Lucky’s progression from a technician to a salon owner was anything but linear. Over the years, he honed his craft in luxury salons in Dubai, Qatar, and the Maldives, bringing international standards to his ever-growing client base back home
In a world where beauty trends fade faster than nail polish dries, there are few who endure, few who not only survive the chaos but master it. One such person is Lucky Susil. With a signature charm, tireless work ethic, and a reputation that spans over two decades, Lucky has become a staple name in Colombo’s beauty scene. When I sat down with him for a chat inside his revamped, vibrant salon on Vajira Road, the energy was unmistakable. Mirrors sparkled, laughter echoed, and the air smelled faintly of acetone and ambition. Here was a man who had quite literally built an empire one nail at a time.
1
A Humble Beginning in an Untapped Industry
When Lucky began his career, nail care was virtually unheard of in Sri Lanka. In an era when most salons focused solely on hair and bridal makeup, he saw potential in a niche that others ignored. “I started 26 years ago. At the time, there were no proper nail technicians in the country,” he shares. “Only Trans Asia offered nail services, and that’s where I began.” His first mentor, Nilanthi from Nail Spa, was instrumental in introducing him to the craft. It was under her guidance that he learned the intricacies of nail care, cuticle work, filing, shaping, extensions, techniques that were then considered revolutionary in the local market. It wasn’t long before Lucky began carving out a name for himself, developing a personal standard of excellence that would become the cornerstone of his brand.
2
From Technician to Trailblazer
Lucky’s progression from a technician to a salon owner was anything but linear. Over the years, he honed his craft in luxury salons in Dubai, Qatar, and the Maldives, bringing international standards to his ever-growing client base back home. Six years ago, he opened his first independent salon within the Tony & Guy network. But when the pandemic disrupted operations across the globe, he adapted swiftly, moving to Capello for a year and a half before finding his footing on Vajira Road, where his current salon resides. “This space has been home for the past four years,” he says. “I’ve built something here that reflects who I am, my aesthetic, my values, and my vision for beauty.” Today, the salon is known for its minimalist elegance and meticulous attention to detail, a mirror image of the man behind it.
3
The Power of Specialization
In an industry that increasingly rewards versatility, Lucky chose instead to focus. “I didn’t want to do hair or makeup like everyone else. Nails were different. They allowed me to create something with precision, style, and longevity,” he explains. That decision, to specialize rather than generalize, paid off. His salon offers a carefully curated menu of services, gel and acrylic nail extensions, designer nail art, facials, waxing, and eyebrow shaping. But notably, he has stayed away from hair services entirely. “I believe in doing what I know best and doing it exceptionally well.” This laser focus has made him the go-to nail technician for Colombo’s discerning clientele, including professionals, celebrities, and loyal walk-ins who have remained with him for years. Some, like his very first client Sheila, continue to visit him decades later.
4
A Philosophy Rooted in Integrity
Behind Lucky’s lasting success lies a simple yet profound philosophy: no shortcuts. “I remember my mother telling me, ‘Always do the right thing. No matter what, never compromise on your work.’ That stayed with me,” he says. To this day, he insists on giving his best to every client, every time, regardless of whether they’ve booked a luxury treatment or a basic manicure. “There are no ‘small’ clients in this business. Every person who walks through my door deserves respect and excellence.” It is this quiet professionalism, paired with consistency, that has kept his salon relevant in an oversaturated market.
5
Reinvention Without Losing Identity
As trends in nail art and beauty evolve, Lucky keeps pace, not by copying the latest fads but by integrating them into his core style with sophistication and subtlety. “You have to keep learning,” he says. “Clients today come in with social media inspiration, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok. If you can’t meet those expectations, they’ll go elsewhere.” To stay ahead, Lucky frequently attends workshops, both locally and abroad, where he updates his skills and explores innovations in tools, techniques, and hygiene standards. Even his salon underwent a recent aesthetic transformation. The revamped interior is now a reflection of contemporary luxury, soft pink walls, floral accents, and a calming energy that encouraged clients to linger just a little longer. “It’s important to evolve without losing who you are,” he says. “Style should grow, not vanish.”
6
A Brand of His Own
After years of elevating other people’s brands, Lucky is preparing to launch his own nail polish line, a move that feels both inevitable and exciting. “It’s something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time,” he says. “My clients have been asking for it. Now, I finally feel ready.” His product line promises to combine style with substance: rich pigmentation, long-lasting formulas, and a curated palette that reflects his artistic sensibilities. “It’s not just about color. It’s about quality. It’s about creating something that carries my name with pride.” For clients who have trusted him with their nails for years, the idea of taking a piece of Lucky home, bottled and branded, feels like a natural extension of the relationship.
7
Leadership and Legacy
Running a salon is not only about talent, it requires leadership. Lucky understands this well. Over the years, he has trained and mentored numerous technicians, instilling in them the same values that shaped his own journey. “It’s hard to find people who are both skilled and sincere,” he admits. “You need to create a culture where learning is valued, and quality is non-negotiable.” For him, leadership is less about control and more about example. “I always tell newcomers, watch your boss. Watch your clients. Be curious. Ask questions. That’s how you grow.” His team, though small, shares a collective commitment to excellence, and many of his trainees have gone on to open successful salons of their own. As he turns 50, Lucky is reflective but not slowing down. “I love what I do. This salon is my dream. I’ve worked hard for it, and I’m proud of what I’ve built.”
His story is one of quiet triumph, a reminder that in a world obsessed with instant fame, real success still comes from mastery, consistency, and integrity. In an industry where so much is about surface, Lucky has built a name rooted in depth. And while the colors he paints may change with fashion, the values behind them remain immaculately intact.
