Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandra Mayne.
Hi Chandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been licensed since 2010, but my journey with nails really started long before that. I was always the girl drawing, painting, coloring, or playing pretend salon with my friend’s. Obsessed with the tiny details and how something as simple as polished hands could make someone feel cared for. When I officially stepped into the beauty industry, I quickly realized that I wasn’t just doing nails— I was creating a moment of calm, connection, and confidence for women who rarely get that for themselves.
Over the years, life took me from California where I was born and raised to New York, Arizona, Texas, and now currently North Carolina as my family and I looked for better opportunities for my son, who’s on the autism spectrum, and for my own growth as both a mother and an entrepreneur. That transition wasn’t easy, but it reshaped my purpose. It made me more intentional about building a space that feels like home— not just for me, but for every person who sits at my table.
That’s how Nail Haus Café was born. I wanted to merge my love for natural nails and structure gel with the comfort of a café experience— warm, elevated, personal, and rooted in community. Every service is crafted with care, education, and artistry at the forefront. I’ve always believed that luxury is a feeling, not a price point, and I try to bring that feeling to every client.
Today, I specialize in natural nail care, Russian manicures, and structured gel, and I’m continuing to grow the café brand with professional products, nail art brushes, education, and community outreach. My journey has been full of pivots, challenges, and absolutely beautiful moments, but each step has brought me closer to creating the space I always dreamed of— a place where artistry meets comfort, and where women feel seen, valued, and at home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not — and honestly, I don’t think any meaningful journey ever is. My road has had a lot of twists, turns, and moments where I had to rebuild myself and my business from the ground up.
Relocating from Texas to North Carolina was one of the biggest challenges. I left behind a full clientele, a support system, and a rhythm I had built for years. Starting over in a new state— as a mom, as a wife, and as an entrepreneur— came with a lot of pressure. I was navigating my son’s needs, finding our place in a new community, and trying to reestablish my business all at once.
Financially, emotionally, and creatively, there were days I questioned everything. Opening Nail Haus Café in a brand-new market without knowing anyone was both exciting and terrifying. Building clientele again took patience and consistency. Learning the area, connecting with local women, and balancing home life while running a luxury-level service on my own hasn’t always been easy.
But what kept me going was my passion for natural nails and the belief that there was a space here for what I offer— a café-inspired, elevated, soft-luxury nail experience focused on detail, care, and artistry. Every challenge forced me to grow in ways I never expected. I’ve learned resilience, boundaries, smarter business practices, and how to trust my vision even when the road feels bumpy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Nail Haus Café is my signature concept — a café-inspired nail studio where the experience is just as important as the result. I’ve always believed that nails should feel like a moment of pause and comfort, so everything I do is built around that: warm energy, luxury-level service, a curated atmosphere, and a commitment to making every client feel seen and cared for. It’s not just a manicure — it’s an experience.
I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to build this brand from scratch, especially after relocating to North Carolina and starting all over again. I’m proud that women walk into my space and immediately feel at home. I’m proud of the clients who trust me with their hands month after month.
What sets me apart is the combination of technical skill, intention, and atmosphere. I don’t rush. I don’t do “cookie cutter” anything. Every service is tailored to the client’s nail health, lifestyle, and aesthetic. I’m committed to soft luxury — elevated, detail-driven, and grounded in real care.
People often tell me that my work feels like therapy, artistry, and self-care all in one. And honestly, that’s exactly what I want to create.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something most people don’t know about me is that I’m actually very introverted and deeply sensitive. People see the polished branding, the editorial café aesthetic, the confidence behind my work — but at my core, I’m a soft, quiet creative who pours a lot of emotion into everything I do.
Another thing that surprises people is that I’m a huge homebody baker. When I’m not doing nails, I’m in my kitchen working on sourdough, naming my starters like they’re part of the family, or testing new flavor combinations. Baking is my therapy, and it’s where a lot of my café inspiration comes from — the warmth, the comfort, the intention behind each step.
I think it surprises people because my brand looks very curated and put together, but behind the scenes, I’m just a mom, a wife, and an artist who finds peace in simple things — kneading dough, quiet mornings, candles lit, and creating beauty with my hands in more ways than one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nailhauscafe.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nailhauscafe
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/nailhauscafe
