Age: 33

Measurements:

Waist: 26

Hips: 37

Bust: 32

Height: 5’7”

Weight: 120

Hair/Eye Color: Black/ Brown

Tell us about yourself (where are you from, age, whatever you want to add)

I am proudly of Vietnamese descent and I am situated in our nation’s capital of Washington DC. Besides modeling, I work as an Information Technology professional.  I was a former pageant girl before I took up modeling. In 2016, I was crowned Elite Miss DC United States Earth, where I placed 3rd runner-up at the national pageant. My favorite past time is to cook Vietnamese food and read philosophy books. I am currently working on a semi-autobiographical novel that touches on identity issues and unresolved war trauma. 

Tell us about your modeling experience. 

I have been modeling since 2015. I have done various runway shows to include DC Fashion Week, International Latin Fashion Week, and swimsuit in NYC. I am experienced in doing all types of photoshoots, ranging from fitness, swimwear, editorial, and couture evening gowns. I have been featured in mall billboards and published in four (4) different magazines – one of which is the back cover of “Communique Magazine” where Angie Stone is on the front cover. 

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to travel to the world to appreciate all the rich cultures and take in all the wonderfully underappreciated landscapes and natural wonders. I want to taste as many as unique cuisines and desserts that the world has to offer. I want to be overtaken by emotion when I finally see Aurora Borealis. The world is so vast and full of many wonderful things that we take for granted. To live life to the fullest, with the person I love the most in an unforgettable globetrotting experience- that is the ultimate dream to me. 

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

What comes to my mind is self-acceptance and to me, that is the most beautiful and kindest thing you can give yourself. I used to hate the way I look because I was made fun of for the way my eyes looked. I didn’t actually hated the way I look – I self-hated because I felt others hated me. It took a lot of growing up and practice to realize that I didn’t need others to consider me beautiful. Loving the way you are (physically, emotionally, and mentally) is hard but one of the most important gifts you can give yourself.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I naturally gravitate towards elements of glam no matter what I’m wearing or what the season. I think fashion is meant to be fun and I have such a love for elements of retro glam. My go to look year round is a black cat eyeliner and a bold lip color or contour to highlight my cheek bones. I’m a huge fan of heels for all seasons, whether in the form of a thigh highs or a sturdy block heel. I love to wear black and have pops of fun colors through accessories. My favorite accessories include berets, chokers, large statement earrings, and big sunglasses. You will always find me experimenting. 

Who or what inspires you?

Happy people who are passionately doing what they love- they are the most inspirational people to me. It’s not celebrities, people with a large following on social media, or those who were able to acquire massive amount of material wealth. It’s the genuinely happy passionate and kind people who live a present and enriching life. It’s as simple as that for me. 

What is your advice to someone who is just getting started with modeling?

Always take care of your mental and physical health first. You must NEVER sacrifice your body, mind, and health because of rejection.  Rejection is the most normal thing in the modeling world. However, you must never, I mean NEVER, self-reject yourself. Always try even when you think you are going to get rejected. It’s the most cliché thing in the world but you really never know what will happen and I can’t think of anything truer in life. 

Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you. 

Growing up in a community with little diversity, I was made fun of for my ethnic features as a child and it used to devastate me. I remember not being able to find an Asian Barbie doll in stores and had very little reference of what it feels to be accepted for who you uniquely are. As a person of color, I have also experienced different forms or racism, discrimination, and typecasting.  I decided in young adulthood that I was going to fiercely accept who I am despite the little representation of Asian beauty in American markets. It is my personal goal to advocate for more Asian representation and diversity in the beauty, fashion, and fitness industry. I want this, not just for myself, but for all the young girls who want to feel that they are beautiful because I remind them of themselves.

 

What makes you beautiful/handsome?

People have told me they admire my high cheekbone, full lips, and “ethnic” features - I can only give that credit to my father and mother’s gene pool. However, it’s not my birth given features that makes me feel beautiful. I feel beautiful when am volunteering for a good cause and one of my proudest accomplishments was planning a charity event that raised $20,000. That money was put towards buying medical and school supplies for orphans in Vietnam.  I feel beautiful when I cook a meal and my family joyfully savors every bite.  I feel the most beautiful when someone tells me that I helped them feel good about themselves. Growing as a person and helping others never fails to make me feel beautiful.

What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?

Being confident in one’s self is a genuinely hard skill that takes tons of practice and self-love. Our confidence levels can fluctuate day by day, even for the most seemingly confident person. We must practice self-kindness and compassion daily and remind ourselves how we are deserving of our dreams and goals. Focusing on the things we don’t like in ourselves is the easiest thing in the world but forget all of that. Focus on what you love about yourself and give yourself credit whenever you take a risk or a step in the right direction to love yourself.