We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trang Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Trang thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Thank you for this opportunity to share my journey. For those who may not know me yet, my name is Trang, and I am the founder of two businesses— QT Pro Marketing and The Story wedding & event. But more than that, I see myself as someone who has been driven by a deep love for creativity and art since I was a child. I’ve spent my entire life pursuing that passion, and everything I do, whether in business or in life, is rooted in this belief that creativity is not just something you do—it’s something you live.
I first fell in love with the arts when I was only four years old, and that passion has never left me. Even though my path led me to marketing, I never let go of my creative side. After I graduated with a degree in marketing, I worked behind the scenes in Vietnam as a producer, editor, and artist manager. There’s a special kind of magic in creating something that moves people, even when you’re not the one in the spotlight, and that’s what kept pushing me forward.
Starting my own businesses felt like a natural progression of that passion. My first marketing agency in the U.S. was born from a desire to help brands tell their stories in a way that resonates on a deeper level. It was during the pandemic, and many people thought I was making a reckless choice. There were moments when I didn’t even have enough money to buy groceries, but I always made sure my employees were taken care of. That commitment to my team and my clients is what drives me, even when things get tough.But I have always believed that if you don’t take bold risks, you’ll never truly learn what you’re capable of. And I knew I was capable of more.
With my second start-up, I expanded into event decoration with The Story, an event company dedicated to creating luxury, personalized experiences. I didn’t want to just plan events; I wanted to craft unforgettable moments that reflect the true essence of each client. Every event we design at The Story tells a unique story—it’s a reflection of our clients’ personalities, passions, and dreams. We don’t just replicate ideas; we create something entirely new, something that feels personal and intimate for each client. For me, this is the heart of what we do—making people feel seen, understood, and celebrated through the experiences we create for them.
I left a six-figure job to pursue the dream of building my businesses. That job was demanding, but compared to being a business owner, my worries were minimal. I didn’t have to think about payroll deadlines, where the next client was coming from, or how to expand a business. As an employee, things were simpler. But despite the security and comfort, I’ve never regretted my decision to leave it all behind and start my own businesses.
People thought I was reckless—leaving a steady 9-to-5 in my thirties, especially during the pandemic, seemed like madness to many. They laughed, wondering how someone “no longer young” could survive in a competitive industry like events.
But I’ve always been driven by a need to prove that it’s never too late to start something extraordinary. When I launched my first marketing agency, I had only $200 in my account and seven employees relying on me. There were times when my bank account hit zero, and I had to borrow from family and friends just to make payroll. I still remember standing outside a grocery store, realizing I couldn’t even afford a pack of instant noodles—surviving on water just to get through the day. The stress was overwhelming at times, but no matter how tough things got, I never let it affect my commitment to my team. I made sure my employees were paid on time, no matter what. My family and friends were my lifeline during those dark moments, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering support.
Little by little, day by day, my company grew. More clients came in, and my team expanded. One thing I’ve always believed—and something I instill in my employees—is that “the kind of person you are determines the people you attract.” I’m incredibly proud of the team I’ve built—people who share my values, my vision, and my passion for the work we do. Together, we’ve created something far beyond what I ever dreamed possible.
Now, four years later, I feel blessed every single day. I’m surrounded by a team that’s just as passionate about our work as I am, and I have the flexibility to spend time with my child—something that means the world to me. Yes, it’s been a difficult road, but it’s also been the most rewarding journey of my life. Every challenge, every sleepless night, has brought me closer to the life I always envisioned—one filled with creativity, purpose, and the freedom to live life on my terms.
Trang, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
What sets us apart is our obsessive attention to detail and our deep commitment to making every experience unique. I’ve always told my team that the energy and passion we bring to our work will be reflected in the people we attract and the clients we serve. I’m incredibly proud of the teams I’ve built—talented, dedicated individuals who share my vision of excellence and creativity. We don’t just stop when the client is happy; we push ourselves to go beyond, to create something even better than they imagined.
What I want potential clients and followers to know is that my work is deeply personal to me. Every project we take on, whether it’s a marketing campaign or a grand event, is infused with the same passion that has driven me since I was a child. I don’t believe in settling for “good enough.” I believe in giving everything I have to make each experience meaningful, memorable, and impactful. At the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is not just the success of my businesses but the fact that we’ve helped so many people tell their stories in a way that is true to who they are.
My journey has been filled with challenges, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. It has shaped me into the person I am today—a person who lives for creativity, thrives on passion, and is dedicated to bringing the very best to every client I work with. That’s what I want people to remember about me and my brand: we are here to create, to inspire, and to make your story come to life in the most extraordinary way possible.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My resilience was shaped early on by my love for creativity and the arts. I started pursuing my passion at the age of four and eventually earned a degree in marketing. Yet, my creative journey didn’t end there. I moved behind the scenes, becoming a producer, editor, and artist manager in Vietnam. The transition from being on stage to working backstage was difficult, but it fueled my desire to create meaningful art in new ways. That passion for creativity has carried through in every role I’ve taken on.
Resilience for me isn’t just about hard work; it’s about continually pushing myself to grow. Even today, whether it’s in marketing, television, or events, I feel there is always room to improve. My clients often tease me for being the perfectionist—while they might be thrilled with an event, I’m the one thinking about how to make it even better. This mindset has driven me to never stop learning, as I know that staying ahead in the event industry requires constantly updating my skills and staying on top of trends.
A pivotal moment that tested my resilience came with The Story. As the founder, I’m responsible for ensuring every event is meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. The pressure can be intense, but my commitment to delivering excellence has helped me thrive. Our mission at The Story is to create a “quiet luxury” brand focused on personalized experiences. It’s not always easy, but every time we deliver a unique and memorable event, I’m reminded of why the hard work is worth it. The challenges may be many, but my passion and determination to keep improving never waver.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
At The Story, what we take the most pride in is our unwavering dedication to creating unique, personalized events for each of our clients. Our name, The Story, perfectly encapsulates our mission—to tell the individual stories of our clients through the events we craft. When clients come to us with ideas or specific concepts, we don’t simply replicate what they’ve seen elsewhere. Instead, we collaborate closely with them to develop fresh designs that align with their vision and preferences.
We believe that every client deserves something truly special and distinctive when they choose The Story. Our goal is to offer designs that are not only personal but also entirely unique, reflecting the essence of each individual. This personalized approach has been a cornerstone of our reputation in the market, and it’s what sets us apart.
It’s for all of these reasons that clients come to The Story—to experience the care, creativity, and dedication we bring to every project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestoryballoons.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryballoons?igsh=MTlwcnNnMmJ6M2N0&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryweddingevent
- Other: https://thestoryevent.com/
