Meet Damon Ho

We had the good fortune of connecting with Damon Ho and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Damon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first got into the nail industry, I didn’t have money, connections, or even a full understanding of what I was stepping into. My goal was simple: survival. But as I kept showing up, learning, and growing, I started to see a bigger picture—this wasn’t just a job, it was a career, and more than that, it was a path to freedom.

Starting my own business wasn’t just about making money for myself. It was about creating a space where others—especially immigrants like me—could feel safe, supported, and successful. I wanted to build something bigger than me. A brand, a community, a place where people could grow, earn a stable income, and feel at home while doing it.

It wasn’t an easy journey. But the driving force has always been clear: I wanted to turn my struggle into structure—for myself and for others. That’s what pushed me to build a business from the ground up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I came to the U.S. in 2012 with nothing but a dream and the will to survive. No English. No connections. No money. I started by cleaning floors in a nail salon—sweeping, wiping tables—after working long shifts at a factory. I wasn’t doing nails, I wasn’t even close. But that humble beginning became the foundation of everything I’ve built since.

What sets me apart is that I never saw nails as just nails. I saw them as a bridge—to people, to creativity, to opportunity. It became my canvas and my calling. I went from being invisible to becoming an international nail educator, a competition judge, a business owner, and a mentor to thousands. I’ve trained nail techs who now own salons, employ teams, and live lives they once only dreamed about.

Am I proud? Absolutely. But not just of what I’ve done—I’m proud of what I’ve helped others do. From launching franchise salons to representing Vietnamese nail artists on the global stage, I’ve turned every obstacle into a platform. One of my proudest moments? Organizing Nailympia Vietnam—bringing global recognition to our Vietnamese talent and raising the bar for the entire industry.

Was the journey easy? Not even close. I’ve failed hard. I lost over half a million dollars in a single investment. I’ve slept on floors, been broke, faced rejection, and carried the weight of providing for my family while building something from nothing. But every setback taught me something invaluable. I learned how to lead, how to pivot, how to market—and most importantly, how to keep going.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned? Mindset is everything. Your hands can master the technique, but it’s your mindset that transforms you from technician to entrepreneur—from survivor to legacy-builder.

What I want the world to know is this: My story isn’t just about nails. It’s about turning pain into purpose. It’s about lifting others so they don’t have to climb alone. And it’s proof that when you lead with vision, work with integrity, and never give up—you don’t just build a business.

You build a movement.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Scottsdale Vibes with fancy restaurants like Fogo de Chão, Nobu, and The Mission.
Day 2: Chandler eats – Asian food tour featuring Saigon Jade, Jin Shabu, and more.
Day 3: Adventure in nature – hike Camelback Mountain or boat at Saguaro Lake.
Day 4: A day of art & history – explore Downtown Tempe’s museums and culture.
Day 5: Spa day & poolside vibes at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa.
Day 6: Day trip to Sedona for breathtaking red rocks and energy vortexes.
Day 7: Relax & reflect – coffee, journaling, and maybe a final sunset in Old Town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
David Dilorenzo – V Beauty Pure
Alisha Rimando – Glossarylive

Website: https://bestnailfranchising.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salon.ceo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-ho-8115751b4/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damondatho

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/best-nails-and-spa-phoenix?osq=Best+Nail+%26+spa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bestnailsaz