Our Story
I grew up in a nail salon. My mom opened First Lady Nails in 1987; 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 created BeautyBar SGV. From the very beginning, we wanted it to feel different. More intentional. More human. A place where people come first, where relationships matter, and where self-care is honored; not rushed.
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.
Nearly 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.
