How the Woman Behind a Nail Empire Spends Her Weekends

From her micro-managing tricks to fitting in R&R, Jin Soon Choi knows how to set herself up for the week ahead.

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Legendary manicurist Jin Soon Choi didn’t just “settle” for being the go-to nail guru for fashion designers like Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam. She wanted to bring her creative vision—on-trend colors and strong, healthy nails—to the masses, opening up nail salons and then launching an eponymous product line to do just that.

Choi recently opened her fourth salon in NYC’s TriBeCa neighborhood, and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of her slowing down. So, how does she juggle being an editorial manicurist, salon owner, and product entrepreneur? Choi told us exactly how she uses the weekend to set herself up for the week ahead.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Before even getting out of bed in the morning, I check my emails and schedule for the day.

What are your favorite things to do for yourself on the weekends?

When I have the time, I enjoy lounging at home and zoning out by watching a BBC series such as Sense and Sensibility. Since I interact with so many people most days, I really enjoy (and need) time alone with my husband to rejuvenate. But in reality, I have to work most weekends because I recently opened my JINsoon flagship spa in TriBeCa!

How do you deal when you’re away for the weekend?

I make sure I’m always accessible by text or phone, particularly when I am out of town so I can micro-manage from afar.

What are the activities or errands on your “must-accomplish list” every weekend?

I’m not really into formal exercise, but I try to walk to Whole Foods (a whopping half mile from my house) to get the cooking ingredients I need for the week.

What do you do on Sundays to prepare for the week ahead?

I start to mentally organize by recording the things I need to accomplish for the week.