Born In Vietnam, Made In America...

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in Business/Finance

From time to time, The Patriots Press hears about a company that is either a cut above the rest or something less than that and puts a spotlight on them.  This story is about a company that is in a class all by itself.

Ben Nguyen and his family are a reflection of everything that is right about and how to make it in America. Way back in 1980 Ben arrived in America from his native Vietnam, and like a lot of legal immigrants, he didn’t have much going for him except a strong work ethic and a desire to create a better life for himself and his family.  A skilled machinist, Ben can pretty much do anything with his hands, and a quick look around his wife’s Nail Salon “Sapphire” proves that out.

That beautiful salon is really the combined effort of his and his wife’s lifetime of hard work.  While Ben still plies his talents with millwork and such, his wife Sophia always had a dream of owning her own shop to ply her talents, and along with daughter Kristine, that dream has become a reality.  

You should know that Sophia’s ties to America go way, way back to the day she was born in Saigon.  There was a curfew but babies don’t know about curfews, and Sophia decided to break that curfew when she made her debut.  Her mother was frantically trying to make her way to a hospital when she encountered American Troops.  Those troops saw clearly that in the midst of who knows what might have been going on, new life was emerging, and they got her to the hospital safely and the rest is Sophia’s history.  

Very recently, Sophia and Ben decided to take an entrepreneurial risk and pooled their resources, and they are now the proud owners of Sapphire Nails and Spa in Stuart.  Almost lost in a small strip mall among the car dealerships along that stretch of SE Federal Hwy., the location, a good spot with lots of parking, allows them to do what they do best; work hard with their heads down and blinders on, and offer their customers the very best of service at almost ridiculously reasonable prices.  In fact, they don’t even feel comfortable taking big tips because they don’t want their customers to feel obliged.  All they want to do is offer their great service humbly and repeatedly to their growing family of customers.

Besides the pride they apply to every service they offer, there is something much bigger which caught my attention immediately.  They remember the past and are so happy to be in America and understand what they have; Sophia cannot help but tear up when talking about her journey.  They could have simply done what so many do and look for a handout, but they didn’t.  Instead, they recognized and believe what President John F. Kennedy said so long ago during his inauguration speech; “…ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”  They get it that by owning their own business they are contributing to the fabric of this nation and giving back.  They know only too well that they could not achieve the life they are having where they came from.  Sophia may need an interpreter much of the time, and there may be a bit of broken English here and there, however these are people who personify what being an American is all about.  The end result is not simply good work, because anyone can do that; they do amazing work that will elicit many oohs and aahs from your friends and family, and even the simplest of services is a work of art that they take much deserved pride in. 

I have to say, I’m just a guy with a keyboard who doesn’t know from finger nails; however their menu offers everything from manicures and pedicures to massages and waxing, and lots of other stuff I’ve never even heard of that you can pamper yourself with.  They also have special pricing for your little ones who are also welcome.  

You will find them at 4336 SE Federal Hwy. in Stuart, FL  34997.  While they welcome walk in customers, I believe that may become tougher and tougher to do as word about them spreads, so to make an appointment for your “afternoon vacation” at Sapphire Nails and Spa, call (722) 266-8105 and talk to Kristine.  She’ll take care of the rest.

The Patriots Press gives this business all five of our “Made In America” Stars.