Community Highlights: Meet Linda Nguyen of Culture Series

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Nguyen. 

Hi Linda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As a young girl, I always leaned toward fashion, beauty, and entrepreneurship. I remember gathering items around the house and lining them up on the stairway. When my parents came home from work, I told them my boutique was “open for business!” Although I hold a degree in Merchandise Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and certification as a Beauty Makeup Artist, my traditional Asian family expected me to take on a more conventional career path. 

After stints in the fashion and beauty industry as a Fashion Stylist and Makeup Artist, I settled into a stable job in healthcare for security. But the itch for entrepreneurship eventually returned in my mid-30s. I wanted to show my daughter she could live in a world where young women could defy traditional ideals, follow their dreams, and let their innate talents shine by pursuing their passion. 

I started a luxury resale business and leaned on my daughter to assist with operations so I could network. I connected with the local business community, and they welcomed me with open arms by making valuable introductions. And then – life threw me a couple of curveballs. Multiple burglaries resulted in massive losses. Betrayal from a business partner. The roller coaster of business ownership. 

My new community rallied around me to ensure I remained strong through my hardships. Inspirational leaders saw what I didn’t see in myself then. They gave me new opportunities that propelled me in unimaginable ways to where I am today. 

In the past few years, I have been grateful for the opportunities to pull up a chair to sit at the table to learn from community leaders and contribute to several startup endeavors. I gained invaluable experience through these connections. Now, I’m ready to build my own table to create my legacy! 

When working on new projects, I enjoy taking ownership of the assignment – learning about the industry, asking the right questions, making connections with those in the same space, strategizing operations, and foreseeing the company’s potential. The risks, the uncertainties – they’re all worthwhile as massive success could be at the other end. I take great pride in building a team I can confidently delegate to and know they will efficiently execute under autonomy and clear guidance. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One struggle is the constant battle in my head. The limiting beliefs that lead to imposter syndrome. My story isn’t impactful enough to share. My mistakes and failures are embarrassing. It’s generational. Our ancestors, immigrant culture, and our parents – they all have input. They tell us to take no risks and to seek stability. 

To overcome my limiting fears, I hired a personal branding professional to help me create an alter ego. My own version of Sasha Fierce reminds me that I earned my success. I’m walking my own path to curating the life I deserve – filled with depth, meaning, and great intentions. That I am worthy, capable, and enough. I remind myself that someone else with the same aptitude could replace me. Am I willing to lose an opportunity due to my own insecurities? 

As you know, we’re big fans of Culture Series. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a business consultant and community member who thrives on bringing people together to create long-term relationships that expand business opportunities and increase returns. My everyday goal is to cultivate meaningful connections and impactful collaborations that serve my clients and community. Entrepreneurs are bogged down and limited by operations. I work with visionary leaders who need support in execution, turning their ideas into reality while allowing them to focus on innovation and growth. 

As a community member, I actively use my influence to affect positive change and explore strategic alliances to echo voices in unity which leads to collective flourishing. I currently serve on the board of the Asian Business Association of Los Angeles (ABALA) and the National Association of Asian American Professionals Orange County (NAAAP-OC). 

Passionate about giving back by supporting youth empowerment nonprofits, including OC United Way and Girls Inc. of OC, I serve as a mentor to high school students, ensuring they stay on track to graduate and preparing them to enter their first year in college. I have a teen daughter and believe our youth should receive the support they need to succeed, especially in immigrant families unaware of the abundance of community resources available. 

I am a part of the Gold House Founders Network and Summit Community. In an effort towards continuous learning and self-development, I completed the Madefor and USC Non-Profit Resilient Leaders & Capacity Building programs. 

Accolades include Senator Tom Umberg’s Woman of Distinction, ABAOC’s Presidential Award, Operation Be Kind’s Community Impact Award, and FACCOC’s Ambassador of the Year. 

I hope to inspire others through my lived experience to defy traditional ideals and use our innate talents to pave a new path as creatives, entrepreneurs, and non-traditionalists – creating our own unique legacy. I have been featured in ABC7, BBC News, BuzzFeed, Daily Pilot, Databox, IncFile, LA Times, Little Saigon TV, NBC4, OC Register, Thrive Global, TimesOC, and ValiantCEO. 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Saying yes led me to new opportunities, and now saying no allows me to focus on where I will make the most impact. I am guided by my commitments to authenticity, drive, exploration, fun, humility, and purpose. Using my lived experiences, sharing my journey allows me to help others. I strive to create ripple effects within my circle, leading to a universal wave of change. 

One more thing, keeping an intimate circle of friends to eat, drink, laugh, cry, and share with keeps me sane. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lindanguyen.com