Building Beauty and a Business: Sidney Le's Success Story

Success rarely follows a straight line.

This episode, Anh talks with her friend and beauty entrepreneur Sidney Le, to discuss her remarkable journey from doing prom makeup at Valley High School to building one of Sacramento's most recognized beauty brands.

Sidney shares how her passion for beauty led her from MAC Cosmetics to bridal makeup, eyelash extensions, permanent cosmetics, and eventually multiple business locations throughout the Sacramento region. Along the way, she faced skepticism from friends, financial challenges, personal loss, the passing of her father, the pandemic's devastating impact on her business, and the challenges of raising a daughter with autism while running a company.

What makes Sidney's story so powerful is her willingness to discuss not only the victories but also the setbacks. From losing employees and clients to navigating anxiety attacks and difficult business decisions, she offers an honest look at what entrepreneurship really looks like behind the social media highlight reels.

This conversation is filled with lessons about resilience, authenticity, taking calculated risks, and finding the courage to keep moving forward when life doesn't go according to plan.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Sidney turned a passion for beauty into a thriving business
• Why she ignored the doubters and trusted her instincts
• The impact her father's passing had on her entrepreneurial journey
• How word-of-mouth and social media fueled her growth
• The reality of managing multiple business locations
• Lessons learned from the pandemic and business setbacks
• The challenges of balancing motherhood, mental health, and entrepreneurship
• Why vulnerability can become a business owner's greatest strength
• The importance of staying authentic and ethical in business
• How to know when it's time to pivot and move forward

Whether you're building a business, overcoming personal challenges, or looking for inspiration to take your next big step, Sidney's story is a reminder that success isn't about avoiding obstacles—it's about continuing to move forward through them.

Find Sidney Le on line: https://sidneyle.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction & Sidney's Entrepreneurial Journey
 01:12 Discovering a Passion for Beauty
 02:22 From MAC Cosmetics to Bridal Beauty
 03:02 Becoming an Eyelash Extension Pioneer
 04:12 Overcoming Doubters and Critics
 06:05 Losing Her Father and Going All In
 06:53 Opening the First Studio
 08:28 Building a Business and a Legacy
 09:42 Growing Through Word-of-Mouth Marketing
 11:45 Leveraging Social Media and Influencer Relationships
 13:30 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
 14:18 COVID-19 and Business Challenges
 15:11 Family Struggles and Finding Strength
 15:47 Buying a Commercial Building During Uncertainty
 17:42 Learning from Business Risks and Setbacks
 19:18 The Importance of Vulnerability
 21:18 Mentorship, Giving Back, and Community
 25:43 Balancing Business, Family, and Mental Health
 30:15 Sidney's Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
 32:45 Go All In or Fold? Beauty Trends Rapid Fire
 34:31 Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for listening. I hope you found this episode valuable. To learn more about Phoong Law, visit: https://phoonglaw.com

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Go All In is recorded at Phoong Law Studio and produced by Hear Me Now Studio

Transcript

Sidney Le: [00:00:00] Unfortunately, my dad had cancer and he passed. So it was extremely difficult to have something life-changing like that. And because of that, and because of him and wanting him to be proud, and also to, you know, like, hey, he didn't have a, a chance to continue his life, but I do. So I kinda went all in

Anh Phoong: Welcome to Go All In, the podcast for the underdog entrepreneurs who didn't wait for permission and didn't quit when things got hard. Hi, I'm Anne Fong, and each month I sit down with founders, risk-takers, and underdogs to talk about what it really takes to beat the odds in business. Welcome to Go All In, Beating the Odds in Business.

I'm so excited for today's guest, Ms. Sydney Lee, the beauty queen guru. She has, what is it, two locations? Three? Four. Four locations- ... [00:01:00] guys, and her story is so amazing. So let's start off by, okay, telling us about how you got started in the beauty business. And well, well, tell us what exactly your business composes of.

Sidney Le: So I've always been so passionate in the beauty industry. I was... I started actually when I was in high school at Valley High. Valley High. The good old Valley High School. Yeah, yeah. But I was basically doing prom makeup and hair for people, sometime free. I just love, you know, just making people beautiful.

And, and it just kinda grew on me. But I actually went to college at Sac State for business. Ooh. Yes. All right, Stingers up. Sac State. But I took a break and I never went back. That's okay. Yeah, look at you now. It's okay. Went back to beauty. I moved to Louisiana when I was, oh gosh, I think I was, like, 22 maybe, with an ex.

Mm-hmm. With an ex. Mm-hmm. But then I started at MAC Cosmetics there. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. 

Sidney Le: So that's when [00:02:00] I r- like, I love makeup and beauty in general, and I did really well there. Moved back to Sacramento, became a third key manager at MAC Cosmetics at the Arden Fair store. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. 

Sidney Le: So tons of beauty- Experiences behind you.

Mm-hmm ... bridal experiences, yes. And then I, I got into the wedding business. Okay. So I was doing all the brides, all the events. I love, love, love what I do, and I notice I'd gotten a lot busier. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: So then when you do makeup, they tend... the people tend to book you for, or they want to book a hairstylist as well.

So I went to Paul Mitchell- Oh ... beauty school to finally get my license in cosmetology. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. 

Sidney Le: At the time I thought that, you know, if I could have my cosmetology license, I can do updos and style and all that. Mm-hmm. Well, little did I know you didn't need a license to do those things. To do that. 

Anh Phoong: Uh-uh. 

Sidney Le: But no, it was great.

I met amazing people. It actually motivated me and opened my, like, the beauty industry was like... To do eyelash extensions and everything else, [00:03:00] you do need a license, so that wasn't a waste. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. 

Sidney Le: And then I got into eyelash extensions, and at the, at the time, this is like, gosh, maybe 16 years ago. 

Anh Phoong: Eyelash extensions were around 16 years ago?

It 

Sidney Le: wasn't a thing. 

