We’ve all had someone special step into our lives to lend a guiding hand, whether for a few hours or for several years. These people are our family, friends, our mentors, and our teachers. Oftentimes, they change us forever. For Joanne Le, the owner of Nirvana Beauty Lounge, that person was her namesake.

You might know Nirvana’s owner as Joanne, but her birth name is Bình. She decided to start going by Joanne a few years after she moved to the United States from Vietnam. This is a story about how she chose a special name for herself and about the older woman who empowered her to seize her potential.

The first nail salon Bình worked at was in West Springfield, Massachusetts. She was only 21 years old, having moved to Orange County from Vietnam less than a year before. The relationships she would build there left a lasting impression, particularly her relationship with the successful woman building owner, Jo (short for Joanne).

Even though Binh spoke very little English and they could barely communicate, Jo made an effort to get to know Bình and saw an opportunity to empower a young woman to succeed. One day, during one of Jo’s regular pedicure appointment, Jo pulled Bình aside. She asked, “Would you like me to teach you some more English? Come over to my house tonight. I’ll make you dinner and give you a lesson.”

Touched by Jo’s generosity, Bình enthusiastically agreed. Jo was the first American to extend that kind of selfless kindness to her.

Over the months and years that Bình worked at the salon, the two became great friends. Jo taught her English and introduced her to magical things like cheese, pizza, and pasta. Jo’s generosity was especially well-timed; most of Bình’s income had been going back to her mother in Orange County. Bình kept just enough to pay for rent and a little bit of food.

More impactful than the English lessons or the yummy dinners was Jo’s commitment to help Bình reach her potential.

That’s why Bình decided to use the name Joanne when she moved back to Orange County to open her own salon. She would forever be inspired by the generosity of her mentor in West Springfield. The valuable customer service skills she learned from Jo would stay with her.

Joanne’s namesake became that much more meaningful when, years later, she ran into an old coworker from West Springfield and found out that Jo had passed away. Naturally, Joanne was bereft at the passing of her dear mentor, but also honored to carry on her name, and lead with the same altruistic, generous, and team-oriented passion.

Joanne is now the proud owner of Nirvana Beauty Lounge and the building which houses it. She has owned and sold several successful businesses over the last twenty years including Foxy Nails in Reno, and has become a certified esthetician, all the while striving to be as generous and welcoming as Jo. And, just as her mentor taught her, Joanne has continued to prioritize excellent customer service. Every client who walks into Nirvana will feel the warmth and generosity that has driven Joanne for her entire career.

Photography from Nirvana’s Grand Opening Party captured by Mabble Media.

Read post in Vietnamese Becoming Joanne Le.

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We are a team of professional beauticians who love to make an authentic connection with their clients. Nirvana Beauty Lounge is a nail salon and day spa in Midtown Reno specializing in high-end nails, pedicures, brow waxing, lash extensions, facials and microblading. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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