When Andréa Vieira walked away from her career as a journalist in 2014, she rewrote what was possible for a nail salon. Today, the Brazilian founder and CEO of nailsaloon has expanded her boutique concept into the business that it is today, one that includes five locations across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, millions in revenue annually, and notorious clients like former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Vieira’s path to beauty entrepreneurship was anything but traditional. Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and raised across multiple continents, Vieira grew up speaking three languages and adapting to new cultures. Before stepping into the world of nail care, she spent almost two decades working in journalism and media for networks like Globo TV, Telemundo, and CNN. Her resume includes work as varied as producing documentaries for the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, and serving as a speechwriter for The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
But a disappointing manicure sparked a radical career pivot.
“I quit my job — this is not an exaggeration — the next day. I was like, 'Guys, I’ve got to go open up a nail salon.' And people were like, ‘Wait, you’re going to do what?"
With $3 in her pocket, she packed up her life in Seattle and moved to Washington, D.C., determined to create the kind of salon that she wished existed. In October 2014, nailsaloon’s first location opened in Logan Circle. No industry experience. No safety net. Just an unshakable vision.
Walk into a nailsaloon and you’ll quickly see why Vieira’s concept stands out in a crowded industry. Gone are the harsh chemical smells and sterile vibes. Instead, the air is fresh thanks to advanced ventilation systems. The décor feels more like a chic lounge than a salon. And yes, you can sip a cappuccino in the morning or unwind with a glass of wine in the evening while your nails get polished to perfection.
Every detail is designed to make guests feel cared for.
“I almost consider the nailsaloon a hospitality business because even though we are in the beauty business, people come and want to be there the whole time, which is a big compliment."
That formula worked. Nailsaloon quickly became a hotspot, attracting everyone from Hollywood star Jessica Chastain to Washington insiders. Kamala Harris was a frequent visitor during her Senate years, even giving Vieira a public nod at the White House years later.
What began as a small salon has blossomed into five thriving locations across the D.C. metro area, including Capitol Hill, Chevy Chase, and a 2,000-square-foot flagship in National Landing, Virginia. In 2022 alone, the company generated about $4 million in revenue. For her next milestone, Vieira has her eyes on a national expansion, taking her business to all parts of the country.
Despite the growth, Vieira remains a hands-on worker at her own establishment. She carefully curates each new space to maintain the cozy, modern vibe that made the first nailsaloon so special. For her, scaling is about sustaining the experience.
Vieira has also discovered that success isn't measured simply in profits. From the start, she built philanthropy into nailsaloon’s DNA. Each location sets aside $6,000 annually for local charities, and the company has donated over $250,000 to causes like homelessness prevention, women’s empowerment, and youth mentoring.
She’s also personally committed to paying it forward, mentoring young entrepreneurs, serving on nonprofit boards, and, in 2022, endowing scholarships at her alma mater, the University of Maryland, in support of journalism students.
Vieira’s journey, from journalist to “salontrepreneur,” is proof that reinvention is possible at any age and in any industry. As a Latina immigrant leading a multimillion-dollar beauty brand, she’s carving space for new voices and perspectives in entrepreneurship.