Anh Phoong: That long? Okay. At all. I've only been doing it for five years. 

Sidney Le: It, well, people were doing it, but it was done poorly. Okay. So, you know, a lot of people didn't believe in it. Mm-hmm. But I actually learned from a celebrity lash guru- Mm-hmm ... and he's Vietnamese. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: But he's known in the Asian community, so he would do all the stars and- Yeah

you know. I think his first client, not first client, but one of his client is Christina Aguilera. 

Anh Phoong: Ooh, 

Sidney Le: okay. So he's a big deal. Okay, yeah. He has a patent. But anyway, long story short- I took the class, and at the time everyone was like, "No, don't. You know, it's not ... You're gonna ruin pe- uh, people's eyeballs."

Stop, Sade. And I'm like, "No, I, I don't think so. I'm just gonna do it." Went for it, and I, I took his technique, and I kinda tweaked it up on my own and made it my own. 

Anh Phoong: Oh, cool. So- Oh, 

Sidney Le: wait, so you 

Anh Phoong: have your own technique? 

Sidney Le: I do. 

Anh Phoong: Oh, wow. 

Sidney Le: I do. Is it patented? Yeah. I, I, I never thought [00:04:00] about patenting it. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. 

Sidney Le: So my style, I have a ch- a, a trade secret.

It's different, and people started coming, and I grew the business with eyelash extensions. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. 

Sidney Le: Yeah. So basically there was a lot of, you know, as I was starting all of it, a lot of people were doubting me. Hmm. They're like, "Don't do it. You won't do good." Even permanent cosmetics, I started, you know, uh, gravitating over to permanent cosmetics.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Because again, I'm a beauty, bridal beauty artist, so guess what? I am doing your eyebrows at your wedding. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. 

Sidney Le: So a lot of my clients, you know, they would, "Oh, can you just stamp this on me? I just love my eyebrows." Anyway, you know, creative thoughts. I'm like, "Okay, I'm gonna do ... I wanna do permanent cosmetics too."

Mm-hmm. And you know, back in the days, their eyebrows, people ... My mom, I don't know about your aunties and mom- Uh-huh ... but they, they'd be like block black. Mm-hmm. You know? 

Anh Phoong: Yes. 

Sidney Le: I wanted to do something different. Yeah. You know? So again, going into that field, everyone was like ... Even people who really cared about me was like, "Don't do it.

It's not a good ... I think you're gonna-" 

Anh Phoong: Let's, let's talk about that for a little bit. So you said talk about people doubting you. Like, let ... Is it [00:05:00] family, your friends, your parents? Like, who was doubting you? 

Sidney Le: Oh, good friends because they care, 'cause they're like, "Okay, don't- Right, yeah ... I don't want you to," like yeah.

Not in a bad way 

Anh Phoong: but just watching. 

Sidney Le: No, I lost some friends too- Okay ... along the way because- Mm-hmm ... they were just super toxic and they're like, "Oh, if I can't do it, you can't do it." Yeah. That kind. Yeah, so I've lost some friends. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: But then there are good ones who meant well but they were just kinda like looking after me because they didn't believe in the industry at the time.

Yeah. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah, 

Sidney Le: that's basically all. 

Anh Phoong: So then what made you overcome all these naysayers and believe in you and your vision and go all in on yourself and your business? 

Sidney Le: Girl, I'm an Aries. Yeah? Don't tell me what to do. Right? You tell me no, I'ma do it. Let's double down. I'm gonna do it twice and we're taking pictures.

Yeah, yeah. You know? So it, yeah, so the more that people... It, it was also kind of like, it kind of like pushed me- Yeah ... to do it 'cause I'm gonna show you, like I can do this. Yeah. You know? But honestly, to tell you the truth too, during that time when I was going through everything and like, you know, going through cosmetology [00:06:00] school, I worked at MAC full time, so I was doing wedding gigs on the side.

I was selling lash strips at flea markets. 

Anh Phoong: Wow. 

Sidney Le: I was doing everything. Wow. But during that time, unfortunately, my dad had cancer. Oh, 

Anh Phoong: I'm 

Sidney Le: sorry. And he passed. 

Anh Phoong: Oh, sorry. 

Sidney Le: You know? So it was extremely difficult to have something life-changing like that. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. 

Sidney Le: And because of that, and because of him and wanting him to be proud, and also to, you know, like, hey, he didn't have a, a chance to continue his life, but I do.

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: So I kinda went all in. 

Anh Phoong: Yay. 

Sidney Le: Yeah, and I'm like, "I don't care what people say. I'm gonna do what I want." And it, I have to be passionate about it. 

Anh Phoong: Absolutely. 

Sidney Le: You know? You know, yeah, so that's where it started. 

Anh Phoong: And so was that the beginning of like your first shop? 'Cause I know you had several locations, like so let's talk about that, like how'd you open up your first location?

Sidney Le: So I was renting at a, a Little Dragon Tattoos, like on Stockton Boulevard, like a room. It goes like $300. 

Anh Phoong: Okay, let's talk about that. Yeah. You're renting a room at like a, a tattoo place? Mm-hmm. Okay. Why did you do [00:07:00] that? 

Sidney Le: Well, that was with my ex. Okay. So he had the tattoo shop, so he's kind of like- Okay ... "

Anh Phoong: We have a 

Sidney Le: room for 

Anh Phoong: you," 

Sidney Le: and, you know, 

Anh Phoong: we rented, 

Sidney Le: yeah.

But it, 

Anh Phoong: it made sense money-wise, financially to- Yeah, yeah ... like use space if you already had a hookup or connection. Right. When you're building a business, it's not like let's just take out all these loans and let's kinda work with 

Sidney Le: what you have. Oh, I didn't have money back then. It was when it was a startup.

