Vy Kim-Luu, Co-owner of Sara's Nail Salon in the Plaza

Name: Vy Kim-Luu

Age: 43

Occupation: Co-owner of in El Cerrito

How long have you been in business in El Cerrito? We started across the street from the Plaza, for about a year, and then we came here. We’ve been here about thirty years. 

Did your mom start the business? Yes, and then my sister and I came in.

Do you live in El Cerrito? I don’t live here – I never bought a place here because I work here everyday. I didn’t want to come home to fog and cold. Now I have kids and it’s a different story. I wish I had bought a place here so I can be close.

What do you think about the Plaza? We were the first nail salon in the city. ... We like it. We have built a lot of clientele here, lots of friends and community.

What is your family history? Before we came into the business? We were boat people. We migrated in 1981, to Houston, Texas, for a couple of years. Then my dad lost his job there, and we came here, because a friend told us to come visit and hang out. We came and we liked it, so we stayed.

You came by boat? Yes. We are boat people from Vietnam. We are now (living) in Hercules, for 10 years or so. It’s quiet, family oriented – not for singles (laughs).

What do you do for fun? I have a four-year-old. I do the park and museums — that’s about it.