Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Le.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Da Nang, Vietnam. In 1982, my parents escaped from Vietnam with my brother and sisters. Unfortunately, I was only three months old and it was too dangerous for me to go with them. My parents had to leave me behind with my grandparents. They escaped by boat to Hong Kong but before they could leave, my father went back to the beach to get raincoats for my siblings. While he was on the beach, the Communists started shooting. It was so dark and my mother could not find my father so they had to keep going. A year later, in a Hong Kong camp, my uncle met the man who saw my father die and buried his body. They found out that he was buried at a beach nearby. My family stayed in Honk Kong till 1983 when mother brought them to San Diego. In 1999, when I was 17, my mother was finally able to bring me to San Diego too.
In 2000, I started working with my aunt in her beauty salon. I worked with her for nine years but I always dreamed of owning my own business. As of this year, I have been working for myself for ten years and I’m loving it. I love what I do and I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today.
Although I was always busy with work and trying to have a business of my own, I met my husband, Derek Lam, in 2005 and we got married 4 years after that. In 2013, our family grew a little bigger with the birth of our wonderful and handsome son, Jayden Lam. With my little family on my side, I’m always looking for new missions to pursue.
Currently, I’m on a new mission, which is to introduce Kangen water to everyone. I want to let the world know how amazing this water is and how it can change their health and lifestyles tremendously. I have been drinking Kangen water now for about six months, it has helped with my allergies, neck and back pain. Kangen Water has improved my health and changed my life for the best. Kangen machines are widely used in hospitals throughout Japan because of the medicinal benefits of the water and they have noticed patients recover quicker. This water has many other benefits such as lowering blood sugar, managing blood pressure, losing weight, helping with arthritis and gout problems among many other health benefits.
Great, 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?
It was a smooth road starting to my own business. One struggle I found was renting a spa room from someone and dealing with micromanagement from the owner. Another struggle I found was building my clientele which takes time and patience. My advice to young women who are starting their journey is to stay focused and consistent. You will have ups and downs but don’t let your downs stop you from reaching your goal. Work hard and stay humble.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do the best manicures and pedicures in town. I specialize in microblading artistry for your eyebrows. I am also an Enagic/Kangen water distributor.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I can’t stress this enough, social media is your best friend. That is how I network and advertise for my company.
Pricing:
- Manicure- $25
- Pedicure- $40
- Microblading- $550
- Enagic Kangen Water Machines range from $1980 to $4980
Contact Info:
- Address: 2423 Camino Del Rio South Suite 109 San Diego, CA 92108
- Website: Beautycarebykristy.com
- Phone: 6192522213
- Email: beautycarebykristy@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/beautycarebykristy?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beauty-Care-By-Kristy-569586286795818/
Image Credit:
Photo By Huong Pham
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