Our latest Beauty Boss is Lisa Tran, founder of La Par—a luxury nail polish and lifestyle brand. Her nail products are produced in the U.S. and crafted above the bar as a healthier alternative to gel, free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, BHA and solvents. Exclusively tested for long wear, strength and flawless finishes, La Par Gels are better for nails and help restore them to their healthy state.

Born and raised in the nail industry, Tran’s mother was an immigrant from Vietnam who lied to Tran’s father about attending English school and instead went to get her nail license. With her first $2,000 she bought her own nail shop. Growing up, Tran was always at the shop and her mother made her perform various tasks to help out.

When Tran went to college she received a degree in psychology and child development, then she started her teaching credentials and worked in education for 15 years. She coached basketball for most of that time and during the last four years she taught middle school and created a sports program for the charter schools in the Los Angeles Valley that are still utilized today. After starting her master’s degree, Tran dropped out and decided to create her own business.

“I started doing nails and creating products like T-shirts, jogger sets, etc. but the clothing business was really difficult,” Tran says. “So I went ahead and forward with nails. My nails were being destroyed by products that were on the market and I wanted to create something where I saved women’s natural nail beds. Now I’ve created a brand that has restored women’s natural nails and I’ve created a professional product for the every day person to use.”

We chatted with Tran, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.

When was La Par Founded and what’s the meaning behind the name?

La Par was founded in 2013. It means to live life above the bar. Basically to break the glass ceiling and rise above the bar in every part of your life!

What inspired the creation of the brand?

The inspiration behind the brand initially was to spread the word to the youth about motivating and inspiring them to do better and challenging them to be their best. Working in the educational system at the beginning of my career allowed me to see so much of what society was missing, which motivated me to start my brand.

Does La Par have a hero product?

The Gel Builder in a bottle and the 4 In 1 Base Coat. The most popular color I would say is “Forget Me Not” (#79).

What are your favorite products from the brand?

My favorite products of my brand would be the vibrant gel colors. Also, my products are healthier to use compared to others in the market.

Where are La Par products sold?

My products are sold online at www.laparlifestyle.com and walmart.com.

Future plans?

Future plans for the brand are to create a franchise concept of how to do nails more easily, more effectively and efficiently; expand internationally with sales; and create experimental pop-ups to do collaborations with other brands.

What inspires you?

My parents inspire me, coming from immigrants in Vietnam to almost dying and creating a lovely hard-working environment growing up. Just seeing them work so hard inspires me every day.

Secret to success?

My secrets to success is to stay focused on believing in myself and staying in my own dreams. Also just waking up every day grateful and thankful.

Beauty secrets?

Microdermabrasion is great for wrinkles. Also tea tree oil for acne.

Wellness tips?

Fasting, meditating, not eating after 7 p.m., and sleeping for at least seven hours.

Best advice?

Rejection is redirection.

How do you like to relax?

Drinking water, laying in the sun on the ground, and meditating. Definitely reading a book and doing breath work along with going for a good hike.

For more information, visit the website and follow on Instagram: @la_par

[Images courtesy of La Par]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk