We recently connected with Natasha Nguyen and have shared our conversation below.
Natasha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
Reflecting on the past, I realize I could’ve been braver during my younger years. Back then, I was bursting with energy, motivation, and drive, eager to take on the world. Yet, fear gripped me tightly, holding me back from that crucial first step. I hesitated, unsure of where to begin or how to proceed. But when I finally summoned the courage to dive in, I discovered that failure wasn’t the end—it was merely a stepping stone on the path to success. It took time, but I eventually embraced this truth.
I’ve also learned the importance of focus. In the past, I spread myself thin, juggling multiple projects simultaneously. However, this approach hindered rather than helped me. Growth was stunted as my attention was divided across various ventures. Now, I’m in the process of slowing down, scaling back, and dedicating myself to one thing at a time. Success isn’t a race; it’s a journey that unfolds gradually, crafted over time rather than achieved overnight.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My blogging journey began with a gentle push from my husband, Richie Anothaisintavee, who encouraged me to explore the world of Yelp reviews. Little did I know, his simple suggestion would lead to a myriad of incredible friendships and even job opportunities within the company itself. Initially, I wasn’t exactly enthralled by social media. However, under the guidance of my former boss and mentor, Ryan Cox, I came to understand the immense impact social media could have on my career.
As time passed, I joined forces with Angela Le, my trusted business partner, to embark on the entrepreneurial path. Together, we launched our own marketing and creative agency, giving life to my personal foodie brand, Natasha Nguyen, across platforms like YouTube and various social media channels. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and growth, as I’ve learned to craft my own videos and establish my personal brand along the way.
Through collaborations with renowned names such as The Habit Burger Grill, TikTok, Empress Gin 1908, Ziggi’s Coffee, Tastea, and HungryRoot, I’ve been fortunate to expand my horizons and explore new opportunities. And the journey continues, filled with excitement and endless possibilities.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When presented with a collaboration opportunity through a public relations agency with The Habit Burger Grill, I hesitated at the proposition of a trade of services. It simply didn’t reflect the value I knew I could offer. That’s when I made the decision to advocate for a paid collaboration.
Armed with clear communication and unwavering persistence, I embarked on a negotiation journey, exchanging countless emails. It wasn’t without its challenges, but through sheer determination, I succeeded in persuading both the agency and The Habit Burger Grill to transition to a paid arrangement.
This experience not only underscored my dedication to fair compensation but also highlighted my ability to adapt and transform obstacles into opportunities. It served as a poignant reminder that advocating for one’s beliefs can yield positive outcomes, with resilience and effective communication as essential tools in navigating such scenarios.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Initially, I prioritized consistency in my social media postings, believing it to be crucial. While consistency remains important, I’ve come to realize the significance of quality over quantity. Along this journey, I’ve honed my understanding of what content resonates with my audience and what doesn’t. Surprisingly, I archived many old posts that didn’t align with my personal brand – a result of not having a clear direction initially. I tried to do what I thought was right, but it lacked value for my audience.
Through trial and error, I’ve navigated towards a clearer vision of what I want to share and what my audience enjoys. Consistency played a role in guiding me towards this direction, but it’s been a process of learning and refining. As I continue to grow my personal brand, I recognize that there will be more trial and error ahead. Yet, each step forward brings me closer to where I aspire to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natashanguyen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashatnguyen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashatnguyen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-nguyen-7a3144121/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/natashatnguyen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/natashatnguyen
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=SIk-bEHjv5tItELf3NPucQ
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natashatnguyen?lang=en Buy Me A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/natashatnguyen Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/natashatnguyen Marketing & Creative Agency: https://empressmediainc.com/
Image Credits
Photographer: Meg Strouse