Latest news with #NailPalace
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Who is Melissa Tran? Hagerstown rallies behind mother and business owner held by ICE
Hagerstown resident and business owner Mong "Melissa" Tuyen Thi Tran of Hagerstown, MD, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on May 12, sparking a community response that has included a 200-hundred-strong rally and a social media effort to tell her story. Tran and her husband, Dung "Danny" Hoang have operated Nail Palace and Spa in the Long Meadow Shopping Center for almost 22 years. According to information given out during a rally outside the plaza June 4, Tran was detained by ICE on May 12 after she went to her check-in with immigration in Baltimore. Since then she has been held in Louisiana, Arizona and now, in the Tacoma, Washington, area, according to Tran's Rockville, Maryland-based immigration attorney, Laura Kelsey Rhodes. Tran, her parents and three brothers became Vietnamese refugees in 1993, according to local attorney Bernie Semler. They legally came to the United States and were issued green cards, according to Semler and his wife, Tina Nash. Shortly after meeting Hoang in 2003, Tran was taken into custody by ICE due to an aggravated theft case when she was 19 and held for six months, according to Rhodes and information from Tran's supporters. ICE received a deportation order due to the criminal conviction, but Vietnam was not accepting people back who had left the country before 1995. Tran was released and agreed to check in annually with immigration. Tran and Hoang have four children and own a home in Hagerstown, according to Semler and Nash. ICE media relations has not responded to a request for comment or more information on Tran's case. Rhodes said Tran received a largely suspended sentence except for work release after pleading guilty to a felony theft charge. Tran also paid restitution. According to Tran's supporters and Rhodes, Tran stole money from an employer. Rhodes said her understanding is Tran's boyfriend at the time was the "idea man" behind the crime and was pressuring Tran. "We're not making excuses," Semler said. "She did her time." Tran's case is likely to take months, Rhodes said. One possible result could be going back to the status quo, where Tran checks in regularly with ICE. The "aggravated" status of Tran's conviction from around 23 years ago has prevented her from becoming a naturalized citizen, Rhodes said. It also has kept her on ICE's radar, though ICE has detained people without such convictions. Rhodes said she's pursuing several avenues in the case, including arguing that the country she fled no longer exists and she did not have her own Vietnam passport at the time because she was a child. Rhodes said Vietnam also might not grant her travel papers for her return, and Hoang also has started the process to petition for a new green card for Tran since they are married and he is a U.S. citizen, Rhodes said. That process might not block Tran from becoming a citizen given her conviction is more than 15 years old. According to a story in the Herald-Mail in 2012, Tran said she and Hoang met while working in a metro-area salon and married in October 2003. They opened the Hagerstown business in February 2004. Tran talked about how she valued education and how the "privilege" of free education provided in the United States did not exist in Vietnam. In 2010, she was commuting to Ashburn, VA, to study at George Washington's Virginia Science and Technology Campus. At the time she was interviewed for that story, Tran was planning a speech she was asked to provide at graduation. Nash helped organize #BringMelissaHome, which hosted the June 4 meeting and has a presence on Facebook. The #BringMelissaHome effort includes a letter-writing campaign to urge federal officials to review Tran's case and allow her to return home to Hagerstown. There's also a GoFundMe to help with legal costs and financial shortfalls Tran's family may face. Items like T-shirts and bracelets also are being sold to support legal costs and the family. Four months into his second term, President Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to deport millions of immigrants, including Vietnamese. According to a report in USA TODAY, the Trump administration had tried to remove at least one Vietnamese man to South Sudan, along with other migrants. On May 27, observers noted that at least one deportation flight appeared to have landed in Hanoi. Vietnam historically has not accepted deportations from the United States, except for a period during Trump's first administration. President Joe Biden largely halted such deportations when he came into office. USA TODAY reporter Eduardo Cuevas contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Vietnamese immigrant held by ICE: Why was Melissa Tran detained?
