Family-owned business opens second location at revived Belleville shopping center
Mi Nail, the latest business to join Belleville Crossing, opened its doors Monday, welcoming the first customers to the brand’s second salon location.
The Belleville salon offers up to 90% of the same services available at the O’Fallon location, according to owner Trung Nguyen, who goes by Bop.
Bop said he always wanted to open a second location. Once planning began, it took a year to open at 5725 Belleville Crossing St., between Bath & Body Works and Hibbett Sports. He is already looking for a space, preferably in St. Louis, for a third location.
Family-owned Mi Nail was established in O’Fallon by Bop’s father 20 years ago. Bop took over the business five years ago and credits the salon’s longevity and success to the loyalty of the staff and customers.
"The community is really growing here," he said of the Belleville Crossing area. He originally wanted the space on the other side of Bath & Body Works, but another tenant, Smoke World Vape, had already leased it.
The location does not seem to deter customers, as Mi Nail had several visitors before noon on its first day.
Services on offer
The salon has 10 pedicure stations and 10 manicure stations, which Bop said is considered small by today’s standards.
Services include regular and gel manicures, multiple levels of pedicures, acrylic nails, dipping powder, nail repair, and decorative nail designs.
The salon offers amenities including multiple flatscreen TVs and a limited selection of wine and other beverages. Manager Dylan Nguyen said these offerings help provide customers with an experience of comfort and relaxation during their visit.
The salon’s grand opening takes place Monday, Jan. 12, and will include discounted services, as well as gift certificates and refreshments.
Bop said the soft opening week allows the business to start slow, so staff do not feel overwhelmed. At this time, technicians from the O’Fallon salon are dividing their time between both locations while Bop fills more positions.
The salon is currently hiring experienced technicians who can apply in-store or by contacting the business through its Facebook page.
Belleville Crossing rebuilds after controversy
Storefronts continue to fill at Belleville Crossing after a controversy involving the shopping center’s previous owner, Jonathan Larmore.
Larmore was charged with misappropriating millions of dollars of his investors’ money for personal use, including private jets, yachts and a birthday party for the family dog. He was found guilty of tender-offer and securities fraud and sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025.
The main strip of the shopping center came under new ownership in November 2024 when it was acquired by Timber Development Corp. Timber’s portion of the shopping center is now 100% occupied.
Mi Nail is one of multiple businesses to open at Belleville Crossing in the last year. Other recent openings include Smoke World Vape, Bath & Body Works and Velora Beauty. Ross Dress For Less is currently under construction in the former OfficeMax space.
About Mi Nail
Mi Nail is located at 5725 Belleville Crossing St. in Belleville. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Mi Nail Lounge in O’Fallon, also known as 1 Nails, is located at 1333 Central Park Drive. Hours are also 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For more info, call 618-628-8028.
To learn more about the Belleville location, call 618-671-6526 or visit minailbelleville.com. For updates and offers, visit facebook.com/minailbelleville.
