I am thrilled to share this incredible interview with stylist Nini Nguyen. She is currently at my home in Miami helping me edit my closet for when I return later this month and she has such an inspirational story. Nini is proof that you can achieve your dreams and do what you love no matter the circumstances.
Loren’s World Interviews Stylist Nini Nguyen
1. How did you connect with Loren? I always knew about Motives and her name comes across online a lot until one day she commented on my Instagram and I thought, “oh this is Loren from Motives!” I saw Motives and Market America and followed her and Amber, then we got in touch. I also design a few collections and noticed she purchased some things; I always reach out to thank people who shop on my website and then boom – it happened and I was in NYC helping her. She is a great supporter and I think that is so important. I love how she talks about her family and friends and she is a very caring person and that’s what I like about her.
2. You have been in the industry for 10 years! How did you get started? I was born in Vietnam, was in Thailand for 8 years and eventually started in fashion in America at 14 years old. My goal was to get into Banana Republic and be a salesperson but I barely knew any English and had to start somewhere, so they hired me a few times a week as a janitor. One day a customer came in and I was very sneaky and helped them. The customer walked out with a major sale and everyone at the store was like, “how did you do that?” Eventually I became the top salesperson in the region, district, etc and moved on to Neiman Marcus at 17 years old for 3-4 years and Barneys for 3 years after that.
3. What is your main goal? I came to America and went to school but always wanted to work. Coming here I had the opportunity to work and when I want something I will get it and not give up. No one can stop me from doing what I want to do or get what I want to get. My goal was and is to help people and make them feel beautiful.
4. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career? The greatest moment of my life has been that I have been strong enough to go out on my own and do what I love! To start where I come from and then to be here, working for Neiman Marcus and Barneys – I thought that everything was so good for me and I didn’t want to leave it. There was a fear like, “what if it doesn’t turn out right?” But I always enjoy everything and it’s been a blessing.
5. What is your style philosophy? “It’s not what you wear but how you wear it”
