Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Le.
Hi Kathleen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Kathleen Le, founder and owner of Salon Meraki, Meraki Oasis, and Meraki Headspa in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. I believe beauty has the power to change lives—not because it changes how we look, but because it changes how we feel.
As a Vietnamese immigrant, my journey has been shaped by resilience, hard work, and the belief that anything is possible with passion and perseverance. Like many immigrants, I came to this country with big dreams and a determination to build something meaningful—not just for myself, but for my family, my team, and the community I serve.
My career in the beauty industry began as a nail technician. Wanting to expand my knowledge and skills, I returned to cosmetology school, where I had the opportunity to explore many areas of beauty—from skincare and facials to permanent makeup. While I fell in love with every aspect of the industry, I discovered my true passion wasn’t just in providing beauty services—it was in helping people feel beautiful, confident, and cared for.
I’ve always believed that beauty is more than what we see in the mirror. Sometimes the smallest change can completely transform how someone feels about themselves. Watching a client leave with renewed confidence, a genuine smile, and a lighter heart is the most rewarding part of what I do. That feeling has inspired me every day throughout my career.
In 2017, I took a leap of faith and opened my first salon in Old Town Alexandria. What started as a dream has grown into three beautiful businesses: Salon Meraki, a luxury nail salon, and Meraki Oasis and Meraki Headspa, two full-service wellness spas created to help guests relax, restore, and reconnect with themselves. Every detail of each space was designed with intention, creating a peaceful sanctuary where people can escape the stresses of everyday life and simply take time for themselves.
While I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built, my businesses have never been just about beauty services. They’ve always been about people. I want every guest who walks through our doors to feel welcomed, valued, and genuinely cared for—a place they can truly call their oasis.
I’m equally passionate about creating opportunities for my team. I know firsthand what it’s like to start with a dream and work tirelessly to build a future. That’s why I strive to create an environment where my employees can grow professionally, achieve financial independence, and build careers they’re proud of. Their success is just as meaningful to me as my own.
When people ask what success means to me, it isn’t measured by the number of locations I’ve opened. Success is measured by the lives we’ve touched, the confidence we’ve restored, the relationships we’ve built, and the opportunities we’ve created for others.
The name Meraki comes from a Greek word that means to do something with soul, creativity, and love—to leave a piece of yourself in your work. That definition perfectly reflects not only how I approach my businesses but how I choose to live my life. Every service we provide, every space we’ve created, every client we care for, and every team member we support is a reflection of my heart and purpose.
My vision has always been bigger than opening beautiful businesses. I want the Meraki name to represent compassion, excellence, and genuine care. My hope is that everyone who walks through our doors feels the love and intention behind everything we do and leaves feeling more confident, more at peace, and more inspired than when they arrived.
If every guest leaves knowing they were seen, valued, and cared for, and every team member leaves believing in their own potential, then I know I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do. To me, that’s what it truly means to live with Meraki.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has many ups and downs. Building a brand isn’t easy especially with the pandemic, but thanks God we survived.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Business entrepreneur.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m forever grateful for the support from my family and friends. Especially my sisters Sandy-Trang-Jen-Gwen- they are my ride or die teammates. Meraki can’t be where we are today without their help. But most of all, thank you Dr Thayer for being my emotional support, without her I can’t imagine how hard my life would be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.MERAKIOLDTOWN.COM
- Instagram: @merakioldtown
