Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Huynh.
Ben, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As I reflect on the journey of BeautyBar, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for the opportunity that presented itself back in 2015, when my mom made an unexpected offer – to sell her beloved but struggling nail salon, First Lady Nails, to my wife, Kimi, and me. At the time, Kimi had been a nail artist at First Lady Nails since 2006, while I was busy running my automotive company.
The prospect of taking over the family business ignited countless talks between Kimi and me. We saw it not just as a business opportunity but as a chance to create something truly special—a sanctuary where people came first, where relationships were nurtured, and where every guest felt not just pampered but truly valued.
After much soul searching, we dove into this exciting new phase of our journey and to breathe life into First Lady Nails, reimagining it as BeautyBar SGV. Right from the start, our goal has been crystal clear: to place people above all else, foster a team environment built on genuine care and expertise, and deliver an unmatched experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Central to our vision for BeautyBar is our commitment to building meaningful relationships with our guests. For us, it’s not simply about providing exceptional nail services—it’s about creating connections, fostering trust, and ensuring that every individual who walks through our door leaves feeling not just satisfied, but truly cared for.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
BeautyBar had been growing rapidly every year until the pandemic hit. Covid turned our world upside down. As we were forced to close our doors in March 2020, I struggled with what to do next. So, I leaned on our focus on people and began helping everyone on our team with all their needs including applying for unemployment. In the 11 months we were closed, we survived thanks to government programs and our very understanding ex-landlord, Ed, who offered to halve our rent until we reopened and got back on our feet again. We accepted his offer and several months after reopening, we surprised Ed by paying him back in full for all the halved months to thank him for his kindness.
Since reopening, our community of clients has shown unwavering support and love, and we’re grateful that the shutdown didn’t break us but actually made us stronger as a salon and as a team. Some on our team moved on to new ventures and it was hard to find new team members who are a good fit with our salon culture, but perseverance paid off and we’ve brought 6 phenomenal people onto our team since reopening. All our struggles were worth it because today, we have the best team of wonderful people enjoying this thrilling journey with us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
BeautyBar is a sanctuary and safe space, where every visit is an opportunity to connect and indulge in personalized pampering. At our heart, we’re more than just a nail salon—we’re a haven dedicated to celebrating individuality and fostering genuine relationships. Picture stepping into a space where your preferences are not only heard but honored with meticulous attention. That’s what we’re all about. From Gel-X to Dipping Powder and everything in between, we’ve perfected the art of nail care, but what truly sets us aglow is our passion for people.
Imagine being greeted not just by skilled artists, but by friends who genuinely care about your happiness and well-being. That’s our team. They’re not just here to beautify, but to listen, to understand, and to create nail designs that speak to your soul. Our brand isn’t built on flashy logos or fancy slogans—it’s built on the warmth and authenticity of our community. Each appointment is a chance to build a lasting bond, because to us, you’re not just a client; you’re family.
Any big plans?
This year, we’re getting ready to spruce up our interior space with a new look because it really needs it. We can see that our place is begging for a change that truly shows off how great our BeautyBar team is.
We’re also launching our Community Membership on March 1, 2024 for our most loyal clients. For $25 per month, Community Members get access to members-only pricing, priority booking over the phone and by text, complimentary wine, and special invites to members-only events hosted by BeautyBar.
Join us on this journey of transformation and community engagement, where every aspect reflects our commitment to beauty, excellence, and our cherished clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beautybarsgv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybarsgv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybarsgv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/57885537/admin/feed/posts/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/beautybarsgv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzlxTac3N3QyoCw2AVXTv-Q
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beautybar-sgv-san-gabriel-3
Image Credits
@beautybarsgv
