Judith Martínez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of World Language and Cultures
Missouri State University
Missouri
Class and elegance are Khulans Naranhuu’s branding. Although she is a native of Mongolia, she quickly became a citizen of the world. As a young woman, she spent summers in Europe. These regular trips exposed her to different cultures, views, and perspectives. They also instilled in her some creative ideas of fashion around the world.
Khulan comes from a well-educated family. Values and high moral standards are part of her culture. Her family knew how important it was to learn English and the American culture, especially in the business sector. Therefore, her parents sent her abroad as an international student when she was a teenager. This was a hard decision for everyone, she would be uprooted from her family, friends, and culture, but the future in the United States was a dream for a young entrepreneur in the making. She moved to Springfield without knowing anyone. Missouri was new to this fifteen-year-old girl. Khulan did not speak any English, and that was a big challenge as failing was not a choice. She remembers working twice as hard and dedicating an extra number of hours to school to be able to learn the language while keeping up with other academic areas. Finally, she graduated from High School and was able to attend Drury University to pursue a major in International Business.
She began working and acquired experience working in the Hospitality and finance areas. Although she was happy with the jobs she had, and learning a lot, she felt that there was more for her to accomplish. She had a dream and a calling, a business of her own while helping others. Khulan wanted to serve the community and offer a business that was unique to her customers. She opened Cashmere Nails and Brow Salon.
In the beginning, this was a challenge, as a migrant, she had to learn the system of the United States and adjust to a new culture regarding business. She had to seek and recruit the right employees and work extra hours while everything settled. She had to grow her reputation and ensure she did an outstanding job so word of mouth could be her main marketing strategy. She had her mind set on offering top services to her customers, and she did it. She is known in town for dedicating extra time to making people feel beautiful. She knows the needs of every one of her customers, and she always welcomes them with a smile and a treat. Tea, champagne, wine, or coffee are part of the service. But beyond that, Khulan has trained her staff to provide top care to everyone guaranteeing everyone gets to feel pampered, spoiled, and special. Khulan believes that in a world where people are always rushing and stressed with many responsibilities, she can offer a small oasis in her spa where people can find a break and decompress. It is a place where people relax, while they get their nails and other services done.
Khulan is also a single mother of a seven-year-old boy. She enjoys spending time with his boy and often finds time to volunteer and attend school activities. She acknowledges the struggles of finding balance as a business mom in a foreign country that is now her home.
However, she is a strong woman, who is seeking to pay forward to others to help everyone. Her employees describe her as a great boss and mentor, but mainly as a role model and inspiration to them. She fosters an environment where everyone can grow, and she seeks training and professional development, so her staff finds work satisfaction as well. Thus, she started a non-profit as well. The objective of her non-profit is to help immigrants adjust to this area. She states that “…this is one of her greatest passions”. She wants others to find a sense of belonging and community in this place. She is a successful businesswoman, full of love and passion. Khulan is a synonym for elegance, hard work, and kindness. And Cashmere, Nails, and Brow Salon certainly reflects that.
Photos by Hannah Alarid photography: Please credit the photographer
Judith Martínez, PhD. is currently an Associate Professor of Literature. She has served as the Provost Fellow for Faculty Development. She has been recognized for her research, teaching, and service. Judith was the recipient of the University Research award, as well as the Board of Governors recognition for her leadership and community involvement.