Meet Mai Khanh Nguyen | Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mai Khanh Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mai, what do you attribute your success to?
My journey as a small business owner is a testament to the fact that when you do something with passion sustained by years of professional training and experience, success is simply inevitable. I believe success is about developing a productive mindset that goes hand in hand with hard work and bold risk-taking when necessary.
Over the years, I’ve also learned that a reliable, highly skilled team of professionals is the key to managing a business and ensuring its productivity.
Achieving long-term success in the highly competitive hairstyling industry implies staying up to date with constantly changing beauty trends. It is about being alert to new hair styling techniques and procedures while adapting to them proactively.

What should our readers know about your business?
The most challenging part of my journey was taking a leap of faith and quitting my job at the time to become a self-employed business owner. It was a tough decision, but one that I am so glad to have made. Like for many small business owners, the first years were filled with stress and insecurities as I navigated the complexities of running a business on my own. Also, being so focused on making my dream come true, I did not prioritize anything else in my life. As soon as I realized that collaborating with other hairstylists would make my business flourish, things changed for the better, and I finally managed to find the balance between work and personal life.

Aside from the classes of reputable beauty schools and courses I attended over the years, the experience of working as a hairstylist even before opening my salon helped me understand the customers’ needs. I can say that now I have the knowledge and the skills to make our clients look gorgeous and leave the salon with enhanced confidence.

Also, having a reliable team of professionals by my side has helped me turn our workplace into a second home where we welcome our clients in a warm, stylish environment that allows them to feel pampered, appreciated, and enjoy customized services tailored to their features, style, and personality. The smile on their faces as they look into the mirror after a hairstyling session is the best proof of a job well done. It’s not only a moment of pure satisfaction, but it also reassures me that I am on the right path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That would be a mix of world-renowned attractions and hidden gems that only us locals have the privilege to enjoy.
As San Diego is a foodie paradise that promises savory dining experiences, we would start our days with a brunch, and I would choose the spots to offer a different experience each day. So, for example, one day, we would go to the Parc Bistro & Brasserie for an authentic French breakfast, and then the next day, indulge in spicy Mexican flavors at Cocina De Barrio in Hillcrest.
We would explore the local beaches and visit the world-famous surf spot at Swami’s Beach. Part of the itinerary would include signing up for a kayaking tour of the 7 La Jolla Sea Caves.
A scenic coastal drive on the US 101, one of the longest highways in California, is also on my list. It’s a great way to explore San Diego County’s gems scattered along its shorelines. We would stop in picturesque beach towns such as Venice Beach, Dana Point, and Solana Beach.
I would like to spend a day exploring Mission Bay Park, the largest park in the US. With so many activities in and out of the water—kayaking, water skiing, paddleboarding, biking—you can easily spend an entire weekend here and never get bored. Depending on my friend’s preferences, we would visit SeaWorld San Diego, located within the park, or simply soak up some sun and relax on the sandy beaches. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother has been my greatest inspiration and support in following my dream. She was the one who introduced me to the fabulous world of hairstyling and makeup.

Website: https://www.plazahairsalon.com/blog/?page=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbymaik/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlazaHairSalon

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/plaza-hair-salon-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PlazaHairSalonSanDiego

Image Credits
Mai Khanh