We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Truce Nguyen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Truce below.

Truce, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

When I think about what my parents did right, particularly my mother, it’s impossible not to be filled with gratitude and awe. My parents came to America from Vietnam after the war with nothing but determination and hope. Their journey and my mother’s story, in particular, is one of resilience and ambition that shaped the core of who I am today.

In Vietnam, my mother was a teacher—a respected and fulfilling role. But when she arrived in America, she had to start at the bottom. With no English skills and no safety net, she first became a babysitter. From there, she worked as a seamstress, then moved on to a nail salon while attending night school to earn her license. This relentless pursuit of a better life for her family culminated in her opening her own nail salon in Old City, Philadelphia, when I was just seven years old. Old City wasn’t just any neighborhood—it was prestigious, a testament to her hard work and determination. Watching her go from poverty to becoming a successful business owner left an indelible mark on me.

Her journey taught me what grit looks like. From a young age, I was exposed to her work ethic, not just by observation but through hands-on experience. I spent countless hours helping at the salon, whether it was sweeping floors, organizing supplies, or engaging with customers. It wasn’t just work; it was a masterclass in entrepreneurship, resilience, and humility.

What impacted me most was her unwavering belief in our ability to succeed. She would remind me and my siblings, “If I can come to this country, not knowing the language, not having anything, and build a life for us, there is no reason you can’t succeed in your own country with your own language.” Those words have stayed with me my entire life.

My mother also taught me the importance of financial responsibility. From a young age, she made sure I understood the value of money and how to manage it. This knowledge has helped me stay financially stable and make sound decisions in my adult life.

Perhaps what stands out most is her balance of kindness and strength. She treated her employees and clients with respect, never letting her position as the owner inflate her ego. At the same time, she didn’t allow anyone to bully or take advantage of her. She modeled what it means to be kind yet firm, a lesson that has shaped how I interact with others in my personal and professional life.

Today, as a business owner myself, I channel her resilience, work ethic, and values in everything I do. She is the reason I embody determination, grit, and ambition. She taught me that failure is never an option and that success is built on kindness and respect for others. My mother is my forever hero, and everything I’ve achieved in life is a reflection of the lessons she taught me.

Truce, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

With a passion for creativity from a young age, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to express myself artistically. It was my mother who first recognized my talent for hairstyling and encouraged me to follow that path—and I’ve never looked back.

Today, I am the proud owner of a private hair studio- Hair By Truce, in Brickell, Miami, where I specialize in solving my clients’ hair challenges while often lending an empathetic ear to their personal stories as well. What sets my salon apart is the calm, welcoming atmosphere I’ve created—a space where my clients feel safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. I pride myself on being punctual, efficient, and attentive, qualities that stand out in a city where hairstyling services can sometimes lack those essentials.

One of my greatest achievements is building a business that allows me to work with my dream clients. These relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and a genuine connection that often feels more like family than a traditional client-stylist dynamic. It hasn’t always been easy; I’ve had to navigate and refine my clientele over the years. But now, I can proudly say that every person who sits in my chair adds to the joy and success of my career. I am endlessly grateful for their loyalty and support—they are the heart of my business.

For anyone considering booking an appointment or following my journey, I invite you to experience what sets my studio apart. My approach is warm and welcoming, yet fair and professional. I am passionate about my craft, understanding of my clients’ needs, and always open to forming new connections. To me, hairstyling is more than just creating beautiful hair—it’s about building lasting relationships and being a positive force in my clients’ lives.

So, come see what the hype is all about. You’ll find a stylist who not only loves what she does but also loves creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the biggest moments in my journey that really showed my resilience was building my hair studio, Hair by Truce, in Brickell, Miami, completely on my own. Starting a business as a one-person operation wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a team to fall back on—it was just me, my skills, my passion, and a whole lot of determination.

In the early days, one of the toughest challenges I faced was refining my clientele. Like most stylists, I encountered clients who didn’t respect my time or boundaries. It was exhausting and frustrating, but I realized that if I wanted to create the kind of business I envisioned, I had to set firm standards. I made the difficult decision to let go of clients who didn’t align with the values I wanted for my studio. It wasn’t an easy choice—I knew it meant taking a risk and being patient while building a clientele that truly valued my work and respected me.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Over time, I attracted exactly the kind of clients I had dreamed of working with. They respect my time, value my talent, and, most importantly, we’ve built genuine connections. My studio has become a place where both my clients and I feel respected and appreciated—it’s more than just a salon; it’s a sanctuary.

That experience taught me so much about resilience. It showed me that staying true to your values, even when it’s hard, will always pay off in the long run. It’s not just about the services I provide; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. That’s the heart of my business, and it’s something I’m really proud of.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is my commitment to excellence in both my craft and my client relationships. First and foremost, I pride myself on delivering exceptional hair services—whether it’s a precise cut, a flawless color, or a transformative style, I always aim to exceed my clients’ expectations.

Beyond the technical skills, I’ve built my reputation on creating a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel truly cared for. My salon isn’t just a place to get your hair done—it’s a space where people feel safe, heard, and valued. I listen to my clients, not just about their hair but about their lives, and that genuine connection builds trust and loyalty.

Another key factor is my professionalism. I’m punctual, efficient, and consistent, which, surprisingly, is something many clients find refreshing in this industry. In a fast-paced city like Miami, where time is precious, respecting my clients’ time has set me apart.

Lastly, I’ve been intentional about fostering a dream clientele—clients who share mutual respect and appreciation. This has helped me create a positive, uplifting atmosphere that people want to return to. My reputation isn’t just about my work; it’s about the experience I provide and the relationships I’ve built along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HairByTruce.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/HairByTruce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17Q2hRqwm4/?mibextid=LQQJ4d