Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Van.
Hi Tara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in a small village in central Vietnam — a humble place under a communist regime where life was very hard. We didn’t have much. I grew up in poverty, helping my mother around the house, attending school, and assisting her with clients in her small wedding business. Watching my mother transform brides with her skill and creativity sparked something in me — a deep love for beauty and cosmetics.
But even as a child, I realized something: in Vietnam, no matter how hard you worked, it was difficult to build a future. The currency was weak, and the pay for services was small. I remember thinking, “I want to do more. I want to create a better life.”
So, I made myself a promise — if I studied hard, maybe I could one day go to America. At that time, Vietnam had a lottery program that allowed top students the chance to study abroad. I gave it everything I had, and by the time I was seventeen, my hard work paid off. I was selected to come to America to study.
When I arrived, I had nothing — no money, no English, and I was in a completely unfamiliar country. Everything was different: the food, the culture, even the way people spoke. It was overwhelming, but I didn’t give up. I reached out to my relatives in Mississippi and stayed with them until I could stand on my own feet.
My family there worked in the nail industry. The first time I saw the creativity, the precision, and the way it could make someone feel beautiful, I was hooked. It was everything I loved about the beauty world — but now, it could also be a way to build a life. So I went to cosmetology school, got licensed, and started working in the nail industry.
For six years, I worked tirelessly — saving every dollar I could. I lived simply, only spending on bills and necessities. My goal was bigger than myself: I wanted to bring my family to America. And eventually, I did. I was able to sponsor my entire family to join me here.
In Jacksonville, Florida, I began working at my aunt’s salon on the Westside. After years of saving, my family and I were able to buy our own salon — Queen Nails — located on Norwood Avenue on the Northside. That was a huge milestone for us, a true family success story.
Then in 2021, another opportunity came along — one that felt like fate. My fiancé and I were able to purchase Tara’s Nails & Spa on Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville’s Southside. It was a dream come true.
Today, Tara’s Nails & Spa stands as a symbol of everything I’ve fought for — perseverance, family, and the belief that even if you start with nothing, with faith, discipline, and hard work, you can build something beautiful. My journey wasn’t easy, but I hope it inspires others — especially young women — to know that your beginnings don’t define your future.
You just have to believe you’re capable of more, and never stop working toward it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Every chapter of my journey came with challenges that tested my patience, faith, and determination.
When I first came to America, the language barrier was one of the hardest things to overcome. I could barely communicate or understand what people were saying, and that made even simple things — like ordering food or finding my way around — feel impossible. I had moments where I cried out of frustration and loneliness. I missed my home, my culture, my family… but I knew I came here with a purpose, and I couldn’t let fear stop me.
Financially, it was also incredibly tough. I came with almost nothing. There were times I had to choose between paying bills or buying food. I worked long hours — sometimes 10 to 12 hours a day — to make ends meet. Every dollar I made, I stretched as far as it could go.
When I entered the nail industry, it wasn’t glamorous at first. I started at the bottom, cleaning stations, learning techniques, and slowly building trust with clients. There were moments where I doubted myself — wondering if I was good enough, or if I’d ever be able to own a business of my own.
Even after I opened my first salon with my family, new struggles came. Running a business is never easy — balancing finances, managing staff, keeping customers happy, and staying competitive is a constant challenge. And when COVID hit, like many small businesses, we were afraid of losing everything we worked so hard for.
But through every setback, I learned something valuable: struggles build strength. Each obstacle taught me resilience and humility. I learned how to adapt, how to lead, and how to turn pain into motivation.
Today, when I walk into Tara’s Nails & Spa and see my clients smiling — or when I look around and realize my whole family is here, living a better life — every hardship feels worth it. The road wasn’t smooth, but it made me who I am today: stronger, more grateful, and even more passionate about what I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Tara’s Nails & Spa, we’re more than just a nail salon — we’re an experience built on artistry, comfort, and care. From the moment you walk through our doors, our goal is to make you feel beautiful, confident, and completely at ease.
We specialize in a wide range of nail and spa services — from luxury manicures and pedicures to custom nail art, acrylics, extensions, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Every service is performed with precision, passion, and the highest standards of cleanliness and professionalism. What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and our belief that beauty should be both personal and empowering.
Our team isn’t just trained — they’re passionate. Many of my technicians have been with me for years, and we take pride in creating designs that reflect each client’s individual style. Whether it’s something elegant and simple or bold and eye-catching, we treat every set like a work of art.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the environment we’ve created. Tara’s Nails & Spa is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere — where every client feels like family. We’ve built our reputation on consistency, integrity & hard work.
We also stay ahead of trends by constantly learning new techniques and bringing in the latest nail products and styles. Our clients trust us not just for beautiful nails, but for the full experience — the relaxation, the laughter, and the confidence that comes from self-care.
What I want readers to know about Tara’s Nails & Spa is that we are more than a beauty business — we are a reflection of passion, perseverance, and the belief that dreams can become reality. Every service we offer carries that story. When you sit in our chairs, you’re not just getting your nails done — you’re part of something built with love, dedication, and purpose.
Whether you’re coming in for a quick polish or a full spa day, we’re here to make you feel your best — inside and out.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about the future of Tara’s Nails & Spa. My vision goes beyond just being another salon — I want to grow it into a brand that represents empowerment, artistry, and self-care not only in Jacksonville, but eventually across Florida and beyond.
In the near future, I’m planning to expand our services to include more advanced spa treatments — such as facials, permanent makeup, and skincare — creating a full luxury beauty experience under one roof. I want clients to feel like Tara’s Nails & Spa is their personal escape from the world — a place where beauty meets peace of mind.
We’re also working toward training and mentorship programs for aspiring nail technicians. When I came to America, I had to figure everything out on my own, and I know how hard that journey can be. I want to give back by helping other young women — especially immigrants — learn the skills and business knowledge they need to succeed in this industry.
Another exciting goal is to open additional locations in the next few years. Each salon will carry the same signature warmth, quality, and aesthetic that defines our brand — elegant, clean, and welcoming.
Beyond business growth, I’m focused on continuing to evolve as a leader — balancing innovation with compassion. My dream is to build a brand that doesn’t just make people look beautiful, but feel inspired — a reminder that no matter where you start, you can create something extraordinary with hard work and heart.
So yes, big changes are coming — expansion, education, and evolution. But no matter how much we grow, our foundation will always stay the same: family, faith, and passion for beauty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tarasnailspa.setmore.com
- Instagram: Nailsbytaravan
- Facebook: Tara’s Nails&Spa
