Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Dao
Hi Laura, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since I was young, my family has always been involved in the beauty industry. I grew up looking up to my mom, who was multifaceted and skilled in anything related to beauty. Both of my parents influenced me heavily when it came to art, creativity, and business. Although, like many Asian parents, mine expected me to follow a traditional path like becoming a doctor, I always felt drawn to a career that would nurture my creativity and give me independence.
I worked at my parents’ business throughout high school. At the time, I viewed nails as just a stepping stone to something bigger, even though I wasn’t sure what that “something” was yet. After graduating, I moved out and started working for other salon owners at just 19. I soon realized that I was making more money than most people my age, but I still hadn’t found a true passion for nails.
Over the next five years, I worked at over 10 different locations across Palm Beach and even a bit further south, from franchises to mom-and-pop shops. I was feeling unfulfilled and often skipped work because I was “over it.” Then, one of my good friends became the first nail tech I knew who went independent with her own clientele. Her journey inspired me, and she encouraged me to build my own clientele and follow a similar path.
At the time, I had already built a decent clientele and started taking social media seriously—and then COVID hit. That’s when everything changed. It felt like a sign, & my fiancé pushed me even more to go fully independent. Like so many people that were shutdown for Covid, many started businesses from home. I started actively posting on social media, & found a temporary studio to work at, which helped me stand out since salons were closed. COVID became a turning point for me, showing me the potential of working independently.
Once lockdowns lifted, I quit the salon I was working at and focused solely on my business. After six months, I started experiencing setbacks at the salon suites I was working in. The environment became toxic and unprofessional, which pushed me to think about my next move. I decided to work at another salon on my days off for plans to leave asap into my own studio.
Between 2020 and 2024, I went through a transformative period. After an abrupt exit from the salon suites, I was excited to announce the opening of my very own suite. For over a year, I worked 7 days a week, doing double shifts on Sundays, moving from one salon to my studio. Despite the long hours, I had never felt happier or more passionate about my career. After a year of balancing both, I finally went all in with Bold HQ, with the help and support of my amazing clients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. It was not a smooth ride. When I first went independent, I had to buy all my own supplies, which was a major shift since, in salons, everything is provided for you. I had to figure out which brands I had used at the salon, and I quickly realized that some products weren’t working for me, causing issues like lifting on my clients. This pushed me to start learning about quality supplies on my own. It was a challenging process, but it taught me how to choose the best products for my business and deliver better results for my clients. On top of that, my father was diagnosed with cancer that year. When I say every aspect of my life felt like it was on fire, it’s an understatement.
Then going back to working at a salon after spending a year working under my own rules also presented its own set of challenges. The transition was difficult, especially after having the freedom of running my own business, but I pushed through because I had a bigger goal in mind.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional nail specialist with expertise in acrylics, builder gel, and Gel-X. I’m known for my ability to recreate inspiration sets for my clients with precision, as well as my excellent retention rates. What I’m most proud of is my dedication to constantly elevating both my business and my clients’ experiences. What sets me apart is my innovative approach to growth—whether it’s refining my techniques, enhancing my client experience, or staying ahead of trends. I know I inspire others in the industry, and that drives me to remain original and authentic in everything I do.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory would be seeing my mother get dressed up to go on a date with my father. I always felt like a tomboy growing up but my mom’s girly side really stuck with me. I love the sense of pride she has teaching me how to take care of myself and always being presentable, & looking your best. She’s always been glamorous & I feel like it’s been passed down to me as well!
Pricing:
- Gelx Fullset -$70 & up
- Acrylic Fullset- $70 & up
- Dry Pedi + Gel -$80 & up
- Builder Gel Fullset -$70 & up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bold.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becauseoflauradao
- Other: https://linktr.ee/becauseoflaura
