Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya LE
Hi Tonya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My grandma (bà ngoại) escaped the Vietnam War with 7 kids and a brief case of their livelihood. My grandpa (ông nhoąi) on the other hand, was captured by the VC. He only survived in prison was because he knew how to sew. Slave laboring until the war was over. Finally he was released and lived with us until he passed.
My mother must have thought I have dexterous hands like my grandpa when I recreated the French Twist, a popular 90s hairstyle, for my youngest aunt with a breeze at the age of 11.
Next thing I knew my mother had me attending beauty school after school for the last 2 years of highschool.
From my small home town mama pop salons in Valencia to the strip malls of San Fernando Valley, I am now based, by appointments only, in a prestigious Bel Air salon at The Glen.
9 years into playing with hair I decided to get my makeup license and did! 5 years with both licenses and here I am. Anyone else having a hard time raising their mom? That lady doesn’t listen. Ahah.
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?
To be fair… anyone who is trying to achieve any goal will run into obstacles and challenges along the way right? It’s the “not gonna give up mentality” it’s the “not falling into the victim attitude” it’s the “staying positive” it’s the “being my own best friend” and it’s the “belief that what’s meant for me will find its dandy way to me.” And anyone who has grown mentally, physically or spiritually knows that growth is not found in comfort. LA is extreme so it’s critical to find and develop a healthy coping mechanisms. Seriously.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So what do I do exactly… I enhance actors/models good side either it be their hair, makeup, confidence or all of the above at the salon, production set or anywhere literally in that matter. Haircutting is my forte but I’m also known to do beauty makeup and men’s grooming, including therapy if needed, for runway shows, photoshoots for high fashion magazine, red carpets, award shows, tv commercials, movies and everything in between.
Lucky to do what I do and that’ is why I am proud of myself for not giving up. Giving up on this industry. Big or small, fun or full of lessons… I am filled with gratitude for every audacious experiences up to this point.
Hence why I happily give back to my community through volunteering at various support groups here in Los Angeles.
Including my yearly backpack drive that I love seeing people I know who donates. It truly is such excitement to witness amazing people come together for a good cause and we’re consistently breaking our own record each year too which the students absolutely appreciate immensely and I am so proud.🫶🏻
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I foresee the beauty industry will do more things with the strong consideration of the planet and animals.
Fast fashion with thrifting, gas with EV, we will most definitely shift to more planet friendly and animal friendly products absolutely.
Stay tune for new my new endeavor. Consciously luxurious and sustainably sexy “Le Fresh” dry shampoo @PopHair.Co
<3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TonyaLeArtistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonya_le_artistry
