Our Story

Hi, I’m Anya – though my Vietnamese name is Hoa, which means flowers in Vietnamese and is also the inspiration for the name Hana Gel NZ.

I’ve been doing nails for over 15 years, starting with a part-time job in a mall nail salon during high school, a job that carried me through high school and halfway through uni.

By the end of 2019, I started doing nails at home for friends, then friends of friends, and it quickly took off while I was still working hard to complete my architectural studies. I don’t remember exactly when the idea of starting my own gel brand came to me, but I knew I had to finish my degree first before chasing it.

Last year I finally graduated with my Bachelor of Architectural Studies and, with five years of firm experience behind me, I decided to put architecture on hold and go full-time as a nail tech while starting Hana Gel – born purely from my passion for high-quality, affordable products and making them accessible within New Zealand.

When I was starting out on my own, getting products wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a beauty or nail tech certificate back then just years of working in salons, self‑taught experience and my artistic background. I learned that some products required certification, so I did my research, completed an online courses and got certified. I’ve tried countless products from different suppliers but I was never 100% satisfied and was always on the hunt for something better and more affordable.

In July 2024, I put things in motion. After testing countless samples, I found one manufacturer whose products stood out above the rest. While production was underway, I was already prepping for the launch. Honestly, that time feels like a blur now but looking back, I’m so proud of how far Hana Gel has come.

Every late night, every decision, and every challenge has been worth it. The support and love from this community mean everything and this is just the beginning. I’m excited to keep building, growing, and creating with all of you.