Carrie Yang
Dec 9, 2025
When students at Mercersburg need a fresh manicure, they turn to Leah De Leon '27. For De Leon, her mani-journey began during COVID when she unexpectedly discovered an artistic pursuit, “I’ve always been interested in press-on nails,” De Leon says. “A lot of people like to get their nails done but don’t have the resources or opportunity here.” Art has always been central to who she is: “Nails were the second form of art after dance that I got really into.” Through hours of watching YouTube and TikTok tutorials along with the encouragement of her first client, a childhood best friend, De Leon’s interest grew into a steady campus clientele.
De Leon describes the challenge of running the business. “Doing someone’s nails can take anywhere from two to six hours,” she explains. “That’s the hardest part, timing. People ask for day-of appointments, and I always say yes.”
But her clients say the time investment is part of what makes the experience special. “Back home, I used to get my nails done pretty frequently,” says Kennedy Stevens '29. “Being here, you can’t get them done that often, so I wanted a refresh.” She ended up with a solid purple gel overlay and appreciation for De Leon’s method. “She’s very specific. It took longer than a regular shop, but I actually liked that. It meant she took her time and effort.”
For others, De Leon’s business offers a comfort that traditional salons often lack. “I love that getting my nails done means I get to spend time with a friend,” says Alishya Thurmond '26, who opted for a simple nude almond shape. “Instead of sitting in silence while someone destroys my fingers,” she jokes, “I get to talk to someone reliable, who puts in effort, and won’t charge seventy dollars for a plain design.”
Sofia Monroy Santiago '28 echoes the sentiment, saying, “ What stood out most was the ease of communication. In a nail salon, you don’t always feel confident saying you don’t like something. With Leah, because we’re friends, there’s that freedom.” Santiago’s first set was a Christmas-themed gel overlay that won her over immediately.
De Leon does not plan on expanding her business further, but she remains grounded. “I think I’d start a club to teach people how to do nails,” she says. “A lot of people want to learn nowadays.”
Santiago concludes, “I think that a business like this definitely impacts our community in a positive way, because not only does it provide girls opportunities to get their nails done, but also bonds us together.”