CNA
19-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Nail Palace director fails to get jail term replaced with fine after breaching consumer protection orders
SINGAPORE: The director of a nail salon chain that did not take court-ordered steps to protect consumers will serve three months in jail for contempt of court after his appeal to the High Court fell through on Monday (May 19). Mr Kaiden Cheng, the managing director of two outlets under Nail Palace, had attempted to have his four-month jail term replaced with a S$10,000 (US$7,700) fine or reduced to five days' imprisonment. He argued that his businesses had since complied with court orders by publishing notices in four major newspapers to inform the public of their unfair trade practices, and implementing a new consumer notification form in January. However, Justice Audrey Lim found that a jail term was warranted as Nail Palace's breach of the court orders had substantial and irremediable effects. As a result, many existing and new customers who bought services from the salons would have been deprived of the knowledge that they had engaged in unfair trade practices, she said. Justice Lim further found that Nail Palace's breaches were ongoing, because its new consumer notification form and processes did not satisfy the court order. In February and March, two Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) officers made four undercover visits to the two salons in Bukit Panjang and Simei to conduct spot checks. They reported that they did not sign the consumer notification form until after the salons had started providing manicure or pedicure services to them. At that point, services such as feet-washing, nail clipping and buffing, and application of basecoats to their nails had already been performed. The claim that these were preparatory acts and common practice among nail salons as a prelude to the actual services was unbelievable, said Justice Lim. Nail Palace's non-compliance with the consumer notification order was therefore "continuing, egregious and persistent". She also noted that Nail Palace had a history of disregarding court orders, and that the salons' conduct showed they were not serious about making sure they were not in contempt of court. There was public interest in ensuring prompt compliance with such court orders and bringing unfair business practices to the attention of consumers at large, said Justice Lim. She reduced Mr Cheng's jail term by a quarter after taking into account that Nail Palace's January notices in the newspapers did comply with the court order, although they came more than 17 months after the initial deadline. The two Nail Palace businesses were also ordered to pay costs and disbursements to CCCS. As Mr Cheng's jail term was read out by the judge, a cry arose from the public gallery where he was seated with supporters. His sentence was deferred to May 26 to allow him to attend his sister's wedding. Nail Palace (BPP) and Nail Palace (SM) were originally taken to task for unfair trade practices over the sale of anti-fungal treatment packages. This included misleading a consumer over the need for anti-fungal treatment, and failing to inform a consumer that certain lip products were not free but included in the price of an anti-fungal treatment package. In August and September 2022, CCCS obtained injunctions to stop both businesses from these unfair practices. A district court ordered both businesses to publish a notice of the declarations and injunctions against them in four major Singapore newspapers by Aug 18, 2023. For a period of two years, the businesses were also supposed to inform customers that they had engaged in the unfair practices and obtain customers' written acknowledgement of this before entering into contracts with them. However, the businesses failed to comply with these requirements. In a first, CCCS took them to court for breach of the orders, and they were found guilty of contempt of court in September 2024.
CNA
06-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Nail care firms appeal against jail for director after breaching consumer protection orders
SINGAPORE: Two businesses under nail salon chain Nail Palace on Tuesday (May 6) appealed against the jail term given to their managing director for failing to comply with court orders to protect consumers. Managing director Kaiden Cheng appealed to have his four-month jail term replaced with a S$10,000 (US$7,700) fine, or reduced to five days' imprisonment. Justice Audrey Lim reserved her judgment after hearing arguments on whether the nail salons had done enough to inform customers of their past unfair trade practices and make up for the breach of court orders. Nail Palace (BPP) and Nail Palace (SM) were originally taken to task for unfair trade practices over the sale of anti-fungal treatment packages. This included misleading a consumer over the need for anti-fungal treatment, and failing to inform a consumer that certain lip products were not free but included in the price of an anti-fungal