Nail salons have become a staple in American culture, providing a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
However, for many Vietnamese immigrants, nail salons have become much more than just a place to get a manicure – they have become a symbol of a community’s entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and determination.
Vietnamese immigrants first began arriving in America in the 1970s and 1980s, fleeing their home country after the end of the Vietnam War. Many were refugees, starting with very little and facing significant challenges as they adjusted to a new country. Yet, despite these difficulties, they persevered, establishing communities, businesses, and a new home in America.
One industry in which many Vietnamese immigrants have found success is the nail salon industry. Unbeknownst to most, these started after the famous actress Tippi Hedren. Hedren worked as an international relief coordinator at Food for the Hungry, assisting Vietnam refugees in finding their vocation.Many of the refugees had nothing left to lose. Even worse, some people had lost their entire families.
Hedren allegedly came up with the idea to teach these Vietnamese ladies the craft of manicures and pedicures one fateful day as she was working with a group of women who were admiring her perfectly manicured fingernails. Hedren is credited with hiring a manicurist and enlisting the help of a beauty school to fly in 20 women and instruct them in the craft of nail art. She is also recognized for assisting them in obtaining licenses and landing lucrative jobs at nail salons all throughout Southern California. Many of the refugees had nothing left to lose. Even worse, some people had lost their entire families.
Nail salons have become a staple in the Vietnamese-American community, providing jobs and economic opportunities for countless individuals and families. It has been estimated that Vietnamese Americans own around 25% of the nail salons in the United States.
The success of Vietnamese nail salon owners can be attributed to their hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. Many have faced significant challenges, such as language barriers, discrimination, and cultural differences. However, despite these difficulties, they have been able to create thriving businesses, providing not only for themselves and their families but also for their communities. For example, Yoyo Bach McCubbin started NailBoss Design Salon in Houston after immigrating to America in her mid-30s. She had just survived a scary bout with cancer and decided to change her life.
The nail salon allowed her to earn an income and raise her children while learning English and establishing her foundation in this new world she found herself calling home. She started NailBoss in 2020 and has yet to look back since. Today she has almost a dozen full-time workers and hundreds of regular customers. Ms. Bach truly embodies the “American Dream.”
“In addition to the economic benefits, nail salons have also had a positive impact on the social and cultural fabric of the local community. Nail salons provide a gathering place for community members to come together, exchange ideas, and connect. In addition, they serve as a source of comfort and familiarity for those who may feel far from home and as a symbol of the resilience and determination of the immigrant community,” said NailBoss Salon’s Yoyo Bach McCubbin.
Sourced Photo
In conclusion, the impact of nail salons on the Vietnamese-American community cannot be overstated. Nail salons have provided economic opportunity, social connection, and cultural pride for countless individuals and families. Despite the challenges immigrants face, the Vietnamese-American community can take pride in the success and resilience of its nail salon owners and work together to ensure that this industry continues to thrive.
About NailBoss Design Salon
Yoyo Bach McCubbin established NailBoss Design Salon. Ms. Bach immigrated to the United States at age 33. After surviving stage 3 cancer, she decided to make a dramatic change in her life, leaving her homeland and embarking on a journey as a single Mother with two young children and zero English language skills or knowledge of nail design. Fluent in four languages, Ms. Bach is a testimony to immigrant Americans’ hard work and enterprising spirit. She is proud to call herself an American citizen today and loves her career, her family and the great country she now calls home.
Contact:
NailBoss Design Salon, LLC
Aiden Porter
nailbossdesign@gmail.com
281-493-6245
