Diversity: Making Reno Remarkable
Diverse human stories are what makes Reno so remarkable.
Joanne Le, the owner and operator of Nirvana Beauty Lounge, brings one such story to our community. She was born in Saigon near the end of the Vietnam War and has lived a lot of life between then and making her way to Reno.
Throughout her childhood, Joanne witnessed waves of political unrest. Eventually, peace came to Vietnam and a government-controlled collectivist economy was established. As the owner of a small textile shop, Joanne’s mother knew first-hand the difficulties of running a business in the wake of war; it was always a struggle to turn a profit large enough to support her family. So, in Joanne’s family there had always been a strong ethic of teamwork.
At as young as 8 she would pilfer her cousin’s trove of nail polishes, only to plead innocence later, flashing a mischievous grin and colorful nails.
By the age of 12, she’d pulled together just enough money to buy a small cart where she could paint people’s nails on the street with other vendors. Joanne already had her heart set on owning a business by age 15. She wanted to work to advance her own passions, not someone else’s. She got a job in the office of a hotel to start learning about administration, while also working in her mother’s textile shop. During this time, Joanne made valuable observations about the world and herself.
She came to understand that society
treats men and women differently;
-women have to do much more work than their counterparts in order to enjoy the same benefits.
She accepted the reality of this and only became more determined to achieve her goals. In 1994, everything changed. Joanne’s mother finally achieved her dream of moving the family to the United States where there would be more opportunity to run a profitable business. When the family arrived, Joanne immediately set about becoming a licensed nail technician so that she could contribute to her family’s well-being, just like she’d done at the young age of 8.
Joanne worked hard for years, supporting her family, saving up to open her own salon, and living off of what little was left over. By the age of 26, she had saved a respectable sum and was able to open her first business, Alpha Salon, in Laguna Beach, California. A few years later, Joanne decided to move her two kids and her business to South Reno, which was the start of Foxy Nails. Now, Joanne is the owner of Nirvana Beauty Lounge and the building where it lives. She’s achieved many of her goals and crossed oceans and continents to do it. She is an excellent example of what we can accomplish if we stay committed, wise, and respectful of the process.
Reno is full of unique individuals with unique stories. Some of us have lived here our whole lives, and many of us found Reno on the map and decided to make it our new home; there are people here from across the Sierras, across the country, and around the world.
Together, with stories like Joanne’s, we have built a community that is vibrant, diverse, and unique.
Joanne might miss the amazing food in Vietnam, the constant distant clinking from street vendors cleaning dishes for the next customer, or the bustle of Ba Chieu Market near the house where she grew up, but nevertheless, she feels deeply that Reno is her home. This town is lucky to count Joanne as part of its vibrant community of artists, innovators, and business leaders.
Read post in Vietnamese Diversity: Making Reno Remarkable.
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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, spray tans, and microblading. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Nails • Skincare • Waxing • Lashes • Microblading • Spray Tans
