From Millionaire Dreams to Meaningful Impact
Amelie Hoang, co-founder of Glowy Beauty Bar in Berlin, once measured success by financial milestones — dreaming of earning her first million by 30. But her journey took a more meaningful turn. Frustrated by the lack of stylish and friendly nail salons in Berlin, she launched her own. Inspired by trendier salons in e.g. London and the US, Amelie saw an opportunity to bring an all-new beauty experience to Germany’s capital. Despite being a student with no credit history, she secured a loan and a prime central location — what she calls a "miracle." Nine years later, Glowy Beauty Bar is a thriving business and a symbol of entrepreneurial resilience.
Empowering Vietnamese Women Through Beauty
Amelie’s story is deeply rooted in her Vietnamese heritage. Her parents themselves worked in nail salons — a common path due to language barriers and limited job access. Amelie chose to honor that legacy by hiring and mentoring Vietnamese women, helping them gain financial independence. “Every time I see my employees, I see a little bit of my mom in them,” she says. One of her proudest moments? Supporting an employee from Vietnam who spoke little German and is now launching her own business. Amelie’s mission is clear: empower women, especially immigrants, to thrive in the beauty industry.
Redefining Success and Prioritizing Balance
After years of hard work, Amelie realized that relentless pressure was taking a toll. She began to question her motivations — was she building her business for herself or to meet others’ expectations? Today, she prioritizes mental health and work-life balance, embracing self-compassion and celebrating her achievements. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: "Dare to start your business — and don't be afraid to ask for help." Amelie's journey is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about money — it’s about purpose, community, and well-being.
This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.