Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Trusso.
Hi Jade, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved from South Korea to the United States in 2014. In Korea, I was used to a fast-paced lifestyle filled with long work hours and very little space for rest. When I moved here, I expected life to feel slower. But after settling in the DMV, I quickly realized the rhythm was not so different. People were just as busy, driven, and constantly moving.
As I built my life here — becoming a wife, a mother, and eventually a business owner — I felt that same familiar pressure to keep going and stay productive. I knew I didn’t want to recreate the nonstop lifestyle I had left behind. Instead, I wanted to create something more intentional, thoughtful, and human.
That desire slowly took shape over time. After three years of research and preparation, I created Nothing in Between — not just as a local nail salon, but as a wellness-focused studio centered on slow beauty and care. We offer thoughtful nail services alongside facial treatments and bodywork, all using non-toxic products in a calm, restorative environment. The intention was simple: to give people a place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect, even during something as everyday as a nail appointment.
We opened our first doors in 2018, with the local DMV community at the heart of everything we do. From the beginning, every detail was carefully considered — the pace of our services, the lighting, the music, and the overall atmosphere. I wanted guests to feel immediately at ease, never rushed in and out.
Building Nothing in Between in the DMV has been deeply personal. I grew alongside the business, learning through trial and error, supported by an incredible team and a community that truly values care and intention. Many of our clients have been with us since the early days, and their trust has shaped the studio into what it is today.
Today, Nothing in Between feels less like a business and more like a reflection of the community around it — diverse, hardworking, and deeply human. As a founder and a mother, I am still learning how to balance growth with rest. The studio continues to evolve with me, and my hope is that it remains a place where people feel welcomed, seen, and reminded that slowing down is not something you have to earn — it’s something you deserve.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — and I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something meaningful. There were many mistakes along the way, moments of trial and error, and constant learning. Each challenge pushed me to grow, both as a business owner and as a person.
One of the hardest parts has been learning how to manage and lead people. Today, our team is close to 60 people, all coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. Learning how to communicate clearly, support each individual, and build a healthy team culture has been both challenging and humbling. I think this is something many small businesses struggle with as they grow.
That said, I’m incredibly grateful for our team. Their care, commitment, and shared values are what keep Nothing in Between grounded. I’m proud of how far we’ve come together, and I continue to learn from them every day. Looking back, the challenges were necessary — they shaped not only the business, but the community we’ve built.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nothing in Between is a wellness-focused studio rooted in the DMV, offering nail services alongside facial treatments and bodywork, all centered around slow beauty and care. While many people first discover us as a nail salon, what we really specialize in is creating a calm, restorative experience from start to finish.
We are known for our thoughtful, intentional approach — from using non-toxic products to slowing down the pace of each service. Every detail matters to us, including the environment, the music, the lighting, and how our guests feel while they’re here. Our goal is for people to leave feeling more grounded than when they arrived, not rushed or overstimulated.
What sets Nothing in Between apart is our philosophy. We don’t believe self-care should feel transactional or hurried. Our spaces are designed to feel welcoming and human — places where people can pause, breathe, and take care of themselves without pressure. That mindset extends beyond our services and into how we show up in our community.
Brand-wise, one of the things I’m most proud of is our commitment to giving back locally. Through our 1% giving program, we dedicate a portion of our revenue to supporting community organizations, causes, and initiatives within the DMV. Community support has always been at the heart of our brand, and we see our business as part of a larger ecosystem, not something that exists on its own.
What I hope readers know is that Nothing in Between is more than a place to get a service. It’s a space built with intention for people living full, demanding lives — a place to slow down, reset, and reconnect. Whether someone comes in for nail care, a facial, or simply a quiet moment, our focus is always on care, presence, and long-term well-being.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in bad luck. I think so much of life and business comes down to perspective — how you choose to see challenges and what you take from them. Even the difficult moments have taught me something and helped shape who I am, so I’ve learned not to label them as “bad luck.”
That said, I often reflect on how fortunate I’ve been, especially when it comes to community. From Falls Church to Tysons and Alexandria, we’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely support local businesses. The DMV has been an incredibly encouraging place to grow, and that sense of community has carried us through many stages of the business.
If I had to name one moment of true luck, it would be meeting our real estate broker, Arris Noble, early on — when Nothing in Between was still just an idea and I had no real experience running a business. He didn’t just help us find the right locations for our studios; he became a steady source of guidance and support over the years. Having someone believe in your vision before it fully exists makes a huge difference.
I also feel very lucky to be part of the Capital One community. Being located at Capital One Center has brought us so much support and encouragement, and it’s been meaningful to grow alongside such a strong local network.
Most of all, I feel grateful for the people who show up every day — working hard, caring deeply, and trying to build better lives for themselves and their families while serving the community with intention. There are many moments when I stop and think about how fortunate I am. Gratitude has become a big part of how I move through both life and business.
Pricing:
- Standard Manicure $36 / Standard Pedicure $52
- Gel Manicure $52 / Gel Pedicure $72
- Be Well (Swedish) massage 50 mins $142 / 80 mins $184
- Allay (Deep Tissue) massage 50 mins $142 / 80 mins $184
- Skin Glow Facial 50 mins $168 / 80 mins $248
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nothinginbetweenstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nibstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nibstudiodc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nibstudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nothing-in-between-studio-tysons-5
- Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/user/31efanj5ncqw2gdmdm6gqc3pyku4?si=988f48626d8f4a3d
