From Vietnam refugee to force behind Evergreen Beauty College

  • By Deanna Duff For The Herald Business Journal
  • Friday, September 18, 2015 3:20pm
  • Business

Buzzing blowdryers and snipping shears are the daily melody at Evergreen Beauty College.

The Everett campus, one of three in the Puget Sound, enrolls around 130 students annually.

The 11,000-square-foot space pulses with sounds of instruction, hard work and camaraderie. There is one refrain, however, that rises above all the rest.

“Mama Thi!”

Thi Trieu is Evergreen’s owner and much-loved matriarch. She sets the tone with unwavering enthusiasm and encouragement. New students are personally welcomed. Some are second-generation and Trieu shares memories of their parents. A steady stream of graduates drops by to say hi.

“I am so proud of you. Where are you now, Jessica?” Trieu asks a young woman who shares news about her latest house and 4-year-old daughter. “Good. You can stay home for a week or two more, but then back to work. If you call me Mom, I will act like your mother.” Trieu says with laughter.

The school is founded on the idea of family. Trieu and her late husband opened Evergreen’s first outpost in Lynnwood in 1996 with a class of just 16 students. Nearly 20 years later, the school offers four primary curriculum tracks: cosmetology, esthetics, nails and instructor training. Companywide, upward of 300 students register annually. The Everett location opened in 2002 and some individuals commute daily from as far as Blaine, Tacoma and Bremerton. Other locations are in Renton and Bellevue.

“What I hear most often is that students see Evergreen as their family. They feel safe here,” Trieu says. “We all bring our strengths and weaknesses and different experiences. It’s that mix that makes our lives better.”

Trieu is a role model for navigating adversity. She was one of nine children in her family born and raised in Vietnam. She pursued a career in teaching because “children are the promise for our future.” In 1975, South Vietnam fell to communist North Vietnam and her family was forced to flee.

“My parents already immigrated from North to South Vietnam in 1955 because of communism,” Trieu says. “They knew what was coming. They told us (in 1975) that we might only have a 1 percent chance of surviving if we left, but at least it was something.”

Barefoot and without belongings, the family landed at a refugee camp in the Guam Islands. Trieu walked on cardboard to protect her feet from the scorching ground. Shortly thereafter, she and her brother were sponsored to attend Oklahoma University and her remaining family relocated to Everett. They all reunited in 1976 and Trieu continued her studies at Everett Community College.

“I was adventurous, so I wasn’t scared at the time. From that (experience) and my parents, I learned to always appreciate things whatever may come,” Trieu says.

After initially pursuing nursing, Trieu switched to cosmetology. The dream of owning her own business afforded a sense of independence and more time with her family. Her parents were initially skeptical.

“For some, beauty is seen as a second-class career for those who don’t have a good education,” Trieu observes. “I tell the students that we need to carry ourselves and serve the public in a way that earns respect. This is a beautiful profession. I raised my family doing this and believe it makes a difference.”

Students inherit her passion, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Approximately 84 percent find employment soon after graduation and Trieu estimates that more than 200 salons are owned by Evergreen graduates.

A special success story is a student whose dream was to become a barber. His obstacle was being paralyzed in one arm from the elbow down. Trieu created a curriculum and used one hand herself while teaching. Using a custom-made clamp attached to his upper arm, he passed his classes, state exam and is nearing 10 years of owning his own shop.

“That’s how I count being successful — when we can help someone with little or no hope,” Trieu says. “We give them an environment where they feel safe, supported and successful.”

Evergreen is growing to accommodate more students and services. The Everett location physically expanded in 2014 and added laser skin services in early 2015. They also engage the local community with annual events. Free back-to-school and winter holiday haircuts attract hundreds of local families.

“Beauty is about helping people feel good and realize their value. We teach the students that it’s their job to touch people from the outside to help bring out the beauty and confidence on the inside,” Trieu says.

“Mama Thi” herself is mother to five children, two of whom departed established careers to work at Evergreen. A third plans to join the family business in a few years. With 12 grandchildren and hundreds of students, Mama Thi has her hands full, but there is always time for one more hug and word of wisdom.

“When do I feel most beautiful? When a student like Jessica returns with such confidence,” Trieu says. “I see that and it makes me feel beautiful inside.”

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