Today we’d like to introduce you to Thanh-Thanh Le.
Hi Thanh-Thanh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started in the nail industry really young. My mom owned a small nail salon in Philly when I was about 13 years old. My mom would have me take polish off client’s nails and start pedicure waters among other little things. I fell in love with the craft at around 16 when I began doing designs on nails and breaking out of my shell to talk to my clients. I was able to get a manicure license at 16 and my cosmetology license at 18 and I never looked back. I’ve worked for many Salons and have learned so much from them. My family and I moved to NC about five years ago and we absolutely love the area. I now own a small salon, Empress Beauty Lounge, in Cary, North Carolina. We just open a few months ago but it’s such a pleasure to help people find their confidence again. Even if it just with a small compliment like, “I love your nails!”
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?
There have been some ups and downs like in any business. We struggled a bit when I had were shut down for almost ten weeks. I didn’t let that slow me down, I have a hustler’s mentality. I made press on nails for some of my clients and gifted pedicure kits to those who asked. I don’t like sitting still. Right now, our main struggle is the price of supplies and finding supplies that we need. Covid definitely had a big part of why supplies are low. It’s also hard because I took over an older salon that wasn’t doing well but I like a challenge and hope to build it into a go to salon that people will love to come to.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do nails and I specialize in nail art. I’m also known for my customer service. I love when a client tells people stop them just to say how much they love their nails. I try to get to know all of my clients and want to make them feel comfortable and welcome when they are in my seat. As a nail tech, I see my clients every 3 – 4 weeks and for an hour at a time. I love listening to all of the different things happening in their life. As an artist, their nails are my canvas and polish is my medium. It’s incredible to see how our vision plays out on such a small scale.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My biggest supporter is Joe, he’s my husband and biggest fan. He continues to encourage me every day to follow my dreams no matter what stands in the way. With his motivation, I was finally able to take the big step into purchasing the salon. I was so scared at first but with the support of my loyal clients and my husband, Empress Beauty Lounge was born. My little sister, Angel, also has a large role in my life. She is always pushing me and cheering me on. I am so excited to see where we go from here. My three kids are the reason why I work so hard. They are my main motivation.
Contact Info:
- Email: EmpressBeautyLoungenc@gmail.com
- Website: www.EmpressBeautyLounge.com
- Instagram: @Empress.BeautyLounge
