Our Beloved Story
Built on Love, Legacy, and Community
I grew up in a nail salon. As a refugee immigrant, my mom opened First Lady Nails in the 1980s; one of the very first in the San Gabriel Valley. As a kid, I spent countless hours there, watching her work hard, day in and day out. But even then, something didn’t sit right with me. The industry seemed to revolve around speed and transactions. Guests came and went, but there was so little room for connection, for care.
Years later, when the salon began to struggle and my mom was ready to let it go, she asked if Kimi and I would consider buying it. At first, we weren’t sure. It was a big risk. But deep down, we saw an opportunity; not just to save a business, but to reimagine what a nail salon could be.
In 2015, we took the leap and opened BeautyBar SGV. That same year, we adopted Bella and Bobby, the last two pups from a litter of four Shih Tzus. Being the exact same age as the salon, they grew up alongside our team and guests, quietly setting the tone for our space. Devoted cuddlers who spend most of their time dozing close by, they save their rare bursts of excitement for visits from the longtime guests who watched them grow up. Their calm, steady presence anchors our belief that self-care should feel unhurried, personal, and grounded in real relationships.
For me, this isn’t just about nails. It’s about healing something I’ve carried since childhood. It’s about offering guests the kind of experience I wish I had seen growing up: one built on kindness, connection, and real joy.
Now a decade later, BeautyBar has become everything we dreamed it could be. It’s not just a salon, it’s a sanctuary. A place where trust is built, artistry is celebrated, and community thrives.
And while we know we can’t change the industry overnight; we’re doing our part. One guest, one service, one act of care at a time.
Ben H.
Over the years, our guests have shared some beautiful reflections on their experiences with us. We gathered a few of them on our 5-Star Page, a small tribute to the kindness we’re lucky to receive every day.
