What if a free online course during COVID became your dream career?
That’s exactly what happened to Danusha, a 24-year-old student at University of CyberJaya, who turned pandemic downtime into Papas Nails, a viral, home-based nail salon that’s giving Malaysian self-care a whole new glow-up.
How It All Started: Pandemic, Pressure & Polish
“I was just eating, sleeping, scrolling,” says Danusha, who had no clue what to do after SPM. But when she stumbled upon a free manicure & pedicure course during the lockdown, everything changed.
What began as a distraction turned into a deep passion. Fast-forward through 9 months of training, she moved from her parents’ home to her own cozy studio in CyberJaya. And the rest? Nail history.
“Doing nails taught me patience. It’s not just art,it’s therapy.”
Student by Day, Nail Queen by Night
Balancing books and brushes? Danusha’s got it down. She juggles her Bachelor’s studies with freelance work at Bike Bear Agency, while still finding space for her nail sessions.Her secret? “Do what you love. Energy follows.”
Even on her busiest days, she calls it “happy tiredness.” Sundays are her recharge daysunless a client needs that emergency confidence boost. 💅
Why Papas Nails Feels Different
This isn’t your typical nail bar.
From heartbreak convos to glow-up sessions, each appointment feels like a mini therapy session. She only takes one client at a time in a personalized, relaxing space.
Her magic? Listening. From festive nail art for Deepavali or Raya, to adapting TikTok trends for local flair, Danusha stays fresh, relevant, and ultra real.
“Clients come low, leave confident. It’s more than nails. It’s a connection.”
Big Dreams, Home Vibes
You won’t find Papas Nails in a mall. And that’s the point.
Danusha plans to expand but on her terms. Think upgraded home setup, better equipment, online booking but still cozy, one-on-one, and full of heart.
Why? Because commercial growth risks losing the soul. And she’s not about that life.
“When it becomes a shop, it becomes just business. I want to keep the passion alive.”
What’s Next: Creative Empire Loading
Her bigger dream? A full-fledged creative agency for social media, branding, and websites powered by her design skills and backed by her nail biz.
Because for Danusha, nails are just one canvas. Her real art? Building confidence, one woman at a time.
Final Swipe:
Want proof that passion pays off? Look no further than Danusha.
✅ Student entrepreneur
✅ Home-grown nail boss
✅ Future digital agency founder
📍CyberJaya’s got a rising queen and her empire is polished, powerful, and personal.