I had no money. I, I didn't come from a rich family. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: Again, I was telling you my, my dad w- you know, he actually passed away, and I had to do everything myself. And growing up immigrant family, like all of us, you know, Dad was a lot older than my mom, so he retired really early. Mom was working six days a week, week in a restaurant- Mm

taking care of all of us. So I grew up learning that if you want something, you need to do it yourself. Ooh. You're not gonna get anything free. Yeah. You know, and, and some people may, um, may blame their childhood and go, "Oh, well, I didn't get this or I didn't get that," you know, and then just kinda like- Go downhill from that Or 

Anh Phoong: use it an excuse to 

Sidney Le: why they- Use it as [00:08:00] an excuse to why I can't

can't succeed 

Anh Phoong: or, yeah 

Sidney Le: That's not with me. It's like the m- it just taught me if I want it, want something, I need to go get it myself. And I, my parents loved me. They didn't, they don't hug and kiss me or tell me they pr- they're proud of me or give me things. I've never grown up, growing up, never I've gotten a, a birthday cake from them- 

Anh Phoong: Oh

Sidney Le: or a present. They don't believe in that. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. 

Sidney Le: Yeah. 

Anh Phoong: It's normal. 

Sidney Le: So, yeah, so instead of blaming and go, "Oh, why?" I'm like, "No, they couldn't afford it. They can't do it, so I'm going to do it." 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: You know, and that's what pushed me harder. And of course, after my pa- dad passed away, I'm like, "No, I'm all in. I gotta do this."

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. So part of the drive and motivation came from wanting to, like, build a legacy for your dad- Yeah ... like in honoring him too, right? Yeah. Yeah. 

Sidney Le: That and then just to, you know, like I, I, I could do this. I, I don't need anyone or anybody, and I can't make excuses. And of course, when I opened my... Like, that was my first, um, studio.

Mm-hmm. But when I actually opened up a space, and I still have it today- Mm-hmm ... at the Sacramento location- 

Anh Phoong: Yay ... 

Sidney Le: at the Belvedere location- [00:09:00] Yeah ... that was actually my first big my own. Okay. You know? And that was when I gave birth to my daughter, Milan. 

Anh Phoong: Aw. 

Sidney Le: So then of course with her, it pushed me even harder to work harder- That's so great

and go, "No, if I'm given the opportunity, I'm going all in. I'm not saying no to it." 

Anh Phoong: Yes. Yeah. That's exactly what this podcast is about. Yeah, yeah. Okay, so you opened up first location, and, and you mentioned your daughter, Milan. Yes. And did you name it after her? Is, do you have a business in Lash Line? I'm, I 

Sidney Le: named my second location Milan Lash Line- Okay

at the time after her- Okay ... but we closed it up. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. 

Sidney Le: So, yeah. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. So talk about, let's move on to, like, okay, so your initial motivation and then, like, opening one location. And so how did you get to two, three, and four, and et cetera? H- like, what gave you the idea and drive to, like, build this more than just a one location type of thing?

Sidney Le: Well, lucky for me, I, I, again, I love what I do, and I believe in what I do, and it shows because clients word of mouth. People were just, "Hey, you heard about this girl Sydney," you know? And it just, not only I was really popular with eyelash extension, I became really popular with [00:10:00] eyebrows. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: You know?

Because if I'm gonna do something, I'm gonna do it right, and I'm gonna do it the way I want it. And I'm gonna change, you know, what was, again, the block eyebrows. Remember? Yeah. Yeah. I'm like, "We can't do this." Okay. "It's just so dark. Why would we do that? We need to change 

Anh Phoong: this up." We, we have to stop at, like, where we're going 'cause we have to tell the story about me and Sydney.

So okay, check out these brows. Of course done by none other than her, and it took so long for her for, to convince me to get them done. And I was like, "Oh man, I'm so scared. I'm so nervous." And she's like, "Trust me, babe. I got you." And I, and now I love them. Like- Yay ... like, look. Like, she's done this for thousands of people, guys.

Thousands. So, um, guys, gals, if you need your permanent eyebrows and you're thinking about doing it, get it done. Like, my only regret is that it took me so long to say yes and finally do it, so. Oh, you're so sweet. But going back to that, okay, so- You're good at what you do, your heart is in it, everything's in it, and then you started expanding, right?

Because so it was just grassroots, like, it was just by word of mouth referral. You probably didn't spend hundreds of [00:11:00] thousand of dollars like me to do billboards or ads or anything like that, right? Yeah. How, how did, how did it spread? 

Sidney Le: Yeah, because I, I don't have the money, that kind of- ... okay? And you're different.

No, it, it... For me, it was more work. I, when I started, I did a lot of, of course, promo, and a lot of time free work, too. And I, I'll train my girls, the people I train, 'cause I, I teach, too. Yeah. I will tell them, like, "Put your work out there. E- even don't expect anything back, because that one bride, that one person you do or you give a deal to, they are gonna love it, like it, and guess what they're doing?

They are gonna promote it to 10 other people." Yep. That 10 other people will come back to you, and it just, it just- Keeps going ... grows. Yep, mm-hmm. Yeah. So that's, that's for me. I, I've always worked hard and I wanna... I take pride in my work, so I wanna make sure everyone is happy with my work. And because of that, I think that's how word of mouth, you know, how everything grew.

And then, again, I got lucky. During that time, social media was a thing, guys. Mm, yeah. Right? So Instagram was really big. It was- Mm-hmm ... you know, taking off. Um, and I just started promoting my work. I also utilized [00:12:00] Instagram- Yes ... to connect with influencers, celebrities- Mm-hmm ... 

Anh Phoong: you know, at the time. Yes. Because remind you- Let's talk about that, 'cause you have done a few celebrities, right, as well.

And so I think your Instagram, like, you have, like, almost 100,000, like, 100,000 or more followers, okay? Yeah. And then, um, I saw a picture with you and Cardi B Yeah. 