treatment package. In August and September 2022, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) obtained injunctions to stop both businesses from these unfair practices. A district court ordered both businesses to publish a notice of the declarations and injunctions against them in four major Singapore newspapers by Aug 18, 2023. For a period of two years, the businesses were also supposed to inform customers that they had engaged in the unfair practices and obtain customers' written acknowledgement of this before entering into contracts with them. However, the businesses failed to comply with these requirements. In a first, CCCS took them to court for breach of the orders, and they were found guilty of contempt of court in September 2024. Mr Cheng was sentenced to jail while Nail Palace (BPP) and Nail Palace (SM) were each fined S$15,000 (US$11,500), which they have paid. On Tuesday, Mr Cheng's counsel argued that both businesses had made concerted efforts since the contempt of court finding to comply with the orders, and that this remedied the breach and demonstrated their remorse. The steps they took included publishing the required notices in four major newspapers on Jan 28 and implementing a new consumer notification form from Jan 24, said lawyer Gary Low of Drew & Napier. Even if these actions to comply with the orders came late in the day, Mr Low argued they could be allowed by the court. He urged Justice Lim to give them "heavy consideration" and reduce Mr Cheng's sentence. Mr Kenny Chooi of Adsan Law, who acted for CCCS, argued that a jail term for Mr Cheng was warranted by his businesses' repeated breach of the court orders. Parliament's intention behind the provision for court orders under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act is to raise consumer awareness, allow consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, give consumers the right to decide whether they want to transact with an errant retailer, monitor errant businesses and act as deterrence, said Mr Chooi. These intentions point to the types of harm caused when court orders are breached. It meant that customers were deprived of the ability to make informed decisions about Nail Palace for the period of the breach, he argued. He pointed out that there was a period of about two-and-a-half years between the original court orders given to Nail Palace in September 2022 and the steps the businesses took in January. Parties also disagreed on whether Nail Palace's new consumer notification form satisfied the court orders. Mr Chooi, the CCCS lawyer, argued that that the orders were not satisfied because the forms were only brought to customers' attention after a portion of the nail services had already been performed. This was based on affidavits by two CCCS officers stating that when they visited the two Nail Palace branches in February and March, they were not shown the forms until after their manicures or pedicures had already started. When Mr Low - Kaiden Cheng's lawyer - countered this by claiming that only "preparatory acts" for the nail services had started, Justice Lim questioned him on whether buffing nails and applying basecoats were not part of manicures and pedicures. At one point, she asked: "What's the meaning of a manicure or pedicure? Can you please tell me? Means apply the paint only, is that it?" Mr Chooi also cited the CCCS officers' description of how Nail Palace staff had told them to "just sign at the bottom" of the form and did not explain what it was for, but claimed that it was required by the government. This would give a false impression that a signature was mandatory and put pressure on the customer to sign the form, he argued. Mr Chooi said these practices did not comply with the "substance, purpose and spirit" of the court orders but were merely a "box-ticking exercise".
Sassy Mama
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sassy Mama
Best Nail Salons In Singapore For Your Much-Needed Mani-Pedi, Nail Art & Gelish Manicures
Keen to get your nails done? We round up the best nail salons in Singapore that offer express gel manicures, classic pedicures, nail art and more. Looking for a nail salon in Singapore to give your nails a fresh look? We've got you covered. Whether you're looking to do a classic manicure, a Gelish manicure or need to give your feet some tender loving care with a pedicure, you'll be sure to find a nail salon near you with our list of the best nail salons in Singapore! So, take this as your sign to make an appointment at one of these nail salons and treat yourself for tirelessly taking care of your family. You deserve it, mama! Read more: Mobile Beauty Services In Singapore That Come To Your Home Best Nail Salons In Singapore: 1. Nail Palace: Popular nail salon with 20+ outlets Nail Palace is one of the most popular nail salons in Singapore, thanks to their creative and gorgeous nail art and mani-pedis. Whether you're in a pinch and need an express gel manicure or would like to indulge in a deluxe pedicure, Nail