A San Francisco native, Thao has been honing her skills as a nail magician for most of her adult life. In 2010, after nine years working in upscale spas, she made the calculated risk to set out on her own and start an exclusive mobile nail service. Relying solely on talent and referrals from existing clients, Thao quickly made a name for herself and built a reputation as The Mobile Nail Maven. Her supremely detailed approach, whether mobile or in-studio, lends itself to relaxing, no-rush, dare-we-say-European-style nail services. The corrective techniques that Thao employs can repair and restore nails that are compromised, cracked, or prone to ingrowth, to a naturally healthy state. What more could you ask for? Prepare to be amazed at the staying power of premium polish that is correctly applied from base to top coat.

While Thao still takes mobile nail appointments by referral on a case-by-case basis, she has largely settled into her studio sanctuary at Sweet Asylum. Tucked away, with quiet garden views and cozy amenities, she invites you to enjoy a nail service free from the chaos and confusion that abounds in the "chop shops" most city-dwellers have come to accept as the norm.