersweet. The Nail Den was my baby, and having it for five years, then letting it go, was hard! But looking back, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Honestly, I sometimes wish we had moved to Texas sooner.
Our move to Texas has been surprisingly smooth. I thought it would be more stressful, but it’s been easier than I expected. I worked in a salon in Canyon Lake for a while, but a better opportunity opened up for me & my business in New Braunfels so I decided to move my studio there. My studio is inside Divine Aesthetic. The owner, Angelica Garza, created an amazing space for me and my clients. Everyone has loved the new space, especially me!
Getting/ attracting my dream clients, wasn’t as difficult because I had experience marketing our previous nail salon. I just repeated the strategies that worked for me. It’s not just about getting new clients—it’s about doing what I love and putting my all into it. When you’re passionate about your work and truly care about what you’re doing, the right people will find you. That’s been my experience throughout my career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been doing nails for over a decade & I love it! I specialize in natural nails but also offer GEL-X (gel extensions) for clients who need a little extra length. My main focus is on Builder Gel, also known as BIAB (Builder in a Bottle).
BIAB is an amazing product for natural nails because it strengthens them while allowing them to grow long and healthy. It’s perfect for clients who want durable, beautiful nails without sacrificing their natural nail health.
I’m certified in Luminary, Erica’s ATA, Kokoist, Bio Sculpture and Aprés (I use the brand SOFGEL for all my nail extensions), which means I’ve trained extensively with some of the best brands in the industry. I also offer Russian manicures, which provide a super clean, precise finish that my clients love.
Business wise, what I’m most proud of is the retention of my clients. The feedback I get from them means so much to me—it’s what keeps me passionate about what I do. My clients trust me with some of the most personal, vulnerable moments in their lives. Whether they’re sharing happy news or opening up about struggles, it’s such an honor to have that level of connection.
What I’m most proud of, personally, is how much our life has changed since selling The Nail Den. I’ve learned to manage my time so much better, and now I get to spend way more quality time with my husband and kids. That balance is everything to me. Time is such a precious thing—once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. I used to be so caught up in the business hustle that I didn’t realize how important those moments with my family were. Now, I cherish every moment we get to spend together, whether it’s just getting off early, going on trips, or simply hanging out at home. Time with the people you love is irreplaceable, and I’m so grateful for the time I have now.
When it comes to what sets me apart, I’m honestly not sure—it’s hard to compare myself to others. But I do know that I genuinely care about my clients, their nail health, and how they feel when they leave my chair. My goal is always to make them feel good inside and out after every appointment.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I didn’t have the easiest childhood, but my parents did the best they could, and I’m grateful for everything they’ve done. My dad has always been incredibly supportive, pushing me to not only do better than they did but to better myself every single day. His mindset was always about giving—he believed the more you give to others, the more blessings will come your way. And that’s something I carry with me to this day.
I was born in the Philippines, and when I was 5, we moved to Guam, where I became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Growing up as the oldest of seven, life was busy, and we didn’t always have a lot. I had to grow up fast, taking care of my siblings, making sure dinner was ready, and getting the chores done. It made me impatient and frustrated at times, but it also taught me to push for more and to never settle. I promised myself that I wouldn’t let my kids go through the same struggles, and that became my drive.
My mom was strict, and with everything going on at home, we didn’t get a lot of freedom. But despite that, we all still managed to join sports, stay on top of our grades, and have friends. It wasn’t easy, but we made it work and we pushed ourselves to make the best of what I had.
Today, I’m proud of what my siblings have accomplished. Jesil is in the Marines, Jesica is a retired Army veteran, an amazing mom & is currently perusing her career in the medical field, BJ is in tech, and Banjeely is a nail tech like me but will be joining the Air Force in 2025. My two younger brothers still live with my parents, but I know they’re going to make something great out of their lives too.
My childhood wasn’t perfect, but if it hadn’t happened the way it did, I wouldn’t be working as hard today.
Pricing:
- BIAB $85
- Russian Manicure $120
- Gel X $95
- Nail art $20 & up
- Therapy: $FREE
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elysiumnailstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysiumnailstudio_texas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QVvxBYjMD/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elysiumnailstudio_texas?_t=8ro8Jx4xrVD&_r=1
