While working full time and earning her MBA, Lan Pham Vu pursued another dream—creating a business that would provide exceptional service and open doors for others. That vision became SahLan Nails & Spa, which opened in 2019. Today, the business has grown into an award-winning salon in its new location in Altoona, while its original Eau Claire location now houses SahLan Academy, a school dedicated to preparing future professionals for successful careers.
“My goal has always been to help people,” Lan said. “Whether it’s helping clients feel beautiful and confident or helping students build a new career, seeing others succeed is the most rewarding part of what I do.”
Growing the Salon
Since opening, SahLan Nails & Spa has expanded significantly. The move to a larger luxury facility nearly doubled the salon’s capacity, growing from seven nail stations to twelve, with room for additional team members and esthetic services. The salon now offers customized facials, chemical peels, waxing, brow tinting, lash lifts, and other advanced treatments in addition to its nail services.
Every decision has been made with the customer experience in mind—from investing in new technology and premium products to creating a clean, stylish atmosphere where clients can relax with friends and family.
Creating Opportunities Through Education
While growing the salon, Lan recognized another need in her community: training the next generation of nail professionals. She transformed the original salon space into SahLan Academy, a nonprofit school designed to provide affordable, high-quality education for aspiring nail technicians.
The academy focuses on serving people from diverse backgrounds, including career changers, recent immigrants, and individuals seeking new opportunities. Students receive hands-on training that goes beyond basic state licensing requirements, preparing them with the practical and advanced skills employers are looking for.
“Watching students who started with little English or no experience earn their licenses and build successful careers is my biggest accomplishment,” Lan said. “Seeing those lives change makes every challenge worthwhile.”
Accomplishments with SBDC:
- Business planning
- Growth strategy
- Financial projections
- Marketing strategy
Overcoming Challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, Lan encountered numerous obstacles along the way. Financing a major expansion, navigating licensing requirements, managing construction delays, and handling rising building costs and supply chain disruptions all tested her determination.
Rather than giving up, she learned every aspect of running a business. “I’ve learned everything from putting furniture together and managing construction projects to marketing, payroll, and business planning,” she said. “Every challenge teaches you something, and every lesson helps you become a better leader.” That willingness to keep learning has been one of the keys to SahLan’s continued success.
SBDC Assistance
Throughout the expansion process, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided valuable guidance.
Working with SBDC consultant Pam Baughman and student consultants, Lan received assistance with business planning, financial projections, and marketing strategies, including guidance on strengthening the salon’s online presence. Pam said, “Lan is the type of client every consultant hopes to work with! She is the owner and operator of a successful business and knew that she had expansion opportunity. She truly embodies the entrepreneurial mindset by embracing change and pivoting as needed throughout the process of working with our SBDC team.”
The financial projections developed through the SBDC helped her secure financing with Northwestern Bank for the salon’s expansion, making it possible to move the business into its new location and establish SahLan Academy. “The SBDC helped me make informed decisions and gave me confidence as we grew,” Lan said. “Whenever I had questions, they were there to help.”
Lan also participated in Small Business Clinics, sponsored by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and UW’s Office of Business & Entrepreneurship, and entrepreneur workshops, where she built relationships with legal professionals, financial partners, and other entrepreneurs who supported her journey.
Rewards of Entrepreneurship
Looking back on her journey, Lan believes entrepreneurship is about much more than building a profitable business. “You get to be a better version of yourself. When you help other people and become the problem solver, you gain confidence. People start to see you as valuable, not just in your business but in the community.” she said. “That’s the greatest reward.”
Lan describes the rewards that come with being an entrepreneur
As SahLan Nails & Spa continues to grow and SahLan Academy prepares even more students for successful careers, Lan remains focused on the same mission that inspired her from the beginning: helping people build confidence, create opportunities, and succeed