New nail salon opens in Newton

A new nail salon has opened its doors in Newton and is welcoming customers.

Theresa Hoang recently opened A’s Nails in town, but she has been involved with the nail business throughout her life along with members of her family. Hoang immigrated to the United States from Vietnam and now lives in Des Moines.

“I have been here since 1989,” Hoang said. “My two younger sisters, they both got into the nail business (and) they both have their own salon.”

Hoang attended beauty school and worked at various nail salons in Iowa. She then moved to Boston, Mass., for a time, working with her sister, owning and operating a bar, working for a friend among other ventures. Hoang made her way back to Iowa, working at Happy Nails in Altoona but she wanted more.

“I said, ‘Man I just want to open up something for myself,’” Hoang said.

Hoang already knew people from Newton, some of whom visited the Altoona nail salon and encouraged her to open her own.

“So they said ‘Why don’t you come up to Newton and open up one?’” Hoang said.

Hoang made fast work of the process, meeting with the building owner and opening her doors in less than a month. Now operating in the former U.S. Cellular building at 301 First Ave. W., the opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting with the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Oct. 7.

“I worked really hard to open this place up in two weeks,” Hoang said.

Hoang is focusing on building her client base. One important thing she wants people to know is it isn’t just for women as most people might think when it comes down to nail care.

“Men can come in, too,” Hoang said.

When it came to naming her salon, she centered it around family like she has most of her career. Her family has the letter A in their name which is why she went with A’s Nails.

“It is easy and simple,” Hoang said.

The salon will offer manicures and pedicures, including waxing and acrylic options like the increasingly popular dipped colors.

“Dipping now is very popular. It is pretty healthy for you,” Hoang said.

As a new business owner in town, Hoang is hoping to garner the support of the community as she moves forward with the services and encourages people to come in and see what A’s Nails has to offer.

“I just hope everybody comes in here,” Hoang said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com