Sidney Le: Yeah. Well, I didn't do her- Sorry ... eyebrows, but her nail artist, her main nail artist- Mm-hmm ... she's a really good friend of mine, and I did hers. Okay, yeah.

So one ti- one day, I, I had a phone call, a FaceTime from Jenny. Yeah. And she's the girl from New York. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: And she was like, "Okay, Cardi B's mom's right here and she loves my eyebrows. She wants to know about booking you." 

Anh Phoong: Wow. 

Sidney Le: Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Amazing. You know, um, but it's one of those things where you just connect and, you know- Yeah

so yeah, I, I g- I got the pleasure to meet Cardi B. I didn't, have not worked on her. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. Yeah. 

Sidney Le: But the, I'm very connected to her nail artist- Mm-hmm ... and the people around her. 

Anh Phoong: And then who else have you done? I 

Sidney Le: did a lot of influencers. That's 

a 

Anh Phoong: big list. I know, 

Sidney Le: yeah. You know, I just... Who? So I know Patrick Starrr, you know- Uh-huh

I did his lashes before. Yes. I did lashes for, I don't know if you guys remember, [00:13:00] Girls Next Door. Oh my God, Bridget. 

Anh Phoong: Okay. Wow. 

Sidney Le: Okay. From Girls Next Door. Yes. This is like long ago. 

Anh Phoong: Wow. 

Sidney Le: I did, you know, Dress Your Face, Tamanna. She has- Mm-hmm ... like millions of followers. Yeah, yeah. She's amazing. We're very good, close friends.

Of course, Mimi and Raina. Yes. So I mean, there's a- Just- ... a bunch more, I just can't, you know- Yeah ... remember the name of, yeah. But they trust me with my work. 

Anh Phoong: Exactly. 

Sidney Le: So that, that, that's, I'm honored. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. And that's so crucial because, like, I felt that way, too. Like, I started my firm 'cause I knew my work.

Like, I knew I would give my heart and soul- Yeah ... into every client, just like you. And so, like, with that kind of confidence, I know how it feels like, and that's why it's, it's like I'm gonna go all in, in myself 'cause I know my work. I- It's gonna 

pay 

Anh Phoong: off. It's gonna pay off. 

Sidney Le: Yeah. 

Anh Phoong: And so can you tell us about some times where you may have, where it may not have paid off, and where...

Or some of the struggles or any bumps in the road that you've hit? 

Sidney Le: There's always bumps in, you know, along the road. Being a business owner is hard. Mm-hmm. You know? You have your ups and downs, and especially after the pandemic, things are a lot different. You have to pivot everything. [00:14:00] So at one point, I have six locations.

Anh Phoong: Okay. 

Sidney Le: The people, the high demands, you know? Mm-hmm. And then I'll hire my employees, hire, train, and, you know, give them your all. Yeah. You know? 'Cause you want them to be just as good as you. They're representing you. You know, so dealing with employees, you know, loyalty is a big deal. A lot of time they go and they learn your trade secret- 

Anh Phoong: Mm

Sidney Le: and then they leave. Mm-hmm. They take your clients. 

Anh Phoong: Gosh. 

Sidney Le: And all that, you know? But it's okay because I, I never, I never let it bother me- Yeah ... because, you know, what is given to you will always be there for you. And, you know, maybe that's just my, part of my journey to help and let them do their own thing- Yeah

and I just focus on mine. But, but then- Back to the, you know, the ups and downs. So the down for me, I was at my peak. Oh, my gosh, 2020 we were projecting to make, like, the most. Yeah. And of course, the pan- pandemic happened. Oh, COVID. We were cl- forced to close, you know? Oh. So then I, I, I had to close down many shops.

Employees were leaving. So then it back down to two. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: Mm-hmm. [00:15:00] And then, and then during that time, a difficult time, my daughter was diagnosed with autism, right? And so I w- I mean, I, she was delayed, but that, I got a final diagnose and it kinda like, "Oh, my goodness," you know? Yeah. And then the fall of the business, losing 50% of the revenue, and also my personal life, I had- Yeah

some issues too. Yeah. That what, you know, made me really, really unmotivated. Yeah. You know? But then at my lowest point, I also know that I need to be strong. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: For everyone, for my kids, my family, and everybody who looked up for me, even my employees. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: So then from there, I took another big risk.

What 

Anh Phoong: was that? 

Sidney Le: I bought a building in Roseville. 

Anh Phoong: Hey, she bought a building. Your own building. 

Sidney Le: Yes. 

Anh Phoong: And so what motivate you to do that? Okay, so sounds like you've been, you know, renting, right? Yeah. Like, or renting the whole time. Yeah. So what was the driving force? As you're, like, you just said, you're, you're going through, like, difficulty with your family- Mm

your daughter, and, like, what made you to make... That's bold. That's big, right? Yeah, I know. Like, you, like, [00:16:00] doubled down on this. I'm 

Sidney Le: so, I'm a risky person. 

Anh Phoong: Ah, that's a... Okay, so, like, we Asians, like, we talk about, like, it's called go all in, like, 'cause we're gonna gamble, right? Yeah. 

Sidney Le: Mm-hmm. Yes. Okay, well, for one thing, during that time, you know, my Elk Grove location- Mm

I had for five years. Yeah. But they were trying to raise my rent when- Oh ... uh, we were forced to close. So they didn't work with us- Yeah ... and they kinda raised the rent, and I just felt that was very unfair. Yeah. And like, but it is what it is. I get it. They're, you know, they need- It's a bu- ... to make their money.

Anh Phoong: Yeah. Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: So then I think that was one of the reason why, like, you know what? W- I've be- I've been at my Sacramento location for s- gosh, 15 years- Yeah ... and I pay rent on it every. 

