- Landai Truong
- Instagram: @landaitruong
- Occupation: licensed aesthetician in Hawaii, specializing in lash extensions
- Currently Living: Honolulu, HI
- Age: 28
I met Landai a little over 3 years ago, when I was looking to get eyelash extensions. I have been a client ever since. When describing Landai’s work, the word meticulous comes to mind. She is extremely detail-oriented and welcoming to all of her clients. At 28, she is a self-made entrepreneur who opened her very own studio a little over a year ago. She demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her business and cares deeply for those around her.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
My favorite part of my job is making an everyday, average woman’s life easier. You just wake up in the morning, your lashes are done. You’re ready to go and conquer your day. I love meeting women, hearing their story, getting to know everybody. Your clients turn into family. That’s like my favorite part of my job…making everybody beautiful and also getting closer to them relationship-wise.
You recently celebrated your one year anniversary in your studio. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned over the past year?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is money management. Because we live in Hawaii, everything is so costly and expensive that as a local business owner I do want to make sure that I put all the money in the right places.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I would like to open a full service salon…lashes, brows, and waxing.
On your birthday this year, you made a donation to Kaimuki High School. Can you tell me why you made the donation?
I was in the 5th grade in 2001. There was a 20-day (Department of Education) strike throughout the whole state. Fast forward to today in 2018, Hawai’i is ranked the worst state in the nation for teachers. I look up to and give teachers so much credit, because I can see it in their eyes. They’re not educating for a paycheck, but because they want to change and make an impact on students for our future. Why can’t we support, invest, nurture, and put the money where it needs to be? And that’s Hawaii’s education.
In February, I made a donation to Kaimuki High School of school supplies. It was just a gift to give back to the school that I went to. When I was younger, I always wanted to give back when I could, so when I was in a comfortable space I knew that I could make a little difference even though it’s not a lot. I could see the smile on their faces and how happy they (the students) were, when they received it, and it makes me happy to see people happy.
What’s an interesting fact that most people don’t know about you?
People probably don’t know that I was born in Germany. That is where my father’s family is from, and the last time I visited was 2014. I lived there for a year or two, and then moved to San Jose, California where my grandmother lived.
What are your favorite ways to de-stress?
Other than seeing my clients day to day, cause that’s therapeutic, I would say cooking. I love cooking. When my friends get sick, I like to make jook for them. Just reading (the recipes) step by step, it’s like therapy, and then after you can eat it and enjoy it with friends.
What is your favorite dish to make?
I love making pho.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is Panya Bistro in the Hokua.
These are Landai’s favorite picks from Panya:
- Thai Steak Salad
- Spicy Wontons
- Laksa
- Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
- Steamed Ginger Fish
What are your top 3 beauty products?
Landai uses Triple Sec by drybar to volumize her hair. She says that it makes the curls in her hair last for days. Landai also uses The Deep Cleanse by Tatcha to cleanse and exfoliate her face, and Water Bank Moisture Cream by Laneige to moisturize.
Who do you like to follow on Instagram? What do you like about their content?
Matt Crump (@mattcrump): I’m a visual person, so when I see something aesthetically pleasing, it just draws my attention. It grabbed my attention right away with all of the color themes and the desserts, the balloons, Disneyland, ice cream, just everything!
Landai’s business is conveniently located at 1521 South King St. Her building has tons of parking. If you’d like to see more pictures of Landai’s work as a lash artist, check her out on Instagram @landaitruong.
Mahalo to Landai for spending some time with me! Stay tuned for more interviews with “People I Follow on Instagram.”
*Note 2nd, 3rd, and 4th photos were provided by Landai.
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