We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hoangoanh Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Hoangoanh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
Yes, I am happier as a business owner—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. There are days when the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming, and I do sometimes imagine what it would be like to have a “regular” 9-to-5 job with predictable hours and a steady paycheck.
The last time I had that thought was during the summer of 2024, when my academy was going through a tough transition. We had changed ownership temporarily, and it took over a year to get our recertification. During that time, income dropped drastically, students were confused, and staff were unsure whether to stay or leave. I remember one particular day in late July—I was sitting in my office after yet another call with the state board, trying to hold back tears. Bills were due. Employees were asking for raises. The future felt uncertain.
At that moment, I truly wondered: Wouldn’t it be easier to just clock in, do my job, and clock out—without carrying the weight of everyone’s future on my shoulders?
But then I stepped outside my office, and I saw one of my students helping another one practice a new technique. They were laughing, encouraging each other. That reminded me why I do what I do. I’m not just running a business—I’m shaping futures, building confidence, creating community.
That day, I realized that while a regular job might give me peace of mind in the short term, it wouldn’t fulfill my deeper purpose. I’ve worked hard to build something meaningful. I’ve helped over 5,000 students find careers, and I’ve seen my graduates open their own salons, support their families, and become leaders in the industry.
So yes—some days are hard. But in the end, being a business owner gives me something no job ever could: impact, freedom, and legacy.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Anna, and I am the founder of Anna Beauty Academy and the current owner of Le Arai Beauty & Barber Academy, which I took over at the end of 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, I’ve built my career on empowering others through high-quality education, mentorship, and beauty services.
I hold multiple licenses and certifications as a:
Master Cosmetologist Instructor
Master Barber Instructor
Master Esthetician Instructor
Permanent Cosmetic Tattoo Instructor
I am proudly accredited by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and a member of the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM). My academies are licensed and approved by SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia), DPOR, and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), allowing us to serve both domestic and international students. We are also on the path to NACCAS accreditation (National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences), a national standard of excellence.
What We Offer:
Our academies provide professional training in:
Cosmetology
Barbering
Nail Technology
Esthetics
Massage Therapy
Permanent Makeup & Tattooing
We’ve trained and mentored over 5,000 students, many of whom have gone on to open their own salons or become leaders in the industry. Our commitment to quality education, hands-on training, and career mentorship sets us apart.
Awards & Recognition:
🏆 Best Beauty School Award – 3 Times
🏆 Neighborhood Favorite Salon – Multiple Years
🏆 Outstanding Educator Recognition from Community and Industry Events
🏆 Student Success Leadership Award (for helping launch the careers of thousands of licensed professionals)
What I’m most proud of is the success of my students—seeing them grow from beginners into confident professionals and business owners. My goal has always been to not only teach beauty skills but to inspire personal and financial transformation.
If you’re ready to start or elevate your beauty career, Anna Beauty Academy and Le Arai Beauty & Barber Academy are here to educate, inspire, and transform lives.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the biggest tests of resilience in my career came when I took over Le Arai Beauty and Barber Academy at the end of 2022. Because of the change in ownership, we lost our school’s approval and had to go through a long and complicated recertification process that lasted almost a year. During that time, we couldn’t enroll new students, and I faced serious financial pressure, doubt from others, and even the loss of long-time staff members.
But I didn’t give up. I invested my own savings, leaned on my 20+ years of experience, and stayed focused on rebuilding the academy stronger than before. I kept encouraging my team, updated our curriculum, upgraded the facility, and never lost sight of our mission to educate and inspire future beauty professionals.
Now, I’m proud to say we’ve been approved by SCHEV, SEVIS, and the State of Virginia—and we’re on track to be nationally accredited by NACCAS. We’ve won the Best Beauty School Award three times, and this September, we’re celebrating with a big, real Grand Reopening that marks not just a return, but a new beginning. This experience reminded me that resilience is about pushing forward even when everything feels uncertain—because if you stay true to your purpose, success always finds a way back.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that doing everything myself was the key to success. Early in my career, I believed that to ensure quality and control, I had to manage every detail personally—whether it was teaching, managing staff, handling finances, or marketing. This mindset led to burnout and limited growth.
The turning point came during the challenging recertification period at Le Arai Beauty & Barber Academy. I was stretched thin trying to handle all the problems alone, and it became clear that this approach wasn’t sustainable. I had to unlearn the need for total control and start trusting others—empowering my team, delegating responsibilities, and building strong partnerships.
By letting go and allowing others to take ownership, the academy not only survived but became stronger. This lesson transformed how I lead and manage my business, showing me that true leadership is about collaboration, trust, and empowering others to shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://learaiacademy.com
- Instagram: @learaibeauty
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/le.arai.733
- Youtube: @LeAraiBBAcademy
Image Credits
Self