Anh Phoong: You could have owned the building, 

Sidney Le: right? Oh, my gosh, you know. Yeah. So it's one of those things like, you know, I know. I'm gonna be my own- Mm-hmm

and do my own, and then it, opportunity came along, and I, I liked the area. The, you know, I have a lot of clients up nor- north, so I bought the building. And now- I have to tell you that at the time, there were moments where I'm like, "What am I doing? Why? At the worst time." 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: You know, I [00:17:00] don't have a partner- Yeah

to help me. Yeah. And I, I just didn't have anyone. It was one of those things- Mm ... where I had to do it myself. But being the crazy stubborn, and, and I'm an Aries, so I'm like, "You know what? No. I'm, this is not gonna break me." Yeah. "I'm gonna continue to do, go all in and see where this takes me." But yeah, so I did that, and I, I will tell you that it has been difficult and hard.

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: You know? Yeah. Because the economy and trying to, like, sustain everything. Mm-hmm. It is hard, but I also know, and it's okay to say you, that you're gonna win some and you're gonna lose some. Absolutely. And then when you lose, it's okay to say. I can al- I can also tell people, and I, I can public- publicly say this, I tell my mom, like, "Mom, I came to a conclusion where I want to sell my building."

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. "

Sidney Le: Because it is draining me." 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. "

Sidney Le: And I'm not going to be blindsided and continue." Mm-hmm. 'Cause I do very well. Mm-hmm. But then when you have baggage, it's not baggage, it's what- Yeah ... you know. But I, I'm okay to say, "Hey." Yeah. "I took a risk." 

Anh Phoong: Yep. 

Sidney Le: It, to me, I, I need to figure out a way to solve it. Yeah. And, and at least I know I've done it.

Mm. But I can tell you this [00:18:00] right now. 

Anh Phoong: Yes. 

Sidney Le: Once I sell it. 

Anh Phoong: Absolutely. 

Sidney Le: It will not be my last. 

Anh Phoong: It will 

Sidney Le: not. It will... My second one will be better. 

Anh Phoong: Yes. For 

Sidney Le: sure. And 

Anh Phoong: you learn so many lessons- So 

Sidney Le: many ... from them. 

Anh Phoong: Right? 

Sidney Le: How do you learn if you don't go through some mistakes? Exactly. How do you learn? How do you feel all this if you don't?

Anh Phoong: You don't. You have, there's just something about going through it. It's okay. Right? Yeah. And so there's never gonna be a regret in that sense. No. And it only makes you better, it makes you stronger. 

Sidney Le: I'm gonna be stronger. 

Anh Phoong: Right? 

Sidney Le: Yes. 

Anh Phoong: So I thank you so much for being vulnerable and talking about that because, you know, in this day and age, social media, all we wanna do is, like, parade around all- Yeah

of our successes. Mm-hmm. And when we have losses, they're private, right? We're like, "We don't wanna share that." Yeah. You know, we don't wanna, you know, talk about that. So I applaud you on that. Thank you. I know it's only gonna be a quick season, 'cause I know your ass. And I know you're gonna get back up and probably own five buildings, like, in the next couple years, so- Going in with me

expand the business. Going in with me, okay. Yes, I know we are talking about that. Yeah. But no, it's beautiful because that is what the journey is really about. It's, it's, I think that, like, you know, people wanna believe that it's this up- Mm-hmm ... it just goes up. No, no. No. It's gonna go down, it's gonna drop, [00:19:00] and it's gonna go up, and it's gonna down, up, up, and- Yeah

and this trajectory is not, it's not easy. And so, you know, for people who, who go all in, it's not like you do it once and you win, right? Yeah. And all the time, you know? Yeah. You're gonna have some setbacks a- and some small bets and some big wins and some small wins. Yeah. And you take it, and you keep going, right?

Sidney Le: Yep. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah, and it just doesn't, it doesn't just end right there. And, like, with that mentality that you have, it's like, I think you're so smart because most people would be like, "You know what? I'm gonna continue maybe bleeding with this new building. Yeah. But you were smart enough to say, "Hey, you know what?

I don't care. I realize- Yeah ... I recognize that the move might be to sell and, and get..." And that's like, that's how smart you are. That, that tells you how savvy of a businesswoman you are. Because, like I said, to recognize that, right? And say, "You know what? I'd be better if I let it go." 

Sidney Le: Yeah. 

Anh Phoong: So that's a huge thing.

I don't think of it like, I'm so proud of you because, like- Thank you ... 

Sidney Le: to 

Anh Phoong: see that. A lot of people would be too much in their feelings- 

Sidney Le: Yeah ... 

Anh Phoong: about- 

Sidney Le: No. You know? Not me. I've been through so much, girl. Yeah. I lost my [00:20:00] dad. And, you know, you- There's a pride thing ... you go through so much- 

Anh Phoong: Yeah ... 

Sidney Le: then I'm like, no. We, we- Yeah

we're, we're grown. We have kids, and- Yeah ... we're human, and th- ma- this is, this is real. Yeah. You know, and like you said, social media, I'm, I'm pretty decent on social media, but I, I don't just share the wins, you know? Yeah, absolutely. Like, there's, be real. Because a lot of time, you need to be vulnerable. You have to go through thing- things and share it- Mm-hmm

for, to open up someone else. Correct. And you don't know who else you can help. Because when I shared a part of my story on s- social media one time, oh my God, the amount of emails and DMs- Oh ... that came in, and people who I've known, I'm like, "Oh shit." Yeah. "You were going through all that or this," you know?

Yeah. They, they felt safe talking about it- Yeah ... after I became vulnerable. Yeah. And then, you know, so now I realize like, things that happen to us happens for a reason, and it's, it's just, you know, the best thing about this is to move forward from it, grow from it, and also help other- 

Anh Phoong: Yes ... 

Sidney Le: others. Yeah. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah.

