Today we’d like to introduce you to Mai Nguyen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mary. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I officially started my brand in late 2018. I always knew I wanted to go into designing, but I wanted to test the waters for everything else I had love for. As a creative, I was always intrigued with every medium art has to offer. I formed a love for photography at age 12.
My first camera was a pink Canon point-and-shoot I received for Christmas. In 2008, I turned 14, and I started expressing myself more through the way I dress. Started drawing and creating looks. I dreamed of owning a little boutique.
In 2016, I started learning about videography. I was giving my time to Final Cut Pro and made a Youtube channel. In 2018, I started getting asked a lot to photograph and film events. I was also creative directing my own shoots and styling other people’s shoots.
Time went by fast, I had folders full of content, but that is what made me realized I was doing so much that I forgot what I wanted to do in the first place. I circled back to the idea of designing again. That was the thing that made me the happiest.
The end of 2018, I’m working full time on IAMAI, my clothing brand, and I’m applying all that I’ve learned throughout the years as a creative to help me with that.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There’s been a lot of times I questioned my work. My confidence wasn’t there yet. I struggled a lot finding what I liked, not what everyone else may like. I did a lot of soul searching. The hardest part of this journey so far is definitely the part where I learned not to care what anyone thinks.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about IAMAI – what should we know?
My business is a clothing brand. I specialize in designing my own looks and timeless pieces. I directed and shot something in December 2018 that I designed an outfit for.
But as for my line, I have not yet released anything, that is what I’m planning to do in 2019. I can say I’m really proud of the quality and thought I put into this brand. That is what sets IAMAI apart from most. IAMAI will never be a fast fashion industry.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Wow, so many people in my life deserves the credit actually. My family always supported me. My boyfriend and his family. They are still investing in my dreams til this day. I wouldn’t have gotten this close to the beginning without them.
My best friend Stef, she was always pushing me to pursue something that made life worth living. I never knew what she meant until later on. My creative friends, they know who they are. I wouldn’t be this motivated and would not have this drive without them in my life.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8329182044
- Email: contactwmai@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thatsallmai
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