Meet the Founder of EastLUX and join us at the Prudential Center on 12/5 to shop our exclusive collaboration!
2020 has reinvented self care.
With workout studios, spas and nail salons closing due to the global pandemic, we’ve been forced to change the way we take time for ourselves at home.
That’s why we’re so excited to introduce Jennifer Pham, female founder of EastLUX, whose main mission is to provide women with an easy-to-use, sustainable and incredibly chic solution to at home manicures. EastLUX provides women with premium reusable press on nails that are custom designed and hand painted with top quality gel polish. Her iconic nail designs include elevated monochrome, ombré and marble.
Learn more about Jenn, discover your favorite designs, and shop the set created exclusively for S/O/S at the Prudential Center on December 5th, 2020.
S/O/S: Tell us the story of EastLUX.
Jenn: I was 13 when I got my first set of acrylics. They were short, square and baby blue with cheetah print accents. I grew up in a family that valued beauty, femininity and working hard. All of my aunts own a salon, so naturally I was exposed to beauty, specifically nail art at a very young age. As I grew older and my schedule got busier, I couldn’t always make it to the salon. That’s when it hit me. I was determined to learn the skill, the technique and the art. I’d save time, money and exposure to any harsh chemicals that linger in salons if I could do it at home. By the time I was 22 years old, I was doing gel manicures, dip and acrylics in the comfort of my home. After a long day, I pampered myself at my leisure, with no wait time, no rushing and to complete satisfaction. When the pandemic hit and nail salons across the country closed, I knew I had to do something. I put my years of experience, business degree and true passion together, and that’s how EastLUX was born.
S/O/S: What is EastLUX?
Jenn: EastLUX is a premium press on nail company on a mission to give everyone the perfect manicure without the salon costs or hassle. The nails are made of 100% soft gel, formed into the perfect nail shape and hand painted in top quality gel polish. EastLUX nails are chip-resistant, damage-free and do not require commitment or dry time. In just minutes, anyone can have the perfect manicure right at home, customized to their nail bed size and design of choice. They are extremely durable and completely reusable – perfect for on-the-go or work in fields where only natural nails are allowed. Each set is made with love and comes with everything you need to achieve the perfect manicure time and time again.
S/O/S: Why are you most excited about the collaboration with us? Jenn: There is nothing like a company founded by women, for women. Being a woman is very special and we deserve so much more from the world when it comes to feminine essentials. The smart vending machines are insanely innovative and unique. It’s very exciting to know S/O/S is responsible for making the lives of females easier. To collaborate with a female founded company on a similar mission is momentous. I appreciate how both S/O/S and EastLUX value women and the difficulties it often comes with being one. Beauty and feminine care are essentials, not luxuries. S/O/S is changing the vending machine game and I’m incredibly lucky to watch it unfold and be a part of it. I can confidently say the S/O/S products are carefully curated and handpicked for a reason.
S/O/S: What’s the inspiration behind the set? Jenn: This particular set was inspired by some of the most important people in the world: women on-the-go. Neutral shades are timeless and go with every outfit and occasion. Whether its work, events, meetings, etc. you never have to worry about your nails clashing with any outfit! The color palette is stunning on any skin tone, the gold foil flakes are just the right amount of flare and the blended marble makes it interesting.
S/O/S: What are the biggest challenges you face as a female founder? Jenn: The biggest challenge of being a female founder is being underestimated. I have a professional background where I’m always the only female on my team, so naturally I have to work a lot harder. Constantly being questioned whether or not I can do it and if I’ll be successful is a challenge I’m faced with daily. I’ve learned through my parents the best way to overcome uncertainties is commitment. Showing up for yourself is the first step, working hard and never settling for less than you deserve.
S/O/S: Aside from manicures (of course), what’s your favorite form of self care? Jenn: This is tough! I would definitely say body scrubs/exfoliation. I have my own DIY recipes that leave your skin super glowy using ingredients right in the kitchen. I use sugar for my granule and mix it with anything from honey to coconut oil. Sugar can brighten dull skin and coconut oil is my holy grail!
S/O/S: What are your top 3 tips and tricks for a successful DIY manicure? Jenn: Nail brushes are essentials! We use our hands for everything, there is definitely some accumulated dirt the eye can’t see. When I’m washing my hands I like to use the brush with soap and scrub under the nails and around the cuticles to start my manicure on clean nails. Soaking hands in a bowl of warm water prior to any prep is crucial. When your hands are warm, your cuticle softens – this makes pushing them back so much easier. Coconut oil is my holy grail, it has so many benefits! Not only is it super moisturizing and prevents nails from breaking, it strengthens and stimulates nail growth. It also helps cuticle health, making them less prone to dryness, peeling and hangnails. I’ll put some all over my hands and feet, put on some clean gloves and let it penetrate overnight. They are baby soft in the morning. To learn more about how Jennifer is paving the way for female founders and to get daily manicure inspiration, follow her @eastluxco. Plus, stop by the Prudential Center to shop the Emma set ($65), designed and sold exclusively in our S/O/S machine starting on December 5th while supplies last.