Yeah. 'Cause you never know, like, and that's what this whole podcast is about, is like, who's gonna get inspired by someone's story, right? And like, the realness of you, and like, [00:21:00] the struggles. I mean, that's why I say like, like, it was so important to have this podcast to tell these stories. Yeah. 'Cause, I mean, yeah, some people are lucky to just be born with money and have businesses- Yeah

that are successful. Mm-hmm. Some of us had to work from the bottom down, and like, really, every dollar, like, worked for it. 

Sidney Le: Yeah. 

Anh Phoong: And so that's why I thought it was so important to share these stories, you know? And like, for people, you know, when we, we're doing interviews and, and, and podcasts for like different types of areas of businesses.

So the beauty industry is a big- 

Sidney Le: Yeah ... 

Anh Phoong: big area. And so, I mean- 

Sidney Le: And not enough talk about. 

Anh Phoong: No, not enough talk about. Mm-mm. Mm-hmm. How important is it for you to, you know, like we're talking about how you're now help- like, your story's helping people, to like be a mentor and inspire, like, you know, and support other businesses and women?

Like, I know you do a lot of that. Like, I see that. Like, you're not just suddenly this, you know, beauty guru with her business. Like, you give back to the community, too. Let's talk about that. Like- 

Sidney Le: Aw ... 

Anh Phoong: what 

Sidney Le: in- 

Anh Phoong: what inspired you to start, like, opening up more and sharing, and then giving back? 

Sidney Le: Give, well, I've always given back because [00:22:00] to me it's like if the, if the universe gave it to you for a reason, you know, like you need to share- Mm-hmm

and be able to share that. So I've always given back. And also growing up, when I started this journey too, there's not a lot of people who are helpful or, you know, th- there, I don't have a mentor. I have people, again, friends who were no- we're no longer friends because- Mm-hmm ... they were pretty, pretty negative, right?

Mm-hmm. They, they don't really encourage you or motivate you or inspire you. Yeah. So I didn't have that, so I wanted to share. Even when I start teaching my students, I made sure they know, "Hey, whenever you need me, I'm here." And then share, it goes back, it comes back to you. Yeah. Basically just doing what I didn't get when I was going through this journey.

Anh Phoong: Yeah, 

Sidney Le: yeah. So, a- and also, and when you say, you know, what motivates you and inspire you, Anne, you are such an amazing person. Like, I wouldn't be doing this podcast if it wasn't for you. I do not like to speak. If those who knows me know me know I do not like to speak, you know, or share my [00:23:00] story. Mm-hmm. I'm just really shy about it, you know?

Yeah. But I'm doing it because you inspire me. Thank 

Anh Phoong: you. 

Sidney Le: You are so amazing, and you're so successful. You're a good person, and you're always helping and giving back. And I know your story really is so impactful. Like, I, I, I understand what you mean by a need to fulfill you. 

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. 

Sidney Le: You know? Yeah. So, and that, that's me.

You know? It's like I wanna share and help- others, new generation, the younger youth, and basically provide and encourage them, and give them all the tools- 

Anh Phoong: Yeah ... 

Sidney Le: because I didn't get that- 

Anh Phoong: I know ... growing up. Like, I feel the same way, where, like, I struggled, and I wish I could say that, like, in the beginning when I wanted to go to law school, I was at a time where I don't think people should have believed in me.

I was partying a lot- Mm ... messing around, and not doing great in life, and like- Well, I'm 

Sidney Le: still partying around. I know. 

Anh Phoong: We don't need to stop. Um- Yeah. But, like, in that mindset of, like, I remember when I told my parents I wanted to go to law school, they laughed. They were like... It was over dinner. I still remember that.

Like, it was, I was like, "Oh, [00:24:00] Mom, Dad, I want to go to law school," and they're like, "Okay," and they just continued eating. Yeah, sure. 

Sidney Le: Uh-huh. And I was like... 

Anh Phoong: Yeah, but it... And it wasn't 'cause they didn't love me, but it- Right, right ... was just, you know, at the time, they... And then there was... I want to say that it's not that I didn't have encouragement, but people were skeptical for what I think were valid reasons, 'cause I was, you know, kind of slacking off, but then...

And it was sad. Like, at the time, even building a practice, I didn't- Mm ... have anyone to, like, turn to and say, like, have a guide, and say, "Show me how to build a law firm." 

Sidney Le: Mm-hmm. 

Anh Phoong: I learned it myself. I had to, right? And, like, I made so many mistakes. I learned so many lessons in going through the motions that, like, I'm actually grateful that I had to learn it on my own, because I don't think that I'd be where I'm at if, if someone just showed me that.

You know, the- Yeah ... struggles and, you know, what you learn from all the trial and errors and, and everything that you go through as a business owner, it changes you, right? And you learn in a different way than just, you know, having someone say, "Here's a roadmap, and this is what you do." Yeah. Right? So that's, you know, it- it's a big thing.

It's like our biggest journeys, and sometimes, you know, not having support ends up [00:25:00] working for us in a weird way, right? Yeah. Yeah. Okay, so- You're, you're 

Sidney Le: paving the way. 

Anh Phoong: What was that? You're 

Sidney Le: paving the way. 

Anh Phoong: You too. I w- I would say you're like my sister. Why not? We're sisters. We- We're so bonded, and, like, we d- we've only met each other the last couple years.

Sidney Le: Yes. 

Anh Phoong: And when we met each other, it was just this, like, sisterhood- Mm ... because, like, we believe in women supporting each other, right? Like, and- 

Sidney Le: Genuinely ... 

Anh Phoong: genuinely. Yeah. And just, it's so hard to make it out in this world alone. Just to make it in this world, and so, like, why are we not supporting each other, right?

Mm-hmm. And, like, there's no reason to hate each other or- Compete ... not support each other. Yeah, yeah. Why do we have to do that? Exactly. I feel the same way. Yeah. Like, there's, there's, like, so much of that in the world that we need to be spreading love and, you know, helping people as much as we can in every way that we can.

