Annie McGuire, owner of Nailed It Mystic, has turned her passion for nail artistry into a vibrant business rooted in community and creativity. A proud Chamber member and a dynamic force in the local beauty scene, Annie’s story is one of bold vision, persistence, and heart.

Annie moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2012 and planted her roots in the Groton-Mystic-Stonington area. She spent a decade building a loyal clientele from a tiny room inside a downtown Mystic hair salon before making the leap to open her own nail studio. "I wanted to build a place where people could walk in feeling blah and walk out like Beyoncé on a world tour,” Annie says. With a vision, an obsession with nails, and the charm of Stonington, Nailed It Mystic was born.

Now leading a team of seven, Annie beams with pride as she reflects on her employees' growth—many of whom she hired straight out of school. “What I’m most proud of is the growth of my team,” she says. “They are the heart of Nailed It Mystic.”

Annie has built her salon on the principles of high standards, nail health, artistry, and genuine connection. Her playful-yet-professional vibe creates an experience that clients return for time and again. “A good service is just the start,” Annie shares. “It’s the consistency and honest care that builds trust.”

Beyond the salon, Annie shows up for her community. She donates to local fundraisers, visits technical high schools to inspire cosmetology students, and actively participates in Chamber events. In 2024, she proudly became an American citizen—an achievement that felt like a full-circle moment in the place she now calls home.

When asked what advice she’d offer to other women starting a business, she doesn’t hesitate: “Know your worth, charge it, and stay true to your vision. There’s room here for big dreams and bold women.”

Being recognized in the Community Proud series means a lot to Annie. “It feels like a big hug from a community that has supported me from the start,” she says. “The long days, tough calls, and wild leaps have mattered.”

With a love for good food, travel, and time spent recharging with loved ones, Annie finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. She gives a heartfelt shoutout to her husband Eric, whose behind-the-scenes support made her dreams possible—and to her local clients, some of whom have been with her for over a decade.

Thank you, Annie for always being positive and representing what it means to be Community Proud. You’ve truly Nailed It.