Danny Tran
Danny Tran first immigrated to the United States following the Fall of Saigon. Tran sought refuge in the US, where he began learning English and building a career. After years of being a fisherman, Danny runs the Magazine location of Cindy’s Nail and Spa.
Danny Tran
“I live here because of my family—my children and daughters. I work so hard for them. They know everything I did for them. That's why they study hard.”
Danny Tran
“My wife opened the other location first in 2013. She worked there for about five years, and in 2018, she asked me, "Do you want to come up here and work?" I said yes, and she built this one.”
“Were you scared when you first came to America?”
Danny Tran
“I didn't speak English at all when I first came. They put me in high school, and I was scared, but by then, we didn't have the iPod and everything. We used the dictionary by the small book, and I had to see that and talk to them. It was hard, but I did it. I passed it.”
“My first job in Vietnam when I was little. I went with my mom and bought and sold. And sometimes, I help my dad on the farm.”
1975
1989
2018
Danny’s father was associated with the Americans in Vietnam, and after the Fall of Saigon, Danny faced pressure to join the communist army.
Danny escaped Vietnam by walking to Thailand, where he lived for several years as a refugee.
Danny was accepted into the United States due to his anti-communist ties and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. Danny started high school in Indianapolis as a sophomore, struggling to adapt to the new culture and language.
Danny graduated from high school at the age of 21.
1994
Danny moved permanently to New Orleans, attracted by the warm weather and better opportunities.
Danny began working as a fisherman, selling shrimp to dealers on the docks
1999
Danny returned to Vietnam, where he met Cindy, who would later become his wife.
Danny’s wife Cindy, along with the couple’s two year old daughter, joined him in the United States.
2005
Hurricane Katrina caused Danny and his family to lose everything; they relocated temporarily to Houston and Quebec before returning to New Orleans.
Danny’s wife, Cindy, opened her first nail salon in New Orleans, laying the foundation for their family business.
Cindy opened a second salon location on Magazine St, and Danny joined Cindy to help run this new salon, transitioning from his career as a fisherman.
1978
1992
1995
2004
2013