Our Power Duos theme with a duo that is building in every sense of the word with Yongxi Tan and Aidan Neziri, co-founders of Bessie Nails. They share what it takes to launch a fast-growing press-on nail brand from a true consumer need, compete in a legacy category, and build a company together while also being partners in real life. Their roles are distinct but collaborative, and their dynamic is the through-line of this episode: Yongxi is momentum and experimentation, Aidan is precision and protection. The balance helps them move fast without breaking what matters.
The product innovation is just as compelling. Bessie’s handmade press-ons are crafted like salon nails, with real artists painting layers of gel and acrylic and placing details by hand. The result is a press-on that looks and feels like a salon set, but is designed to be removable and reusable when cared for properly. They also talk about wear options, from longer-hold glue to flexible tabs, reinforcing a core belief: press-ons should adapt to your lifestyle, not force you to plan your life around your nails.
When it comes to growth, they are building from community outward. Bessie sells DTC online and through pop-ups, leaning into in-person experiences that let customers see the artistry up close. They share plans to expand pop-ups into more cities and explore the right retail partners, while staying grounded in authenticity and local community building. Check out more at bessienails.com