Meet Mai-tiffany Truong | Program Manager & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mai-tiffany Truong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mai-Tiffany, how do you think about risk?
I’ve taken quite a few risks in my life and career, but one of the biggest turning points came in 2019. I was all set to open another nail salon, but then the pandemic hit, and everything shifted. Suddenly, I had to rethink my entire plan. Instead of feeling stuck, I saw it as a chance to explore something new, and that’s when I jumped into tech by enrolling in Ada Developers Academy. It’s a program that helps women transition into the tech world, and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I discovered that I had skills and potential I hadn’t even tapped into yet!

Even though I’m still in the tech world, my love for entrepreneurship never faded. That’s when I reached out to my current business partner, Barbie. We both knew we had the trust and drive to build something amazing together. When it comes to risk, I’ve learned that it’s all about timing. During COVID, I took a step back and focused on tech for stability, but that risk-taking spirit never really left. It was just waiting for the right moment to resurface. Taking calculated risks has allowed me to explore new career paths, and it’s been a journey of growth and discovery along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What really makes our salon special is simple—it’s me and Barbie. We both worked in those big, metro Atlanta salons with 20+ pedicure chairs, and we quickly realized that wasn’t what we wanted for our own business. Sure, a bigger salon might mean more money, but we were more focused on creating a small, intimate space where we could actually get to know our clients. When you’ve got too many employees, that personal touch can get lost, and that’s just not what we’re about.

For us, beauty is a luxury, not something people have to rush through. We want our clients to feel truly cared for, not just like they’re being shuffled in and out for a quick buck. It’s so important to us that our staff takes their time and makes sure every client feels like they’re getting the best care possible.

One of the moments we’re most proud of was simply opening our doors. You spend years talking with your girlfriends about these ideas, but so often they don’t actually happen. So when we had our grand opening, it was such a huge, emotional moment for us. It felt like the culmination of all our hard work, and it’s something I’ll always hold onto.

Sweet Pea Nail Boutique isn’t just another nail salon—we want it to be a meaningful part of the community. Both Barbie and I have been through our own struggles—me as a single mom, and Barbie as a stay-at-home mom who wanted more. We built this space not just for beauty, but for connection and support. I’ve always been open about my own ups and downs, and I hope to connect with other women who are on their own journeys. Sweet Pea is a safe space for women, and that’s what I really want people to know.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s a more conversational and fun edit of your response:

I’d definitely kick things off with food because, let’s be honest, the variety around here is unbeatable! We’d head to State Bridge Road, which turns into Pleasant Hill Road—it’s basically a foodie’s paradise. You can find anything you’re craving, from Korean BBQ to pho to street food from all over the world. It’s the perfect spot to try something new and exciting.

For a more relaxing day, we’d go to Spa Land in Duluth. It’s a Korean spa, and their body scrubbing service is something you’ve just got to experience. You can easily spend 4-5 hours there, hopping between saunas or grabbing a bite in the food court. It’s honestly the best place for a quiet, recharging girl’s day.

When it comes to family fun, Gwinnett County parks are always a great choice, especially during fall festival season. If my family were visiting, we’d also hit the Atlanta Beltline for some biking and exploring. My daughters absolutely love hunting for the tiny doors hidden around Atlanta—it’s such a quirky and fun little adventure that kids (and adults) really get into.

Since we live in Lawrenceville, we’d spend some time downtown, which has really grown into a cool spot. On weekends, there’s live music, and the big lawn is perfect for family picnics. It’s one of our go-to spots for a laid-back afternoon.

And last but not least, I’d definitely try to squeeze in a yoga class at Performance Power Yoga (PPY). They’re my yoga family, and even though I’ve been super busy lately, it’s always worth it to get back on the mat with them. PPY has such a great community vibe, and I always leave feeling recharged and balanced.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been so lucky to have an amazing support system throughout my journey, and there are a few people who really deserve a shoutout. First up are my closest friends, Bayo and SaNhan. Bayo is the reason I even found Ada Developers Academy—he introduced me to the program during the pandemic, and it completely shifted the direction of my career. His mentorship has been such a game-changer. He’s been there for me every step of the way, helping me brainstorm, work through challenges, and keep things in perspective. And then there’s SaNhan, who is my personal rock. She’s someone I admire deeply, and whenever I need advice—especially in my personal life—she’s the one I go to. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her.

I also have to mention my partner, Dang, and my brother, Kenneth. When things didn’t go according to plan, they stepped in and took care of everything at home while I threw myself into Ada’s intensive program. They really gave me the room to grow and make this big leap, and I’m so grateful for that.

Ada Developers Academy itself deserves a huge shoutout, too. It wasn’t just about learning tech skills—it helped me see my own potential in ways I never expected. I learned a lot about systemic racism and how it impacts us, but I also learned just how capable I am, both as a mom and a professional. For any of Shoutout Atlanta’s women readers, I really encourage looking into Ada, whether it’s for yourself or to support other women making career changes.

Lastly, I have to recognize my amazing business partner, Barbie. She literally moved her whole family from Wisconsin to Georgia to build this business with me. Talk about dedication! We’ve faced so many “what ifs” along the way, but her positive energy keeps us focused on what’s possible, not what might go wrong. She’s an absolute powerhouse, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner on this journey.

Website: https://sweetpeanailboutique.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeanailboutique

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeanailboutique30/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-pea-nail-boutique-alpharetta-2