As a gesture to bring in more business while giving back to a community that has embraced them for over two decades, Night Light Nails is running a special:
When customers buy a gift card, they will receive value greater than they pay:
- Pay $30 get $45
- Pay $40 get $55
- Pay $50 get $80
- Pay $100 get $140
Night Light Nails sits on the corner of NE 45th Street and Thackery.
With it’s custom led neon signs and seafoam paint, you would never know that this unassuming nail salon has weathered nearly two decades of challenges and success, embodying the resilience and unwavering spirit of its owner, Van Nguyen. A beacon of determination, Van arrived in the United States from Vietnam at the age of 18, armed with ambition for what she calls her version of a dream job – to own a small business in the United States.
Nestled in a corner storefront, Night Light nail salon has become a Wallingford fixture, witnessing many changes to this neighborhood. 2024 is not the first time that staying afloat has been a challenge for Van, who has navigated the intricate maze of entrepreneurship as a single mother, raising her daughter and her nephew, while steadfastly pursuing her vision. Van has been a single mother for 19 years, and if you have ever been a customer at this salon, you already know that her daughter’s acceptance into the University of Washington for computer science stands among Van’s proudest accomplishments. It is the reward for all she has sacrificed.
I remember taking to Van as we moved out of the COVID-19 pandemic and she explained the luxury she saw in people who were able to work from home all those months, keeping an income without leaving their house. She explained that she, like many others, didn’t have that luxury – and now she sees a future where her daughter has many choices that were not available to her.
Before I had witnessed her strong work ethic and beaming pride for her daughter, the very first thing I noticed about Van is that she knows the name of every single repeat customer in her salon. My second time through the door, she greeted me by name. As an extremely average looking person, I was shocked that I would stand out enough for Van to remember my name. Then, as I sat with my feet soaking, I heard her do the same for each person who walked though the door. It was an astounding testament Van’s focus on creating connections with this community and each of her customers.
Though she has overcome many challenges before, Van now finds herself at the crest of a new one. Economic downturns and rising rents have cast a shadow over the small business, and Van is determined to find a way to weather this. Her rent recently increased by 5%, but she doesn’t want to rise prices for customers, as she fears higher prices won’t keep the neighborhood coming back. She is committed to ensuring ensure that her loyal customers can still afford a little luxury while supporting local businesses.
If you find yourself in the position to patronize a nail salon and want Van to know your name, please see a full list of services on Night Light Nails website or call (206) 634-2557.
