Meet Barbie Yang

We recently connected with Barbie Yang and have shared our conversation below.

Barbie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from a childhood that demanded I adapt and mature at an accelerated pace. Growing up in an environment full of uncertainty, I quickly learned that life is rarely straightforward, and I had to cultivate a strong sense of determination and flexibility. Each challenge presented an opportunity for growth, often pushing me to take on responsibilities and make decisions far beyond my years. The need to continuously adjust to shifting circumstances helped shape a foundation of grit and perseverance. Over time, I realized that resilience is not about avoiding adversity, but rather about confronting it head-on, learning from the experience, and using those lessons to move forward, regardless of the setbacks or changes that arise.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

After high school, I wasn’t certain about pursuing a traditional college path. Having worked since the age of 15, I appreciated the independence that came with earning my own money and managing it as I saw fit. However, my then-boyfriend (now husband) encouraged me to follow my passion for beauty by attending beauty school, which offered a more direct route to a fulfilling career. As I began my journey in the beauty industry, I quickly realized my aspiration was to one day open my own salon. The satisfaction I get from making my clients feel their best is immeasurable—it’s a rewarding experience that continues to motivate me every day. Through my work, I have the privilege of combining creativity with the opportunity to form deep, lasting relationships with my clients, some of whom have become lifelong friends. I want to demonstrate to my daughter that with passion, motivation, and dedication, anything is possible. This vision led me to open Sweet Pea Nail Boutique, a salon dedicated to creativity, personalized service, and cultivating meaningful client relationships. Unlike many high-turnover salons, my business partner and I prioritize quality, taking the time to provide exceptional work while creating a more intimate and personal experience for each client.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and creativity. Resilience has been essential in overcoming challenges—whether it was balancing work and school or facing setbacks along the way. Adaptability was key in navigating the ever-changing demands of my career and personal life, especially when I decided to start my own business. And creativity has allowed me to not only excel in my craft but also build meaningful connections with my clients, which is at the core of my business.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be to focus on building resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Every setback is a chance to learn, and maintaining a positive, forward-thinking mindset will help you bounce back stronger. Adaptability comes with experience—don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary and remain open to new possibilities, even if they don’t fit into your original plan. Lastly, nurture your creativity by continuing to explore new ideas and techniques in your field, but also by staying true to your unique voice. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, and remember that passion is what will fuel your success in the long run.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My husband has been my unwavering support throughout my journey. We’ve been together since my sophomore year of high school, and he has stood by me through numerous challenges. His constant encouragement challenges me to do better and to keep striving toward my dreams. My daughter, the light of my life, has been the greatest blessing. She inspires me every day to work hard and show her that dreams are achievable. She keeps me grounded and reminds me of the purpose behind everything I do. My parents instilled in me the importance of perseverance, teaching me that failure is simply an opportunity to learn and grow. My siblings, who are not only family but lifelong friends, have been my biggest cheerleaders, always supporting me through every step. Finally, my business partner has been instrumental in the success of our salon. She takes on the tasks I may not enjoy, and excels at them, allowing me to focus on my strengths. Her creativity and vision continue to push me to new levels, and I am incredibly grateful for her partnership.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sweetpeanailboutique.com
• Instagram: Sweetpeanailboutique
• Facebook: Sweet Pea Nail Boutique