LUA Productions proudly hosted the Vietnamese American Nail Appreciation Gala to honor those who helped build the Vietnamese-American nail industry. Chloe Tran, VANA Gala founder and host for the evening, gathered nail techs, salon owners, artists, manufacturers, and the nail community as a whole to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments and successes, in an 8.5 billion dollar industry that continues to grow. NAILS was on hand to celebrate and caught up with a few attendees and honorees at the City National Grove of Anaheim.

Honored during the night was actress Tippi Hedren, who volunteered her time to help Vietnamese refugees after the war settle in the U.S. by introducing them to the nail industry. She couldn’t make the event due to the wildfires that threatened her Shambala rescue, but sent in a video message.

Dusty Butera, Tippi’s own manicurist, was also honored for her role in teaching the basics of manicuring to Vietnamese refugee women who would become the first Vietnamese-American nail techs. Three of the original 20 Vietnamese nail techs were also present to receive awards as pioneers in helping shape the industry as it is today.

Seeing the industry come together, legends and newer celebs with their artistry and compassion to help continue to build the industry was the highlight of the night. Together, the nail industry will continue to grow.

Sponsors included: Apple Nail System, NuGenesis Nails, COSMO Nail Product, Chisel Nail Art, Wave Gel, Pyramid Nail Products, DTH Beauty & Day Spa, Notpolish, CND, and OPI.