From Healing to Polishing: The Journey of a Nurse Turned Nail Technician

In the heart of Kentucky, where aspirations find their ground, Sandee Days, a student at the Louisville Beauty Academy, weaves a story that transcends the conventional path towards personal and professional fulfillment. With a decade of experience in healthcare, Days exemplifies a vibrant example of relentless pursuit for growth and happiness beyond the confines of her initial calling. Her journey from the structured and demanding world of nursing to the creative and communal sphere of nail technology is a testament to the courage it takes to redefine one’s career and passions.

Days’ motivation to explore the field of nail technology was sparked not just by a desire for a change from her healthcare routine but by a chance encounter that would eventually lead her down an uncharted path. A simple decision to get her nails done one Saturday morning introduced her to a world where camaraderie, creativity, and customer happiness were central. This world, so starkly different from the clinical settings she was accustomed to, offered a sense of belonging and joy derived from the simple pleasures of connecting with others over beauty and care. It was in this salon, amidst the laughter, music, and stories of resilience from a fellow nail technician, that Days saw a glimpse of a future she wanted to be a part of.

However, her journey was not without its hurdles. Balancing a full-time career as a PACU nurse, managing personal responsibilities, and embracing academic endeavors at the Louisville Beauty Academy, Days faced a daunting task. Yet, her story is one of perseverance and adaptability. Despite the challenges of juggling work, academics, and personal life, her commitment to exploring the world and enriching her life through education remained unwavering. Her resilience in the face of these obstacles is a powerful reminder of the strength within us to overcome and thrive.

Days’ pride in her academic journey is deeply rooted in the community she found at the Louisville Beauty Academy. Conversations with Ms. Crystal and fellow students from diverse backgrounds not only broadened her understanding of the world but also instilled a sense of pride and belonging. These interactions, coupled with the support from the faculty and staff, have been instrumental in her personal and academic development. The school’s environment, designed to accommodate students with full-time jobs, reflects a commitment to inclusive and flexible education, enabling Days to pursue her dreams without sacrificing her career in nursing.

What truly sets Sandee Days apart is her ability to draw from her nursing background to enrich her new path. Her experiences as a nurse have equipped her with empathy, precision, and a deep understanding of care, qualities that are invaluable in the beauty industry. As she stands on the threshold of a new chapter, Days embodies the spirit of continuous learning and adaptability, inspiring others to embrace change and pursue their passions with courage.

Sandee Days’ journey from a dedicated nurse to an aspiring nail technician at the Louisville Beauty Academy is a beacon of inspiration. It illustrates that with determination, support, and an open heart, it is possible to navigate the complexities of life and career transitions. Her story is a vivid reminder that personal fulfillment and professional growth often lie just beyond the familiar, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to seek new horizons.

Louisville Beauty Academy at Harbor House

Louisville Beauty Academy and Harbor House: A Collaboration of Purpose and Passion

In a world often driven by personal ambition and individual success, it’s rare to find collaborations that speak to the heart of community upliftment and genuine care. The partnership between the Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) and Harbor House of Louisville Inc. is one such beacon of hope.

The inception of this collaboration was nothing short of serendipitous. A simple meeting between Maria Smith, the CEO of Harbor House of Louisville Inc., and Di Tran, the CEO of Louisville Beauty Academy LLC, led to a transformative moment for both institutions. During a tour of what was soon to be Harbor House’s old building, Di Tran was struck by a profound realization. In his own words, he remarked, “God, these people are beautiful and they are all smiling.” His observation was not just about the ambiance or the infrastructure but the palpable joy emanating from both the staff and the differently-abled residents.

As they navigated the halls, Di Tran shared with Maria, “This is like heaven on earth for me, and I feel like I want to live here.” Coming from a Catholic multi-generational background, Di Tran may not have seen himself as overtly religious. Still, he couldn’t deny the divine grace he felt within Harbor House—an environment where care providers and recipients coexisted in a harmonious blend of happiness and God-given beauty.

Maria Smith, CEO of Harbor House of Louisville and Di Tran CEO of Louisville Beauty Academy and his wife Vy Truong

Di Tran’s journey with the Louisville Beauty Academy started seven years prior with a clear and purposeful vision. He aimed to elevate the underrepresented populations, including immigrants and minorities, to attain professional status as licensed beauty practitioners in Kentucky. Specializing in fields ranging from Cosmetology and Esthetics to Nail Technology and Eyelash Extensions, Di Tran, alongside his dedicated team of instructors and staff, has celebrated the graduation of over 1,000 students. What’s even more commendable is that all these graduates are gainfully employed today.

Upon meeting the passionate team at Harbor House and experiencing the infectious joy of its residents, Di Tran was inspired by another visionary thought. He pondered: If LBA could elevate underserved communities to professional status, why not channel this expertise towards serving other marginalized groups like the differently-abled and the elderly? More so, why not extend these services to the dedicated staff that serves these communities daily?

This spark of inspiration led to the birth of a grand plan: the establishment of the Louisville Beauty Academy’s second location within Harbor House of Louisville Inc.’s new, state-of-the-art $20+ million facility. Both Maria Smith and Di Tran are exhilarated by the potential of this partnership. The blending of LBA’s professional beauty expertise with Harbor House’s ethos of care and community promises to be transformative for all involved.

The journey of this collaboration is a testament to the miracles that can occur when passion meets purpose. As Di Tran reflects and prays daily, “God blesses, that we meet, and so God blesses it to go forward.” This partnership is not just about beauty and care; it’s about community, love, and creating ripples of positive change.

P.S. Stay tuned for more updates! Exciting developments are on the horizon.