Sidney Le: Right. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. Okay, so I want to talk about if we can- Talk more. I know, more. Just a couple more things. Let's be real, right? And let's talk about the struggles of, you know, being in business, running it all, that mental load, and kind of- You know, we have to like, as women, as mothers, like we tend to take on a [00:26:00] lot, and I've talked to you about this many times in private, and it's so hard to juggle it all, right?

Mm-hmm. How do you do it? Like, what, what helps you and like is there something that you like to do that helps you with that or... 

Sidney Le: It's, it's one of those things where like you, you just gotta do what you gotta do. You have to stay strong because you have no choice, right? Yeah. You can't just go, "Oh, I'm having a bad day.

I still have kids." I still have two young kids at home. Mm-hmm. Again, my daughter being autistic, you know, and being a single parent too, that's, that's hard, but I, I can't make excuses. I, I just... You have to keep going. Yeah. I am lucky and fortunate my mom, my mom lives with me. Yeah. So she helps me. She's older, but she helps me out, so that helps me with the kids.

But in terms of like juggling everything, it's, it's one of those things where you just have to do what you need to do. I have to juggle my, my, obviously my kids, my own mental health, my employees, my business- Mm-hmm ... and just everything that's going around, you know? 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. 

Sidney Le: People don't understand, when you have a business, everyone rely on you, and you are responsible for everyone and everything.

So you can't just go, "Oh, let me have a off [00:27:00] day." Yeah. You don't. There's no off day. 

Anh Phoong: There isn't. 

Sidney Le: Yeah. We're actually, after this, we're working. We're- 

Anh Phoong: I know, right? 

Sidney Le: We're gonna create a skit now. What next? 

Anh Phoong: Uh-huh. But I know, and like, like mentally though, like that's, it takes a toll on you, right? Like I know that you don't, you, you can't let it, and you'll keep going.

You know, you're gonna just keep doing it, but like there's gotta be a point where you're like, "Okay, I just need a me day. I just need to sit." Like what do you do? Like do you just shut everything off? Like is there an outlet for you? Like hopefully 'cause- 

Sidney Le: I'm still trying to find my outlet. I will be honest with you, it did take a toll on me with everything.

I started having, I told you before, I have like- Yeah ... anxiety attacks, and not just regular an- anxiety, guys. Yeah. It's, attacks are different, and you won't understand it until you go through it. Like, like I ended up in the hospital many times, you know? Oh, shit. And it, I didn't understand what, what's going on, but it, it, s- it's something you can't control because you know why?

Holding everything in- 

Anh Phoong: Yeah ... 

Sidney Le: and not letting it out. Mm-hmm. And I, I was very private, and you have to be strong. Mm-hmm. You don't, I didn't share a lot of what was going on in my life- Mm-hmm ... you know, with people, even close friends because you don't help me. You don't wanna 

Anh Phoong: burden them with 

Sidney Le: your troubles. You don't wanna burden them.

Yeah. Yeah. [00:28:00] So, you know, holding everything in just made everything worse, but you know, I learned to recognize, you know, what was bothering me, what was, you know... I had to release all that. Yeah. So I became more vulnerable, being vulnerable- Yeah ... and being open, talking about it. I'm talking about it right now.

Yes. You know? So when people view me, especially on social media, "Oh my God, this girl, she has everything and she's so strong," blah, blah, blah. It's not like that. Mm-hmm. We, we don't live in a perfect world. Uh-huh. You know? Yeah. So it's one of those things where I ha- I, I appear strong, and- 

Anh Phoong: Yeah ... 

Sidney Le: some people might go, "She's kind of mean and tough."

But you know, I, I have to be. Yeah. Because no one else- You have no choice ... is gonna be strong for me, you know? But going back, you know, I, I learned to control all of that by being open and- Yeah ... and releasing all of my stress, and- Learning to say no- 

Anh Phoong: Yeah ... 

Sidney Le: to things that don't matter. 

Anh Phoong: We talked about this.

Sidney Le: Yes, so- What'd I 

Anh Phoong: say? 

Sidney Le: So before, it's like, who are you... We don't want, we don't wanna... Not, I don't wanna say upset or like, you know, make [00:29:00] anybody feel like, you know, you don't wanna disappoint anyone, right? Mm-hmm. But it's one of those things where, like, there are times where you have to think about yourself.

Anh Phoong: Yes. 

Sidney Le: And, and, and I, I hate to say no, but I really have to because this is not going to, you know, it's gonna be a lot harder for me. So, you know, I think now being very blunt and like, "Okay, look, I'm going through a tough day. No." Yeah. You know what I mean? Uh-huh. No, and you know what? It's okay. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah, it's okay.

Sidney Le: Yeah, it's okay. Yeah. We're still doing it. We're still saying yes- We're still creating ... to everything. Girl, don't tell me that. And, but- We are still doing yes ... 

Anh Phoong: saying no more than I have ever in my life. Yeah. So I'm still saying yes to the things that- It's a progress ... really, yes. It's 

Sidney Le: progress, yes. 

Anh Phoong: But it's, it's, it's kind of prioritizing too, right?

Mm-hmm. Like, trying to say like, you can only fit so much into a day, a week, in a month, and it's not that saying no, you know, like you're missing out or anything. Mm-hmm. It's just it, it helps you be grounded and say like, "Okay, this is my focus." And like that helped me out a lot last year, 'cause I was saying yes to everything.

And, and, and I remember last year for me, I was at a point where I was like, my husband yelled at me. He was like, "You're doing all these [00:30:00] damn things." Yeah. "You should be home with your kids." 

Sidney Le: Oh. 

Anh Phoong: And it, it hit me, and I was like, "Man, you're right." Like, what, like, why does it matter if I'm going to this event, supporting this group, or doing that if, if it's taking away quality time from my family- Yeah

and my kids, you know? Yeah. So being able to shift and prioritize that has really helped me. And like, so now I'm still saying yes to a lot of stuff, but I make sure I get that time in with my kids and make sure, you know, like- Mm-hmm ... like that part of that cup is filled, you know, before I say, you know, yes to all these other things.

