Meet Duong Thuy Mai | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Duong Thuy Mai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Duong Thuy, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind Zelene Head Spa’s success? It’s a culmination of things, really. It started with relentless passion and an unwavering belief in our vision. You see, Zelene Head Spa was born from Hera Head Spa – a rebranding that symbolized a renewed commitment to excellence. In those early days, it wasn’t about the paycheck – it was about pouring my heart and soul into building something truly special. I worked longer hours than I ever thought possible, going above and beyond what any salary could ever compensate for. There were countless days without income, times when I chose reinvestment over personal reward. But that’s what it takes when you’re driven by a dream.

And that dream never really let me go, even when I was sleeping. My mind was constantly buzzing, strategizing about how to introduce our services to new clients, how to elevate our treatments, how to create an even more transformative experience. It was a constant cycle of research, refinement, and improvement. I was obsessed with perfecting every detail, always seeking new ways to innovate and exceed expectations.

This dedication, this commitment to excellence, resonates with our clients and creates a loyalty that goes beyond a simple transaction. It’s about building a brand – a brand that rose from the foundations of Hera Head Spa – that stands for something meaningful.

So, it wasn’t just hard work, it was love for the craft, dedication to our clients, and an absolute faith in the journey. It was about channeling that restless energy into creating something truly exceptional. That’s the secret sauce – the heart and soul of all the team members that poured into every aspect of Zelene Head Spa.

What should our readers know about your business?
Zelene Head Spa is more than just a place to get a facial, head spa or a massage; it’s a sanctuary for self-care and transformation. We believe that true beauty radiates from within, and our treatments are designed to nurture both the body and the mind.

What sets us apart?

Holistic Approach: We go beyond surface-level treatments. Our services incorporate aromatherapy, specialized massage techniques, and customized skincare to address each client’s unique needs and goals.

Curated Experience: From the moment you step through our doors, you’re enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere designed to soothe your senses and promote relaxation. Every detail, from the calming music to the carefully selected scents, contributes to a holistic sense of well-being.

Premium Products: We believe in using only the highest quality, natural products that deliver real results without harsh chemicals.

Passionate Team: Our therapists are not just skilled professionals; they’re genuinely caring individuals who are passionate about helping our clients look and feel their best.

Getting to where we are today was definitely not easy! The journey was paved with long hours, financial challenges, and the constant pressure of building a brand from the ground up. Rebranding from Hera Head Spa to Zelene Head Spa was a significant step, and it took a lot of effort to redefine ourselves and communicate our new vision to the world.

Overcoming the challenges:

Perseverance: There were times when I doubted myself, when the obstacles seemed insurmountable. But I kept reminding myself of my vision and the positive impact I wanted to create.

Support System: My family, co-founders, and early team members were my rocks. They believed in me, offered support, and helped me stay focused.

Adaptability: The spa industry is constantly evolving. I learned to be flexible, to adapt to new trends and client needs, and to embrace innovation.

Lessons learned:

The importance of resilience: Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. There will be ups and downs, but it’s crucial to keep going, even when things get tough.

The power of human connection: Building genuine relationships with clients and my team has been essential to our success.

The value of self-care: As a spa owner, I’m passionate about promoting wellness. But I also learned the importance of prioritizing my own well-being to avoid burnout.

What I want the world to know:

Zelene Head Spa is a place where you can escape the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with yourself. We’re more than just a spa; we’re a community that supports your journey to inner and outer radiance. Our story is one of passion, perseverance, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, that’s easy! I’d pull out all the stops to give my best friend the ultimate DFW experience. Here’s how we’d spend a week of fun, relaxation, and exploration:

Day 1: Welcome to DFW!

Morning: Ease into the trip with a relaxing stroll through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Beautiful flowers, stunning views, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Afternoon: Head to Carrollton for an authentic Korean BBQ feast at Ari Korean BBQ. We’ll grill up some delicious meats and enjoy all the amazing banchan (side dishes).
Evening: Check in to our hotel in Dallas and then head to Deep Ellum for some live music and drinks. This vibrant district has tons of cool bars and music venues.

