How Christina Kao Reinvented the DIY Manicure With Le Mini Macaron
There are no-nonsense entrepreneurs who command with sterile authority, and there are entrepreneurs like Christina Kao, who, despite running a highly successful business, still lead with empathy and remind us that it's okay to be human.
The nail polish lover-turned-CEO founded Le Mini Macaron and created the mini kit in 2015 as a solution to the time and financial commitment of a salon manicure—and quickly became acclaimed for durability and accessibility. Today, the brand has expanded its catalog with affordable nail polish removers, tools and accessories.
We had the chance to chat with Christina about her connection to nails and her goals as a business owner. Keep scrolling to see what she dished to us!
Name: Christina Kao, CEO and co-founder of Le Mini Macaron
IG Handle(s): @leminimacaron and @thechristinakao
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Zodiac Sign: Pisces (but Taurus rising!)
On Her History with Nails
Christina Kao: I used to go to the salon to get my gel nails done every two weeks. I loved how shiny and perfect my manicures looked (and how long they lasted) but hated taking the time and money to go to the salon—and also go back for my removals.
The idea for Le Mini Macaron came when I met my ex-boyfriend (who became and still is my business partner). He was already working in the beauty industry doing supply chain. We combined my frustration with salon gel manicures with this at-home, DIY solution that was affordable and easy to do. It's a one-step gel polish, which means no base or top coat needed.
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What 'Le Mini Macaron' Means
CK: We named the brand Le Mini Macaron because our LED lamp, which is used to dry the gel polish, was designed n the shape of the iconic French macaron. My business partner is French, so our brand is half French, half American.
The macaron is our signature—we have mini and maxi lamps in this shape, most of our shades are inspired by delectable macaron flavors and we incorporate French into most of our product names.
Le Mini Macaron's Mission Statement
CK: I could be having a bad hair day or a bad skin day, but when my nails are done, it really helps pick me up. This is what I want our Chèries to feel.
Le Mini Macaron is about giving you that sense of joie de vivre to elevate your mood and help you feel more "polished" (no pun intended). Traditional gel manicures were always expensive and only for special occasions, done at the salon by a professional nail tech. I wanted to make this product affordable and accessible for everyone, at any time.
(via Le Mini Macaron)
Christina's Current Fave From Le Mini Macaron
CK: We just launched our Pearlescence mini kit, which has been selling like crazy. It's become our No. 1 best-selling mini kit ever. The polish is this amazing holo shimmer, inspired by the fairy glaze nail trend, and it can be used alone or layered over any other shade to give it this gorgeous effect. And the kit comes with a matching lamp, which is just beautiful. It's available on our site or at ULTA.
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Christina's Must-Have Products
CK: It's got to be our mini macaron LED lamp with a shade of our gel polish. It's really all you need to DIY a quick and easy manicure.
The mini lamp dries in just 30 seconds and comes with a USB, so you can paint your nails anywhere. The polish is a three-in-one formula, combining base, color and top call all in one bottle. Everyone who tries it is truly amazed at how fast and easy it is to do a gel manicure. It only takes fifteen minutes!
The Best Piece of Advice
CK: Learn and grow. This came from my mom, whom, at 75, is the most tech-savvy person of that generation I know. She taught me at a young age to always be willing to learn and improve yourself so that you can continue to grow.
How She Became Successful
CK: Coffee first thing every morning? Just kidding!
I don't have any particular habits—I wish I did. But one thing I like to do that helps me the most is have my eyes and ears open to communicate with others. I love having chats with people to learn what they are doing. Having a community, especially with other founders, has been my biggest source of learning. The beauty community is incredibly supportive and collaborative.
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What's Most Rewarding About Being an Entrepreneur
CK: Connecting with so many people. From all our various team members, past and present, to our amazing community of Chéries, all my fellow beauty founders and our fantastic clients and partners. It's been amazing to know and worth with so many people over the years that inspire me every day.
One Nail Tip
CK: To prevent thinning out your nails when doing gel manicures, I recommend using a fine sanding sponge to gently file the surface of your nails during your prep step, which comes before applying the gel polish. Most people use a nail file to rough up the surface because you need the gel to adhere to your nail. However, I love the sanding sponge because it does the same job, but it's much more gentle on your nails.
Get to Know Christina
CK: My claim to flame in my 20s was that I speak four languages: English, Chinese, French and Spanish.
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