SUCCESS STORY
Tracy Nguyen:
From Fashion Mogul to Coffee Enthusiast
By Guillaume Jean Lefebvre
Tracy Nguyen, a name synonymous with creativity and entrepreneurship, has traversed a remarkable journey from her birthplace in Vietnam to becoming a prominent figure in the vibrant landscape of California, USA. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born in Vietnam, Tracy made the life-changing move to California 33 years ago, where she would later carve out her path to success. Growing up, she was immersed in a world of artistry and business acumen, with her father being an artist and her mother a textile company owner in Vietnam. These early influences laid the foundation for Tracy's future endeavors.
Her journey into the realm of creativity began at a tender age of 7 when she discovered her passion for making clothes for dolls. This childhood interest blossomed into a full-fledged career as she delved into the world of fashion and design.
Tracy's professional journey took flight with her first job at MCI, a telecommunications company, where she honed her skills in sales. Her academic prowess is equally impressive, having earned a B.S. in Marketing and Computer Science from Cal State Fullerton. Not content with just one field of expertise, Tracy expanded her horizons by obtaining a Nutritionist degree from Harvard University in 2023.
The pivotal moment in her career came when she established her own clothing brand, a venture that spanned from 2008 to 2022. Under her creative direction, the brand gained recognition and was featured on prestigious red carpet events and television shows, cementing Tracy's reputation as a visionary in the fashion industry.
Despite her professional commitments, Tracy has always emphasized the importance of a balanced life. She prioritizes physical well-being, dedicating time to workouts and maintaining a healthy diet. Her mantra of 'health is wealth' reflects her holistic approach to success.
Currently, Tracy is embarking on a new chapter in her life. After selling her clothing brand in 2022, she is taking a sabbatical to explore her newfound passion for coffee. Delving into the intricacies of the coffee industry, Tracy envisions combining her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for coffee to create innovative ventures in the future.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tracy aspires to be an influencer inspiring the younger generation to pursue their dreams, work diligently, believe in themselves, and prioritize their well-being. Her multifaceted journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing that with determination and dedication, one can conquer diverse fields and leave a lasting impact on society.
BIOGRAPHY
1. What specific childhood inspirations contributed to your interest in fashion and designing clothes for dolls?
My childhood inspiration came from both of my parents. My dad was an artist, and my mom owned a textile factory in Vietnam. Growing up, I watched my dad work with colors and drawings. I also had the opportunity to use the extra fabrics from my mom’s factory to experiment with making doll clothes
2. How did you manage to juggle between your job at MCI and the development of your own clothing brand? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
My first job was working with MCI during my college years. After earring B.S. degrees in Marketing/Business and Computer Science, I spent 12 years at LendingTree as an Escrow Officer. Realizing that corporate work wasn’t my passion. I decided to pursue a career in the fashion industry in 2008. That when the brand Savee Couture was born.
3. Can you tell us about a standout experience or key event that shaped your professional journey as a fashion designer?
One of the most standout experiences as a fashion designer is when I truly loved what I did; the job felt effortless, almost like I wasn’t working at all.
4. What role did your education in marketing and computer science play in the development and management of your clothing brand?
I started a business where I wore many hats, designing clothes, marketing the brand, and building my first website.
5. Why did you decide to pursue studies in nutrition at Harvard University after successfully establishing your clothing brand?
After successfully building and selling the brand, I decided to prioritize my health. I wanted to gain more self-knowledge about nutrition and focus on improving my quality of life during my beak from work
Model: Tracy Nguyen
MUA: Vincent Tracy
PHOTOGRAPHER: JACKGUY.COM
6. What lessons did you learn during your break after selling your clothing brand, and how did these lessons influence your future projects?
During this break, I was able to recharge myself, travel around the world, explore different cultures, types of foods and coffee. This experience allowed me to gather new ideas for my next adventure.
7. Could you share details about your exploration of the coffee world? What drew you to this industry, and what are your long-term goals in this field?
I visited Vietnam several times and discovered that coffee production has been a significant source of income since the early 20th century, initially introduced by the French in 1857. I was fascinated by the coffee industry and explored numerous coffee shops from the North to the South. The Vietnamese coffee recipes are intriguing, and the flavors are amazing. I‘ve been learning and experimenting with different coffee recipes. In the near future, I plan to introduce authentic Vietnamese coffee ,combined with Western decor, to the Western world.
8. How do you plan to integrate your knowledge in nutrition and your interest in coffee into your future projects?
Instead of using sugary products and animal milk, I can replace these with healthier ingredients
9. As an influencer, what message would you like to convey to younger generations regarding success, well-being, and pursuing their passions?
Success:
Success is not just about achieving material goals or reaching a certain status. It’s about finding fulfillment and joy in what you do. Set meaningful goals that align with your passions and values. Work hard, stay focused, and be persistent.
Well-Being:
Your well-being is a foundation of everything you do. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Prioritize self-care, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and managing stress. Surround yourself with positive influences. A healthy mind and body will empower you to take challenges and pursue your dreams with vigor.
Pursuing passions:
First and foremost, believe in the power of your dreams. Your passions are not fleeting interests; they are the seeds of greatness within you. Whether it’s art, music, fashion, science, or anything else that sets your soul on fire, embrace it with all your heart.
10. What are your personal and professional aspirations for the years ahead, and how do you plan to achieve these goals?
I aim to maintain a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes both work and personal well-being. It’s important to stay healthy and spend quality time with loved ones while launching a new business.
To achieve this, I will establish a routine that allows me to prioritize my goals effectively.
INTERVIEW
Quality, not quantity
We have made quality our habit. It’s not something that we just strive for – we live by this principle every day.