Vera Nails by Phuong Pham: Where Care Meets Craft in the Heart of Colorado

Wilson Lim
Jun 23
2 min read

With gentle precision and heartfelt service, Phuong Pham is redefining what it means to run a boutique nail salon—one satisfied client at a time.

Nestled on Kipling Street in Denver, Vera Nails isn’t a sprawling, luxury complex. It’s a cozy, intimate space where every guest is treated with exceptional care. For owner Phuong Pham, that intimacy is intentional. It’s where quality outweighs quantity and where clients—many of whom have been coming for years—know they’ll be met not just with skill, but with sincerity.

From Vision to Vocation

Unlike many who discover the nail industry after arriving in the U.S., Phuong had her sights set on this career well before she came to American. She trained in basic nail techniques while still living in Vietnam, already envisioning a future in beauty and self-care.

So when she arrived in the U.S., her path was clear. But clarity doesn’t always mean ease. “Of course, I was nervous at first,” she shares. “Starting a business in a new country, in a new culture—it’s overwhelming. But over time, I adapted, learned the rhythm, and found my way.”

What guided her through that uncertain beginning? Her commitment to customer care. “When a client returns, when I see their smile after a service—that’s everything. That’s when I know I’ve done something right.”

Service with Heart and Humility

At Vera Nails, hospitality goes beyond a warm welcome. It means fairness, empathy, and little gestures that make a big impact. When the salon is full and wait times are longer than usual, Phuong doesn’t just apologize—she often offers a discount, acknowledging her clients’ patience and loyalty.

It’s that kind of thoughtfulness that turns first-time clients into regulars.

“To be a good nail technician, you have to be committed—not only to technique, but to people,” she says. “You have to stay updated, practice the rigorous designs, follow trends, and above all, do it with care. Each client leaves not only looking better but hopefully feeling better too.”

Her client base is as diverse as the city itself—from young professionals to middle-aged women, locals to referrals. The one thing they all have in common? They kept coming back.

Looking Forward, Giving Back

Phuong isn’t resting on her success. She has plans to expand, to open another location, and serve even more clients. “The more women I can help feel beautiful and confident, the more meaningful this work becomes,” she says.

To her, beauty isn’t superficial—it’s empowering. And being able to contribute to that empowerment, especially among women, gives her a deep sense of purpose.