Family is the focus of everything for the Ha sisters of Michigan City.
Immigrants from Vietnam, Lihn and Hailey Ha opened family-owned and operated Sisters Nail Salon in Michigan City in 2020 with one purpose, creating a place where their family could work and be together.
Looking for even greater ways to be a part of the community, Lihn and Hailey Ha recently became United States citizens.
Originally, Lihn and Hailey Ha moved with their parents to Portage, Indiana., and settling in Northwest Indiana was an easy decision for them. Having family already established in the area, the original hope was to find work and reside in Porter County. However, when the opportunity to open and live in Michigan City presented itself, the Ha family jumped at the opportunity to own their own business and live close together.
Knowing that the immigration process takes years of expertise. Lihn and Hailey Ha connected with an immigration lawyer to help facilitate the process. Lihn Ha would encourage anyone looking to immigrate to begin the process today.
“I would say do it now can because it can take time. It's hard, but you can do it. Don't waste the time.” Lihn Ha said.
Using an immigration lawyer helped their citizenship process immensely. Both sisters noted that their lawyer undertook most of the paperwork and clearly outline the complicated steps.
Running a successful business and becoming U.S. citizens, doesn’t leave a lot of time for outside hobbies, but that’s okay with Lihn and Hailey Ha. Being surrounded by family all day and bringing happiness to their clients is most important to them.
Today, Lihn Ha is most excited about the idea of sharing their hard work with others they love.
Sister’s Nail Salon specializes in nail design. After years of training and practice, Lihn Ha now sees nail design as not only one of their specialties, but also one of the many joys of her work.
"When clients bring me in a new design and I have to practice, I love it. I enjoy doing it,” Lihn Ha said.
The main goal of Sister’s is to create a space that is welcoming and to have their customers leave satisfied.
“Whenever they leave, and they are happy with what they were done. We are happy,” Lihn Ha said
They hope that they bring happiness to their clients and even want to help more family members come to live and work in the United States. With loved ones in Canada and Vietnam, Lihn and Hailey Ha are excited about the idea of having their entire family working together at Sister’s within the next two to three years.
“We want to help some people,” Lihn Ha said. “We want to help them come to America. [Without the nail salon] that doesn't happen. That’s what we want. We want to help my family.”
Sister’s Nail Salon is at 3207 Franklin Street in Michigan City. They are open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.