Anne Nguyen of Little Tokyo on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Anne Nguyen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Anne, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m a big believer in optimizing my day, and for me, that starts before the sun comes up.

My mornings begin at 4 AM every day—yes, even on weekends. I start by making my bed, pouring my first cup of coffee (black, no cream or sugar), putting on some light jazz, and spending a few quiet minutes checking my personal accounts and creating my to-do list for the day.

Once that’s done, I ease into the physical side of my morning with some light yoga to wake up my body, followed by 10 to 15 minutes of meditation to center my mind and build focus. Afterward, I walk and feed my Shiba Inu, Akira, then shower, get ready, and gather my things. By around 8 AM, I’m out the door and ready for the day.

I’ve kept this routine for several years because of the structure and clarity I get from moving while the world is still asleep. I once read a quote by Muhammad Ali that really resonated with me: “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” It stuck with me and reminds me why I do this. It’s the little, consistent habits that make the difference, because whether I’m in the mood or not to wake up early, exercise, or meditate, I show up anyway—every day. That discipline flows into everything I do and has moved me forward in ways I didn’t recognize until later.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an Art Director and Designer specializing in brand and marketing creative services for consumer products, services, and film/television. I approach every branding project as an opportunity to build the foundation of a company’s or project’s identity. It starts with listening, really understanding the business, its offerings, its culture, and the people behind it. From there, I translate those unique qualities into a visual (and sometimes verbal) identity that captures its essence.

Once a brand has a clear identity, I help bring it to life through marketing design. Whether it’s a campaign, digital content, or print materials, I focus on creating work that not only promotes the brand but strengthens it, telling a consistent visual story that resonates with audiences that feels unmistakably theirs.

The same principles guide my work in entertainment, where I create visual identities for film and television that resonate with audiences through intentional design.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My family taught me the most about work. I come from a big family with a really strong work ethic, and we’ve always been close—not just my immediate family, but my extended family too. From an early age, I saw firsthand what dedication and perseverance look like. But the greatest lesson came from my father who, through his actions, taught me that “nothing is given, everything is earned.” That mindset has stuck with me throughout my life and career.

Beyond that, simply entering the workforce was a powerful teacher in itself. As an Asian woman, I quickly became aware of the challenges and biases that can exist in professional spaces. Instead of letting that discourage me, it motivated me to push harder—to learn more, do more, and continue proving what I’m capable of. Looking back, I’m actually grateful for those experiences. They shaped my resilience and drive, and in many ways, I believe the extra effort I’ve put in has helped me get ahead and truly appreciate every success I’ve earned.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me humility, gratitude, and bravery in ways that success never could.

I’m naturally meticulous, so I rarely make mistakes—my sister even jokes that she celebrates whenever I do, just to prove I’m human. But when those moments happen, they’re humbling. They remind me that things don’t always go as planned, and that I need to accept it, not let it discourage me, and keep moving forward with grace.

They also teach me gratitude. In my family and among my loved ones, I’m often the strong one, the person people come to for advice. But in my own moments of weakness, they’re always there for me. Those experiences have opened my eyes to how deeply I’m surrounded by love and support, and that’s something success alone can’t show you.

And finally, suffering has taught me bravery. You only get to be truly brave when you’re afraid—when failure or hurt feels real. Those moments push you to act anyway, to face uncertainty head-on, and they’ve shaped the way I approach every challenge since.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
For me, it’s the idea that sometimes not saying anything is the most effective form of communication. I’ve learned that silence can be powerful when used intentionally. I value it because it reminds me to be thoughtful rather than reactive, to truly understand what’s happening around me, and to respond with intention rather than impulse. In a world that often celebrates speaking first and fast, I find strength in restraint and presence.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I live by the words, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Whether a project is big or small, high-priority or low, I give it the same attention and care, both at work and in my daily life. To be honest, I don’t do it for recognition. I care more about doing it well than whether anyone notices.

That said, I’ve learned that what you do in private inevitably shows up in public. People see the results of my work, but not the hours (sometimes days) of planning, mapping, and conceptualizing that went into it. They don’t see the time spent creating and filtering through bad ideas before landing on the good ones. They don’t see the design events I attend to keep learning in an industry that’s constantly evolving, or the extra effort I put in to build my skills so I can do more. Doing your best consistently isn’t about praise—it’s about integrity, growth, and how you carry yourself in everything you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ancreative.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/an-creative
• Other: https://www.behance.net/an-creative

Image Credits
STEEZC (Chris Ho)