I love that. 

Sidney Le: I'm learning from you too. 

Anh Phoong: Oh, thank you. I know, we're learning from each other. Yeah. So if you had, you know, like let's say not one piece of advice, but like some, some big drops, like learning lessons from anyone who wants to go out on their own on the business, or jumping into beauty or anything like that, like what are the lessons that you've learned that you'd like to share?

Sidney Le: Well, mm, for me- In life ... it's, for me, it's like when you're passionate about something and you really want to start your business or if you're wanting to do something new, and despite what people tell you, [00:31:00] do it. Do it hard, do it sad, do it broke, do it... Just do it because you never know. And even if you fail, 'cause, because I have, you know, at least you know you tried, and then the first try is not y- the last, you know?

So you're gonna continue to do that. So just don't let the noises affect you. And, and another tip I'll tell you for all, uh, whoever wants to start, you know, being in business, make sure that you are doing it right and that you're not stepping on anybody's toes, and that you are doing... Make sure whatever you do, that you're able to sleep well at night.

Anh Phoong: Oh, yeah. That's important. 

Sidney Le: You know? Yeah. Because there are some shady people out there. Some shady- And if you're shady- Uh-huh ... you can't grow. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. 

Sidney Le: And, you know? That's very true. So, so, and be authentic. Be, you know, be real. Yeah. You know? So that's, as long as you do right and you're passionate about what you wanna do, trust me, the universe will take care of you.

I love that. I promise you that. 

Anh Phoong: That's so great. Mm-hmm. That's, like, the... That's very true. I know that when I was, [00:32:00] like, with, with my business and, like, I think about, at the end of the day... 'Cause I get a lot of crap for being a personal injury lawyer. Mm. Like, people see me, you know, there's, there's people that have, like, they call me ambulance chaser.

And what I had always, like, combat with that was, like, at the end of the day, I know that I can sleep well at night. Mm. I know what I'm about. And so, like, trying to, like, cast out all the bad and negative stuff, you can say that, like, "I can, I know myself. I know what I'm about. I know how I run my firm. I know what we're about, and I can sleep good at night."

So- Right ... you know, 'cause in the beginning, it used to get to me when people would say stuff, and then I was like, "But you know what? I sleep good at night. I don't do wrong by anybody." Mm. "I do good by my clients," and so- 

Sidney Le: And, and here you are. 

Anh Phoong: Yes, yeah. You know? And you're here 

Sidney Le: for a reason. 

Anh Phoong: Haters gonna hate, right?

Right. There're always gonna be haters. 

Sidney Le: There's always gonna be haters. Of course. 

Anh Phoong: Yes. Okay, so this is the end. Okay. Yes. Is there anything else you wanna share with us and our, our listeners, and anything else you wanna share before we play it, our s- game? 

Sidney Le: No, I'm good. 

Anh Phoong: All right. So this is called Go [00:33:00] All In, right?

So, and I know, we talk about, like, the gambling thing. So you, well, I'm gonna show you a picture, a concept, and you're gonna say, "Go all in" for yes or "Fold," meaning no, right? Okay? 

Sidney Le: Okay. 

Anh Phoong: So it's a quick game. Okay, so here we go. Thin '90s brows. Thin '90s brows. Go all in or fold? I already know the answer.

Sidney Le: Absolutely not. Fold. Fold that. I don't wanna see it. Oh, we're gonna 

Anh Phoong: fold 

Sidney Le: the 

Anh Phoong: thin '90 brows. Okay. What's this 

one? 

Sidney Le: You gotta show them. 

Anh Phoong: Yeah. 

Sidney Le: Sorry, absolutely not. 

Anh Phoong: That was so '90s. I'm so glad I don't have that anymore. Okay. So this is clean girl makeup. 

Sidney Le: Oh. Clean 

Anh Phoong: girl makeup. All in. All in, right? I like that.

Yeah, that's beautiful. I like that. Yeah. No, I like that. I love that. Oh, okay. Brow lamination and eye lifts. All in or fold? 

Sidney Le: Wait, brow lamination, yes. And what do you mean eye 

Anh Phoong: fold? Lash 

Sidney Le: lifts. Lash lift. Oh, yeah. You like lash lifts? I mean, that, this is not the greatest picture, but- Oh, okay ... but the lash lift, yeah, yeah, all in.

Anh Phoong: Mm-hmm. Yeah, all in? All in. Mm-hmm. Okay. [00:34:00] 2016 makeup, all in or fold? Ooh. 

Sidney Le: Gosh, that looked like my friend Paul. Is that your friend? No, that probably fucking is not. Is that, yeah. Okay, phew. Yeah, I'm a makeup junkie. Oh, my God, you're gonna show me- ... I mean, look me up. Yeah, you know what? All in. For sure. Yeah. It's okay.

It's all in. I think it looks great. His style is okay. 

Anh Phoong: Okay, so this is, oh, this is a easy one. Okay, liquid blush: all in or fold? 

Sidney Le: All in. 

Anh Phoong: All in, me too. I like that. Yeah. Oh, my God. 

Sidney Le: I like that. Easy to blend. 

Anh Phoong: I know. I love it. 

Sidney Le: Yeah, yeah. 

Anh Phoong: All right. This is the end of the podcast. Thank you so much for being our guest, guys.

Thank 

Sidney Le: you. Ms. Sydney Lee. Thank you for having me. Thank you. Thank you. 

Anh Phoong: If this conversation resonated with you, please leave a review and take a second to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. And if you know someone who's building something of their own, share this with them. It might be exactly what they need to hear right now.

I'm Anne Fong. Thanks for listening to Go All In: Beating the Odds in [00:35:00] Business.