Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tam Nguyen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tam, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

It’s funny because most people who don’t know me personally assume my name is Mila because the name of my business is Mila Ellie Photography & Events. My name is Tam, but I named my business after my two daughters, Mila & Ellie. Before finalizing the branding of this business, I’ve had multiple “brand names” for my photography during my hobbyist days—anywhere from “Photos by Tam” to “TN Photography”, but nothing quite made me feel as confident and purposeful as the name I have now, which is the official name of my DBA. I identify with this name because my daughters are my daily inspiration and the heart of my brand because at the end of the day, I’m “mom” above all things.

Tam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a full time mom & entrepreneur in photography & event planning, I’m truly passionate about creating memories and moments that will last a lifetime for my clients and their families. My journey into this industry has been a combination of my personal passions, professional skills, and life experiences.

I am a creative and being able to express myself through my creativity fulfills my soul. I’ve always been like this since I was a kid because my favorite subjects were Art, Music, & Theatre growing up. Being a mom and planning events for my own family made me realize how much joy I could bring to others by not only documenting their most special moments but also helping them organize and plan events that align with their vision and make them feel truly celebrated.

As an event planner, I specialize in creating seamless and unforgettable experiences for families, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. I help my clients with everything from selecting themes, designing décor, coordinating logistics, and ensuring every detail comes together perfectly. And, of course, I can be there with my camera to capture the magic of it all! Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday party, or a family reunion, I work closely with each client to understand their unique needs and desires, and I guide them through the entire planning process.

What I do really goes beyond just the final product. I pride myself on being someone my clients can trust and rely on. I aim to take the stress out of their experience by being relatable and understanding. I also take great care in capturing those little moments—the spontaneous laughter, the tender embraces, and the quiet glances—that often get overlooked. Those are the moments that truly make up the fabric of our lives, and that’s what I’m most passionate about preserving.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine my creative photography with event planning. Many event planners focus solely on logistics, and many photographers focus solely on photos, but I offer both. This means that from the moment a client hires me, they know that their event is in good hands and that I will be there to tell the complete story. I genuinely care about every event I work on and pour my heart into creating something that’s meaningful and beautiful.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years with my clients. So many of them have become more like family to me, and I love being able to walk with them through significant milestones in their lives. Whether it’s capturing a mom during her maternity stage to capturing her new family, & as soon as you know it–her child’s first birthday milestone, these moments are what fuel my passion. My goal is always to leave my clients feeling heard, seen, and celebrated.

Above all, I want potential clients to know that when they choose to work with me, they’re not just hiring a photographer or an event planner—they’re choosing someone who cares deeply about their experience. I take pride in being someone they can count on, someone who will go above and beyond to create an event and memories they will cherish for years to come. My work is all about connection, creating something that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful, and ensuring that every moment is truly special.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the freedom of expression. Just being able to utilize my freedom of expression is liberating and feels very pure because through my creative work is how I can show people who I am, what my interests are, and what I like. I must admit, I’m a person that likes to be in control and being a creative allows me the space to do that in a healthy, fun, & fulfilling way.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission driving my creative journey is to spread love & happiness to others and help them tell their story. Life is just way too short and if I could be a part in creating memorable moments to remind others of their life purpose, then I feel like I am fulfilling my own heart in this job. As a mom, I know exactly how fast time changes things and capturing time in a photo just feels more important now than ever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://milaelliephotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milaelliephotography

Image Credits

Self Portrait taken by Huseyin Karahan