One Vietnamese American manicurist is taking Hollywood by storm.
According to HuffPost, Kim Truong, a renowned nail artist who has pampered the hands of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kerry Washington, and Dua Lipa, is not only an integral part of the glamour transformation but has recently become an ambassador for Gitti, a vegan, eco-friendly nail polish brand from Berlin. Truong, as one of the first Vietnamese American celebrity manicurists, is an icon in her community.
Truong recently gave an exclusive interview to the HuffPost detailing her career as a celebrity manicurist.
When Truong’s family moved to the U.S., her mother became part of this movement by obtaining her nail license. At 18, Truong followed suit, working alongside her mother at their nail salon to support her way through college.
However, Truong’s aspirations led her to dental school in Los Angeles. Despite her initial reluctance, she ended up working at a nail salon to make ends meet. It was there she discovered her talent, ultimately leading her to become a celebrity-favored nail artist, effectively reshaping her career path.
Truong’s success isn’t solely attributed to her talent but also to her calming presence and grounded energy. Celebrities like Kelly Rowland and Katy Perry have admired her work, and the latter even flew Truong and her sister to Capri for a shoot. Truong has become a trendsetter, with her nail art influencing how the public styles their nails.
In her interview with the HuffPost, Truong said she is aware of the stereotypes surrounding Asian nail techs. The conversational approach of Vietnamese manicurists was often mocked by comedians.
This stereotype traces back to Tippi Hedren, a Hollywood actor, who, in 1975, aided 20 Vietnamese women in gaining nail technician licenses, allowing them to share their skills within their communities. Several articles from media outlets like BBC and the Trinitonian have documented Hedren’s efforts to help Vietnamese refugees.
According to the Census Bureau American Community Survey, around 12% of Vietnamese Americans work as manicurists and pedicurists.
Truong has elevated the art of nail design, putting a spotlight on an often-overlooked group of Vietnamese nail technicians who demonstrate remarkable precision, patience, and creativity. In essence, she has dismantled stereotypes while showcasing the artistry of immigrant communities.
For Truong, her motivation is simple – to make people happy with beautiful nails that last. While hair and makeup may wash off, well-designed nails can bring joy for weeks. Kim Truong’s career showcases the beauty and innovation that can emerge when one recognizes their worth as a child of immigrants.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
We are supported through donations and such charitable organizations as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. December 3 is Giving Tuesday. Will you consider a tax-deductible donation to Asian American Media Inc and AsAmNews?
Please follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.