Beauty Launchpad Magazine

DEC 2015

Brings the hottest beauty products and fashion trends to the salon and spa industry. Launchpad focuses on new products, tools and services for hair, skin, make up and nails.

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30 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | DECEMBER 2015 T here's a new pixie in town, and she's bringing a bright touch to senior citizens at assisted living centers and young patients at the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. Her name is Martina Ngo, also known as "Tina the Nail Fairy." Inspired by an elderly client who walked to the salon weekly, Ngo began her volunteer outreach by focusing on seniors. "That walk just exhausted my client," she recalls. "But I could see how much it meant to her to have that little bit of pampering." So she began offering free monthly services at nearby senior assisted living centers. "The women love it," Ngo smiles. "It brings back memories of earlier times and takes their minds off being in a nursing home." From brightening the days of the elderly, it was a short fl ight of imagination for Ngo to think of the youngest members of society who could benefi t from her expertise and sunny smile. She contacted the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and volunteered to do kids' nails. Her fi rst visit was such a success that the hospital staff immediately asked her to come bi-weekly. "When I told my regular clients about it, they loved the idea!" Ngo says. "They were the ones who suggested I dress up for the kids. That's how 'the Nail Fairy' came into being." The children await each visit eagerly. "Some kids see my fairy wings and ask if I can really fl y," Ngo shares. "I say 'Sure, but I'm not allowed to fl y indoors, just like you can't run indoors.'" While Ngo admits that it can be hard to see what the kids are going through, she believes her visits give them a chance to forget what they're facing—at least for a little while. "I keep everything upbeat," she explains. Today, Ngo's clients donate tutus, wings and hundreds of new bottles of polish for her to give kids at every visit. (In fact, it was a client, Kathy Nguyen, who brought "the Nail Fairy" to the attention of the Beauty Launchpad editors!) "I hope that when others hear about the Nail Fairy, they'll want to become one in their communities," Ngo says. If her story inspires you to don a tutu and wings, visit tinastravelingnails.weebly.com for tips about how to get started. "I would love to know that there are Nail Fairies all over the country," she says. "I love doing this. I'm never going to stop." Conversations/ Giving Back Godmother Martina Ngo, aka Tina the Nail Fairy, brightens up the days and digits of ill children and the elderly. Fairy Sometimes, a fresh set of nails and a friendly face work magic. —BARBARA BAZALDUA I hope that when others hear about the Nail Fairy, they'll want to become one in their communities." COURTESY OF MARTINA NGO

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