Day 2: Exploring Dallas

Morning: Immerse ourselves in art at the Dallas Museum of Art. They have an incredible collection spanning various periods and styles.
Afternoon: Wander through Klyde Warren Park, a unique park built over a freeway. Food trucks, live music, and a great place to people-watch.
Evening: Dinner at Too Thai Street Eats in Carrollton. We’ll try some authentic Thai street food dishes and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Fort Worth Fun

Morning: Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for a taste of Texas history and culture. We’ll watch the cattle drive, browse the shops, and soak up the Wild West vibes.
Afternoon: Visit the renowned Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Their collection is world-class.
Evening: Enjoy a delicious Tex-Mex dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s. Their patio is legendary!

Day 4: Relax and Rejuvenate

Morning: Spa day at Zelene Head Spa! We’ll indulge in massages, head spa, facials, and aromatherapy treatments – pure bliss!
Afternoon: Relax by the pool, catch up on some reading, and enjoy the sunshine.
Evening: Treat ourselves to a fancy dinner at Bullion in Dallas. French cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 5: A Taste of Asia in Arlington

Morning: Explore the UTA Planetarium at the University of Texas at Arlington for a fascinating journey through the cosmos.
Afternoon: Head to Arlington for some amazing Asian food. We’ll try some delicious Pho at Chu 7 restaurant inside Ben Thanh Plaza.
Evening: Catch a show at Texas Live! in Arlington. This entertainment complex has live music, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 6: Adventure and Exploration

Morning: Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on White Rock Lake in Dallas. A great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
Afternoon: Explore the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. Interactive exhibits and fascinating displays for all ages.
Evening: Enjoy a rooftop dinner with stunning city views at The Henry in Dallas.

Day 7: Farewell Feast

Morning: Brunch at Oddfellows in Dallas. This trendy spot has delicious food and a cool, eclectic vibe.
Afternoon: Do some last-minute souvenir shopping at NorthPark Center in Dallas.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Uchi in Dallas. This upscale Japanese restaurant offers an incredible omakase experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! While the fire in my belly certainly played a role in Zelene Head Spa’s success, I wouldn’t be here without the incredible support system that lifted me up and cheered me on every step of the way.

First and foremost, my shoutout goes to my family. They believed in my vision even when it was just a seedling of an idea. They provided unwavering emotional support, helped with practical tasks, and patiently endured my endless late nights and stressed-out moments. Their love and encouragement were my constant fuel.

I also want to give a massive shoutout to my co-founders, Sophia Mai and Loc Truong. They believed in me and trusted me from the very beginning, following my lead without question and offering unwavering support. Their faith in my vision and their willingness to jump in headfirst alongside me were crucial in bringing Zelene Head Spa to life.

And a heartfelt thank you goes out to Tuyen Nguyen, Tram Vo, and Thien Nguyen. They were there from the start, helping the brand take its first baby steps and navigate all the struggles that come with launching a new business. Their dedication and hard work were essential in those early days.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my early clients. They took a chance on a new spa, on my vision for a different kind of experience. Their trust and feedback were invaluable in those early days, helping me refine my services and build the foundation for Zelene Head Spa.

And I can’t forget my mentors, both within the spa industry and in the business world. Their guidance and wisdom helped me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and avoid costly mistakes. They shared their experiences, offered invaluable advice, and inspired me to keep pushing forward.

Finally, I want to dedicate this shoutout to all the incredible staff members who have worked alongside me at Zelene Head Spa. Their talent, dedication, and passion have been instrumental in creating the welcoming and transformative environment we strive for. They are the heart and soul of the spa, and I’m incredibly grateful for their contributions.

To all these amazing people and countless others who have touched my journey: Thank you. This success is ours.

Website: https://zelenespa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zelenespa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zelenespa