Today we’d like to introduce you to Omi Ngo.
Hi Omi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always known one thing—I didn’t want to work for someone forever. I wanted to build something of my own and create my own path. I also knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry, I just didn’t know exactly where I fit in at first.
Skincare ended up finding me in a very personal way. I struggled with acne growing up, and I was constantly researching products, routines, and ways to improve my skin. That curiosity slowly turned into a passion, and over time, it became something I wanted to turn into a career.
When I first started Peonies Beauté, my focus was simply on helping people achieve healthier skin through results-driven treatments. I didn’t initially start with a deep focus on Korean beauty—my interest was more broadly in skincare and correcting skin concerns. As my business grew and I began working with more clients, I naturally became more drawn to Korean skincare. I appreciated the approach—focusing on skin health, gentle but effective treatments, and long-term results. That’s when I started curating and incorporating Korean products and techniques more intentionally into my business.
At the same time, my personal life deeply shaped how I run my business today. Becoming a mother, especially navigating the needs of a neurodivergent child, along with experiencing the loss of my father, shifted my entire perspective. It taught me to value my time, set strong boundaries, and be more intentional with my energy. because of that, I no longer try to be everything for everyone. I focus on clients who are ready to commit to their skin journey and trust the process. That shift allowed me to grow into a more elevated, results-driven practice where my work—and my time—is truly valued.
Today, Peonies Beauté reflects that evolution. It’s a space centered around customized, corrective skincare and education, where clients are guided through a long-term approach to improving their skin. I’m still growing and refining my vision, but at the core of it all is something that hasn’t changed—I genuinely care about helping people feel confident in their skin, because I know what it feels like to struggle with it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, a lot of what I’ve learned came through trial and error. But I don’t see those experiences as losses—I see them as lessons that helped shape the business I have today.
One of my biggest challenges was learning how to manage my time and energy. In the beginning, I was very much a “yes” person. I would take on as many clients as possible—sometimes six to seven clients a day—thinking that was the way to grow. Over time, I realized that approach left me feeling drained and didn’t allow me to deliver my best work.
That shift was a turning point for me. I became more intentional with my schedule, limiting the number of clients I see each day so I can provide a higher level of care and truly focus on results. It also taught me the importance of setting boundaries and valuing my time.
Another challenge was learning to step into my worth. There was definitely a fear that if I raised my prices or became more selective, I might lose clients. But what I found was the opposite—it allowed me to attract clients who genuinely value the work I do and are committed to their skin journey.
Hiring was also a learning experience. Building a team and finding the right fit isn’t always easy, especially when you care deeply about your work and the standard of service you provide. That process taught me a lot about leadership, expectations, and creating a business that reflects my values.
Looking back, every challenge pushed me to grow—not just as a business owner, but as a person. Those lessons are what allowed me to build Peonies Beauté into what it is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Peonies Beauté . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Peonies Beauté was built from the ground up by me, and like many businesses, it evolved over time.
When I first started my career, I offered a variety of services—facials, waxing, lash services, and more. Even in the early stages of building my business, I explored offering multiple treatments because that’s what the industry often encourages.
But over time, I realized that my true strength—and what I genuinely enjoyed most—was skincare. I found that when I focused on facials and corrective treatments, I was able to deliver better results and create a more meaningful experience for my clients.
That realization led me to refine my business and fully specialize in skincare. Today, Peonies Beauté is centered around results-driven, customized facial treatments that focus on long-term skin health rather than quick fixes.
Our approach blends both Western and Korean skincare philosophies—combining advanced techniques with a strong emphasis on barrier repair, gentle treatments, and consistent progress over time.
We’ve become known for our gentle touch, effective results, and a space that feels positive, intentional, and welcoming. Clients come to us not just for a facial, but for guidance, education, and a long-term plan for their skin.
What sets us apart is our commitment to staying focused. In an industry where many providers offer a wide range of services, I made the decision to narrow in on skincare and truly master it. That clarity has allowed me to elevate both the quality of my work and the overall client experience.
I’m also proud to have been part of the earlier group of estheticians in the San Jose area who helped bring more visibility to results-driven facials and skincare. When I first started, facials weren’t as commonly showcased—especially on platforms like Instagram, where most of the focus was on services like lash extensions. From my perspective, I was among the early estheticians locally who consistently shared and promoted facial treatments online. Over time, I started to see more professionals shift in that direction as well, which has been really exciting to witness.
At the end of the day, Peonies Beauté is built on intention—every service, product, and recommendation is designed to support real, lasting skin improvement.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t say I had formal mentors, but I’ve been very fortunate to have strong support along the way.
My clients, especially those who have been with me since the very beginning, have played a huge role in my growth. Their trust, loyalty, and willingness to grow with me truly helped shape Peonies Beauté into what it is today.
I’ve also had support from family members, past bosses, and former coworkers who believed in me early on and encouraged me to pursue my own path. That kind of support makes a big difference when you’re building something from the ground up.
Most importantly, I have to give a lot of credit to my husband. He has always believed in me and supported my vision from the start. Whether it was helping me physically build out parts of the space or simply being there through the ups and downs, he’s played a huge role behind the scenes.
Building a business can feel very independent, but I definitely didn’t do it alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peoniesbeaute.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoniesbeaute/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peonies-beauté-san-jose
Image Credits
All images are owned by and the intellectual property of Peonies Beauté.