Palace has what you need. They also offer a variety of treatments, including sole renewal treatment and corn treatment, plus hair removal and eyelash services. Nail Palace, multiple locations in Singapore including Ang Mo Kio, Bugis and Bukit Panjang, 2. Pixie Nail Spa: Comfy nail salon with friendly staff Pixie Nail Spa has 15 outlets across Singapore, so this is another popular nail salon that you can easily find near you. Their nail salons have super comfy seats that will make you feel like a queen, while their expert manicurist turns your dream nails into a reality. Opt for a classic manicure or a Gelish manicure for something more durable. They also offer lash extensions and brow embroidery services. Pixie Nail Spa, multiple locations in Singapore including Orchard, Tampines and Yishun, 3. N20 Nail Spa: Award-winning nail salon Looking for a nail salon in Singapore with a track record of satisfied customers? N20 Nail Spa has been voted the 'Best Spa Manicure' and 'Best Nail Salon Services'. They use high-quality, dermatologist-certified nail polish from brands including Chanel, Morgan Taylor and Orly. Their long-lasting nail polishes produce gorgeous colours that are resistant to chipping and smudging. N20 Nail Spa, seven locations in Singapore including Jurong East, Sengkang and Dhoby Ghaut, 4. Maco Nail Spa: Gel manicure & nail extensions Managed by Pixie Nail Spa, you can rest assured that you will get quality manicure and pedicure services at Maco Nail Spa. Conveniently located at Holland Village, you can easily pop by during a lunch break to treat yourself to a mani-pedi. They offer classic manicures, gel manicures, acrylic nails, hybrid nails and gel nail extensions and more. Maco Nail Spa, 200 Holland Avenue, #B1-01, Singapore 278995, 5. Nail Addiction: Nail salon with affordable manicure Nail Addiction is more than just a nail salon in Singapore. In addition to an affordable express manicure, this nail salon also offers massages, foot reflexology and ear candling. If you want to treat yourself, try their manicure spa, pedicure spa or top-up for a nail mask treatment. Need to de-stress? You can also get a head massage here! Nail Addiction, multiple locations in Singapore including Temasek Boulevard, Ang Mo Kio and Kovan, Read more: Best Spas In Singapore 6. Nailz Gallery: Affordable nail salon for a mani-pedi Nailz Gallery is a nail salon you can't miss when you walk past it in a mall. We love their bright and spacious nail salons that offer a comfortable environment to get your nails done. Known for their affordable nail services, Nailz Gallery is a top choice for a classic manicure and classic pedicure. They also offer Gelish manicures and other beauty services, including eyelash extensions and eyebrow embroidery. Nailz Gallery, multiple locations in Singapore including Jurong East, Woodlands and Raffles City, 7. The Nail Arcadia: Beauty salon for nails & lashes Looking for a fuss-free nail salon in Singapore? The Nail Arcadia is nestled in Our Tampines Hub and offers a clean, minimalistic space. We love their super cute nail art designs that suit every mood and preference. Whether you want a simple classic manicure or fancy nail art for a special occasion, The Nail Arcadia can make it happen. They can also do eyelash extensions. The Nail Arcadia, Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, #B1-37, Singapore 528523 8. For Duchess, By Duke: Cheapest nail salon in Singapore On a tight budget? Believing that every woman deserves a treat, For Duchess, By Duke is one of the cheapest nail salons in Singapore, yet they do not compromise on quality. Their nail technicians are trained and certified by Après in the USA, specialising in the advanced Gel-X system that creates natural-looking nail extensions that last. Try their 10-minute one-step express manicure or opt for their nail art for a special occasion. For Duchess, By Duke, 11 Tanjong Katong Road, #02-15, Kinex, Singapore 437157, 9. The Nail Social: Non-toxic nail salon The Nail Social is a socially conscious nail salon in Singapore that uses only non-toxic, eco-friendly and cruelty-free products. They use Zoya & Coat nail lacquers and AngelPro & Jacqueline Burchell gel nail polish, all of which are free from all of the nasty chemicals that harm your nails, so they're safe for children and expectant mums! As Singapore's first socially-conscious salon, they offer vocational training and employment to local marginalised women. The Nail Social, 333 Kreta Ayer Road #02-15, Singapore 080333, 10. [BONUS!] Nail Wonderland: Shop for nail art, nail polish & tools If you love doing your nails at home, this one's for you. Nail Wonderland is the go-to place for high-quality gel nail polish, nail art and more. From clear gels to colour gels, nail stickers and even nail art tools like brushes and gel lamps, this one-stop shop has everything you need to create a mini nail salon at home. Plus, they also offer nail art courses. Nail Wonderland, 209A Lavender Street, Level 2, Singapore 338767, Read more:
