Local Business Focus - Fancy Nails in Cobleskill A Touch of Vietnam in Upstate New York

COBLESKILL — At first glance, Fancy Nails looks like any neighborhood salon—but step inside, and you're greeted by a world of care and hospitality. It’s far more than just a nail salon—it’s a vibrant expression of Vietnamese culture, hard work, and craftsmanship. Owned and operated by Johnny and Kelly Vu, a Vietnamese couple who immigrated to the United States with big dreams and even bigger determination, the salon has become a beloved fixture in the small town of Cobleskill since 2009.

At Fancy Nails, customers don’t just get their nails done—they are welcomed like family. Working six days a week, Johnny and Kelly have poured their hearts into creating a space that reflects both professional excellence and the warmth of Vietnamese service culture. They are joined by Lannie and another young couple, Tommy and Hellen, who bring energy, skill, and a shared commitment to quality and care. Together, they offer exceptional designs using ANC dipping powder and hard gel techniques, with a strong emphasis on artistry. Their foot massages are also a unique offering—performed with the same technique and attentiveness you would find in high-end salons in any bustling city of Vietnam. Customers are delighted by the level of detail and care they receive, and the friendly conversations that flow naturally in the cozy space.

Nail salons are one of the most popular and accessible business paths for Vietnamese immigrants across the United States. These businesses are often family-run and deeply rooted in the values of diligence, craftsmanship, and care. Vietnamese nail technicians are known not only for their hardworking nature, but also for their dexterity and refined aesthetic sense. Fancy Nails exemplifies this tradition—bringing beauty and comfort to their customers through meticulous technique and personalized service.

Behind the calm, soothing atmosphere of the salon lies the often invisible reality of tireless effort. Johnny, Kelly, Lannie, Tommy, and Hellen are so committed to serving their customers that they sometimes keep their young children at the shop—playing quietly in a corner while their parents work nonstop. It’s a touching and familiar scene for many who know the immigrant story: balancing business, family, and the dream of building a better future, all in the same space.

What makes Fancy Nails special isn’t just the technical skill or the relaxing environment—it’s the cultural authenticity. Everything, from the way the team interacts with customers to the thoughtful little gestures, carries a distinctly Vietnamese flavor. The journey taken by Johnny, Kelly, Lannie, Tommy, and Hellen—from Vietnam to Cobleskill—reflects the power of perseverance, pride in heritage, and love for community. What they’ve built is not only a thriving business, but also a bridge between cultures and generations.

For those living in or passing through Cobleskill, Fancy Nails isn’t just a place to refresh your look—it’s a place where you feel truly cared for, like at home.

Picture: A signature smile—Johnny Vu serves every customer with heart and hands.