Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Salon Owner’s Invention Benefits Tibetan Refugees

Nail tech Kunga Cheokyi invented a practical four-bottle polish holder called Polish Posy — developed with giving back in mind.

by Nancy Kirk
August 28, 2017
Salon Owner’s Invention Benefits Tibetan Refugees

 

2 min to read


Despite being born in the Himalayan Mountains to refugee parents who escaped the violent occupation of Tibet by China, Kunga Cheokyi overcame the odds when immigrating to the U.S. more than 30 years ago. After studying to become a nail technician while living in India, she eventually became a sought-after nail tech here in the United States because of her positive attitude and persona. “As a nail technician, I believe that the focus isn’t just on the nails, but also the relationship fostered between my clients and me,” Cheokyi says. 

Because of her dedicated clientele, she soon became a successful Connecticut salon owner, and most recently, the inventor of a practical four-bottle polish holder called Polish Posy — developed with giving back in mind. After raising about $9,000 for the product in just under a month via Kickstarter, Cheokyi was able to transform an idea she’d been thinking about for years into a reality. Cheokyi hopes the product — built in the shape of a lotus flower — will free both hands for professionals and consumers alike and prevent polish spills. She plans to donate a portion of proceeds to local and international charities that help Tibetan refugee communities.

Ad Loading...

“I have been in the same place as these refugee children,” Cheokyi says. “I am just trying to help both the Tibetan refugee settlements and as well communities here in Connecticut.”

She believes the unique functionality of her product will help polish lovers as well. While many would consider her accomplishments brag-worthy, Cheokyi manages to stay humble. “My giving is not any more grand or remarkable than what others out there are doing,” she says. “What I do have is a wonderful opportunity with Polish Posy to amplify my giving to these worthy causes.”

For more information, go to www.polishposy.com.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Business

A row of styling stations at JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon
Business|Articles|Mar 3, 2026

Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty

When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Nov 27, 2024

Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express

The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Oct 22, 2024

Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.

Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.

Sponsored by Amex

Business|Articles|Sep 6, 2024

Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business

Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.

Sponsored by Vagaro

Business|Articles|Aug 6, 2024

5 Things I Won't Do as a Nail Tech

This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.

Ad Loading...