Today we’d like to introduce you to BK Lu.
BK, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I sort of grew up in the nail business. I’m from Milwaukee, WI and back home I had a few family members that were already established in the business. I remember growing up; I always wanted to go to work with my aunts because I was never the kid to sit around at home. There was one aunt that I loved going to work with. She would always take me with her on the weekends and I would be her little receptionist. I loved it because I was able to interact with all the clients and employees (I was a talker). That receptionist job eventually turned into a part-time job in high school, which then turned into a managerial role in college. As I got older, my aunt’s business got bigger and so did the responsibilities. But I didn’t mind, I enjoyed the challenge and the responsibilities. I chose to stay close to home for college so that I could still work for my aunt part-time and pay for school. Boy, did I work my butt off. I didn’t have a normal college experience, when I wasn’t in class or studying at the library, I would be at the salon working. From hiring and firing to inventory and payroll, I did it all.
Upon graduating from Marquette University in 2014, my aunt offered me a full-time manager role, to run and oversee her business. I declined because I wanted to pursue a corporate/office job. Shortly after turning down her offer, I got a job as a membership director at a healthcare research firm. It was as entry-level as it could get but I didn’t care. I was fresh out of college and just eager to learn and experience something new. That job lasted a year. I made a lot of friends, I had fun, and exceeded in my role but it got repetitive. It was the same thing day in and day out, 9-5 life. And knowing me that was something I just got bored with real fast.
Eventually, a very close family friend presented me with an opportunity to move out to the DFW area and help kick start a new salon as well as help operate and oversee his other locations. He knew I had been around the business for almost all my life and trusted my expertise and instincts. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to leave Milwaukee but at the same time I felt stuck. Stuck in my 9-5 job and just stuck in the city I grew up in. When you’re young and eager for new beginnings you jump at any chance you get right? Well, that’s what I did, I embraced the challenge and within a month, I quit my job and moved out to the DFW area.
The location in Arlington was already an established and successful salon. It was voted in 2016 as one of the best local nail salons by the Arlington Citizen-Journal. While the Fort Worth location was under construction, I used the time to study the business. Operationally, things were done differently from what I was used to. There were so many different laws and standards set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to follow as well as different employees with multiple skill sets that I had to get acclimated with. I also used the time to hone my managerial, customer service and leadership skills because no matter how long you’ve been in the business, you can always improve those skill sets.
Fast forward and the Fort Worth location was up and ready to go in the fall of 2015. It’s a beautiful and spacious salon. And I’m not saying that to be bias but I truly feel that once you walk in, you would be mesmerized by it. My friend did a fantastic job, from the blueprint to designing and furnishing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What’s a smooth road? haha. There’s always going to be obstacles and challenges in any kind of business, that’s just life and the risk you take. Whether you’re the sole owner, managing partner or investor, everyone incurs a risk. Starting out as a brand-new salon in a new city is tough because of the congested market. Luckily for us, we already had an established location in Arlington but Fort Worth is a completely different city. Every nail spa is going to boast that they’re big, grand and spacious or will offer exquisite services but finding a way to differ from them is and will always be an uphill challenge.
There are good days and bad days. But as long as the rent is paid and the doors are open, we’re succeeding. A lot of salons out there don’t make it or constantly switch ownership/management. The team we have at European Nail Spa is a great team.
Please tell us about European Nail Spa.
European Nail Spa is a nail spa based out in Arlington and Fort Worth, TX. I am the manager at both locations but mainly base my time in Fort Worth.
I maintain a fairly simple title at the salon as a “manager.” My responsibilities are everything you would find in a managerial role. But I am best known for the rapport I build with clientele. I find enjoyment in personally getting to know all of the salon’s clients and building that friendly relationship so that they are comfortable from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave.
I’m most proud of the salon’s growth. We’re establishing ourselves as the salon to go to in FW and Arlington. We’re clean, spacious, our employees all take pride in their work, and we offer a vast color selection in regular, gel and dip for our clients. We have a social media presence as well as solid reviews on Yelp, Google and Facebook.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7221 Matlock Rd. #121 Arlington, TX 76002
5242 S Hulen St. Fort Worth, TX 76132 - Website: www.europeannailspa.com
- Phone: Arlington: 817-557-6823 / Fort Worth: 682-312-0058
- Email: europeannailspa12@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Brandon Cunningham
Street View Agency
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