Meet Amy, founder of sundays, a nail care brand that sits within Sage + Sound (as well as around the rest of the city) and is all about wellness. With a background in business and a passion for non-toxic, salon-quality products, Amy created sundays to be a place of comfort and self-care for clients. Her focus on individuality, simplicity, and wellness has created a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of self-love and self-care. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we sat down with Amy to talk all things nail care, wellness, and heritage.
Can you share the story behind the creation of Sundays Salon?
I have been in the nail industry for over 10 years. Working behind the scenes at nail salons gave me a lot of insights; one being that both clients and employees were constantly exposed to harmful chemicals coming from the toxic nail products, and that the rush in and out of salon experience doesn't fit into the modern health-conscious consumers' need. Going to the salon is about so much more than just getting your nails done — it’s a small, but powerful way to practice self-care for your mind and body. That's how the idea of sundays came about. I felt strongly about creating a non-toxic, salon-quality product and service that was safe for both clients and employees.
How does your Asian heritage inform how you see yourself as a business owner?
Growing up in Asian culture, specifically Chinese Heritage instilled certain beliefs in me such as balancing your body, preventative care, or food is medicine. I am excited to share this with my clients: nail well-being is so much more than just painting your nails but a ritual of taking care of your body, taking care of your mind. It is a steady and constant practice. With that said, I do believe every heritage has its unique beauty.
What do you believe sets your brand apart from other nail care brands, particularly regarding your commitment to non-toxic products?
sundays is not just about the nail care products, it's about a holistic self-care experience. We believe nail care is self-care and this is why we offer meditation manicures. A manicure at sundays is an opportunity to unplug and invest in me-time. We do love letter writing to encourage clients to say being kind to themselves, when you leave, we offer affirmation to help the self care journey continue.
Are there any specific certifications or standards that you adhere to?
It took us a whole year and working with experienced chemists to perfect our professional-grade formula. Our non-toxic nail polishes are formulated without 10 potentially health-harming chemicals commonly found in regular nail polish. Our polishes are also cruelty-free, and vegan. We have a non-toxic certificate that we renew every two years and since we launched our product line we have won over 10 beauty awards, including Allure Best Beauty three years in a row.
What are the most popular nail care products at sundays + what makes them unique compared to other brands?
Our award-winning soy polish remover is one of our all-time best sellers. It has a unique, soothing grapefruit scent and nourishing formula. Our healing cuticle serum is also a crowd favorite. It's non-greasy and absorbs quickly, making your cuticles super soft. One of our best-selling polishes is the powder pink L.01. It's a great non-toxic alternative to Essie's classic Pink Slippers shade.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the nail care industry?
We try not to follow trends too much. When we formulate our colors we design shades that are timeless and long-lasting. And when we do look at trends, we try to add a sundays twist. Our clients love minimal designs and more of a subtle, natural look, so that's usually what we gravitate towards.
What initiatives or programs do you have to support and empower other women, especially those from underrepresented communities in the beauty industry?
Something I am proud of is that all of our nail specialists are immigrants. They come from many different countries, such as Nepal, Ecuador, Mexico, and China. We do skill training as well as culture training. There are so many miscommunications that come from cultural differences and we thought if we can help explain the difference, there will be more understanding and closeness.
What can we expect in the coming years? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
One of our most exciting launches just happened! We released our limited edition pearl collection featuring three shimmery, iridescent shades. It was a long time in the making and a truly special and meaningful launch for me personally. The idea for the shades came from my own experience as a woman wanting to feel empowered and powerful and embrace my divine feminine energy. For years, pearls for women have symbolic meanings of both power and divine feminine energy, I thought that was a great combination to wear on our fingertips to constantly remind us how powerful and beautiful we are.
