beauty

Biggest Nail Salon in Texas — and Maybe the Country! — Shines Bright in the Heights

Alex Montoya
Biggest Nail Salon in Texas — and Maybe the Country! — Shines Bright in the Heights

THIRTY-TWO YEARS AFTER immigrating to Houston from Vietnam, Tom Tran has opened his 50th nail salon — and it's the biggest one in Texas. The 10,000-square-foot Milano Nail Spa – The Heights, located in the mixed-use complex just off I-10 and Studemont that is also home to SheSpace and First Watch, might even take the title of the largest in the U.S.

The self-made millionaire behind the Milano Nail Spa and Nails of America brands opened his first nail salon in 1995 with no prior experience. “I’m very proud of this moment, and not only for this beautiful salon, but also the opportunities that the nail industry has created for so many people in this country — a high percentage from Vietnam like me," he said in a statement. "Nail technicians can often be the focus of jokes and stereotypes, but this business is proving over and over that it can be a path of success for talented, hard-working people.”

A key to Tran's success might be his belief in his fellow immigrants, and his willingness to treat them fairly and offer opportunities for growth; managing partners of his salons earn six-figure salaries, and technicians work in colorful, clean and creative environments. At the Heights location, which first opened at the end of 2021, manager Brian Nguyen leads 20 receptionists and 110 nail techs.

Complimentary cocktails, seemingly endless color and finish options, and a focus on cleanliness has proven to be a recipe for success — and Tran intends to take it national, with a goal of between 10 and 20 openings annually in cities in Colorado, Arizona and beyond, for the foreseeable future.

Brian Nguyen and Tom Tran

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promoted

With Expertise in Blondes, Extensions and More, the Janelle Alexis Team Is a Go-To Salon

Al Torres
With Expertise in Blondes, Extensions and More, the Janelle Alexis Team Is a Go-To Salon

YOU CAN'T LIMIT Janelle to one title – Hairdresser. Her career and business has been established and built on a strong foundation. Using her two business degrees + one more in-process, this enables Janelle and the team to deliver not only a customer-focused experience, but a foundationally solid business. There is much more than meets the eye, and in sharing a little bit about Janelle, she was not only an international hair extension educator for over 14 years, but brings extensive expertise to blondes. She rounds this out with her previously launched namesake cosmetic line, which is a perfect complement to her belief that “Beauty is our Business”.

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food news

Eleven Patios Beckoning for a Taste of Fall, Y'all!

Toca Madera Bird's Nest patio (photo by Connie Anderson)

FINALLY, FALL WILL arrive this week. Grab a bite and a drink or linger over a multi-course meal at these cool spots — the patios are calling!

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Food
travel

Quick Getaway: Serene but Style-Forward W Punta De Mita Finds its Place in the Sun

The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck

VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.

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Style