10 Questions with the Queen of Bling Jenny Bui
AKA The Queen of Bling, Jenny is a nail technician and salon owner of the renowned Nails on 7th located in the Bronx, New York. Her signature nail style of bold stiletto nails with lots of bling caught the attention of now well known rapper, songwriter and actress Cardi B, who personally asked Jenny to do her nails at her salon years ago. Cardi still visits Jenny’s salon today for her regular nail appointments and special events and Jenny’s nails have become an iconic symbol for the American triple threat.
Find Jenny and Nails on 7th on Instagram!
Q: How and when did you discover that you had a passion for nails?
Jenny: I started doing nails about twenty-three years ago. I was actually in beauty school to be a hairstylist, but that was very hard. I went to a nail salon and observed everyone. It interested me and looked fun! It became my true passion more than hair and fashion.
Q: What other jobs did you work before starting as a nail tech?
Jenny: My first job ever was picking strawberries in Canada. After that I worked as a waitress. Then, I worked in a dental office as an assistant. My fourth job was working as an employee in a nail shop.
“I worked in a nail shop for three months before opening my own salon, and I was the only employee for two years before I was able to hire a team.”
Q: Were your nervous about opening up your first salon? And what made you decide to run your own business as opposed to working for someone else?
Jenny: I was nervous, but very determined to open a salon. I don’t like people to tell me what to do; I like to be myself and do my own thing. I worked in a nail shop for three months before opening my own salon, and I was the only employee for two years before I was able to hire a team.
Q: You are the Queen of Bling! How did you get this name?
Jenny: I’ve always been @NailsOn7TH on Instagram, but a few years ago I noticed my followers starting to call me Queen of Bling. I started calling myself that too and it stuck!
Q: Throughout your nail career, what would you say is your proudest moment?
Jenny: My proudest moments have come from hearing how many people I inspire to explore nail art and BLING.
Q: How did you become Cardi B’s nail tech? Do you have a personal relationship with her outside of your client-tech relationship?
Jenny: My first memory of Cardi is when she came to my salon, but I was too busy to do her nails. One of my employees did her nails, but she didn’t like them. She came back and asked my husband Billy if I could do her nails. Luckily, one of my customers cancelled that day and I was able to take her appointment. This was six years ago! My relationship with Cardi now is pretty much the same. I still see her about once a month, and definitely for her big events. She is such a busy woman, but she has been a very loyal client throughout her growth and fame. I think we get along because we are both REAL and humble. We are honest and care for each other.
“My proudest moments have come from hearing how many people I inspire to explore nail art and BLING.”
Q: You have an incredible origin story and have worked so hard to be where you are now. What advice would you give to someone coming from similar circumstances?
Jenny: Work hard. Stay focused. Don’t care too much about the haters and the people who talk bad about your business. Remain humble through everything.
Q: Do you have someone who you look up to and admire?
Jenny: There isn’t anyone I look up to, but I’m always inspired by the fashion of New York City. I find inspiration from things, places, seasons and people. I love the diversity in my city, because it fuels my creativity.
“I’m always inspired by the fashion of New York City. I find inspiration from things, places, seasons and people. I love the diversity in my city, because it fuels my creativity.”
Q: When you’re not working at your renowned salon in the Bronx, New York, how do you spend your time?
Jenny: I usually spend ALL of my free time with my family. They are my support system and mean so much to me. I like to relax on the weekends by staying home and catching up on TV shows I miss during the week.
Q: You have accomplished so much in your career. Is there anything you still want to do in the nail world that you haven’t yet?
Jenny: I really want to do more classes, teaching my techniques. Doing bling is my passion, so I always hope to have that time to still be creative, but there are some other things I want to accomplish. I want to grow my JennySecret product line and brand.
