Today we’d like to introduce you to Treasure Moua
Hi Treasure, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a little girl I always enjoyed everything about entertainment. Growing up in the church I was surrounded by music. Whether it be singing, acting, or dancing, I grew up in a very supportive household filled with music and creativity, so it felt natural for me to gravitate towards the arts. I am a Hmong-American woman born in Stockton. CA and raised in Fresno before finally moving to Southern California. According to my mom, I started singing before I could even talk properly. I would wake her up every morning by singing her a song and that’s how she knew I was awake. As I continued to grow, I found myself drawn to all of the arts classes and was heavily involved in choir and theater.
Choir became my favorite class in grade school. I loved the harmony of voices coming together to create something beautiful and found myself in a small group of friends who also enjoyed singing just as much as I did. Even at that age, we would always try to form groups to sing some of our favorite pop songs and find the best harmonies for it during our breaks and lunch times.
Parallel to my love for singing was my passion for theater and acting. As I continued on through middle and high school, I tried my best to be involved in every school production, from musicals to dramatic plays. Drama class was my playground and sanctuary—it was where I could explore different characters, emotions, and narratives without judgement. I cherished every opportunity I was given to step into someone else’s shoes and bring their story to life on stage.
As I graduated high school, I shifted my mindset into education. Graduating with an Associates Degree in Math and Sciences and a Bachelors in Biology, It was natural that I didn’t have much time for the arts anymore. As I started taking more advance classes, a lot of my artistic and creative projects had to take a back seat. As life goes, I fell in love, experienced my first heartbreak, and found myself alone to pick up the pieces with no idea on how to cope. My mom suggested I join an online singing competition for the Hmong Community. She thought it would be a great opportunity for me to get back to my roots and explore my heritage all while bringing back that creative side in me. The funniest thing is I in no way wanted to partake in the competition. I had little to no self-confidence and really had doubted myself because of how long it’s been since my last bout of creativity. I tried to let the competition pass, but by some act of fate, the competition deadline was extended and I ended up submitting a video. What’s the worst that could happen? I went on to win the Online competition and ended up going to Thailand to perform on stage in front of my Hmong Community and people. I then recorded a collaboration album and grew a small group of supporters. This experience reignited my fire and was the confirmation I needed that I had a true passion for entertainment.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the foundation that choir and theater provided me. They were not just extracurricular activities—they were the stepping stones that launched me into the world of performing arts, where I continue to grow and evolve as a performer, singer, songwriter, and hopefully acting again someday.
These experiences were pivotal in shaping my identity as an artist. They taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of vulnerability in performance. More importantly, they ignited a fire within me to pursue a career where I could combine my love for singing, songwriting, and acting into one cohesive expression of artistry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think one of the biggest pivotal moments in my life was the sudden passing of my grandpa. Losing him during finals week in the last year of getting my bachelors was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. It happened so suddenly and I was devastated. He had always been one of my biggest supporters, especially when it came to my music. He would ask me after every round of the singing competition if I made it through to the next round yet.
At that time, I was actually in the final round of the online singing competition. It was a crucial moment in my music journey and suddenly I found myself torn between my grief and my passion. I remember feeling overwhelmed, wondering if I could even submit the final round challenge video. I asked for an extension and the organizer told me unfortunately I wouldn’t be able to receive an extension because it wouldn’t be fair to the other contestants. I honestly wanted to quit.
But amidst the pain, I found strength in the lessons my grandpa had taught me about resilience and perseverance. He was someone who believed in chasing dreams and never giving up. So, I made the decision to honor his memory by pushing forward. I channeled my grief into my music, pouring all the raw emotion I was feeling into each note and lyric. I think pushing through that will forever be a bittersweet memory. The support from my family and friends was incredibly uplifting. They understood what I was going through and offered their love and encouragement, which gave me the courage to continue on and give my all.
In the end, I believe that experience made me a stronger performer and artist. It taught me the power of using music as a form of healing and connection. It also reinforced my determination to pursue my dreams despite the obstacles that may come my way.
Losing my grandfather was incredibly heartbreaking, but through music and performing, I’ve been able to keep his spirit alive in everything I do. I know he’s always with me cheering me on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a proud Hmong-American woman who’s slowly navigating her way through the music and entertainment industry. Primarily, I enjoy being a performer, singer, and songwriter within the Hmong community in America but I am also still currently pushing my boundaries dabbling in other forms of artistic expression while trying to represent for the women outside of our community. My music often blends contemporary pop with a mix of the Hmong and English Language creating a unique sound that resonates with both younger generations and those who cherish our Hmong roots.
My goal is to be a trailblazer in my community, pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to express my stories and experiences through music. I take pride in using my platform to showcase the beauty of the Hmong Language while also being committed to embracing the diversity and evolution of my personal identity in America. Being a Hmong-American who speaks both languages, I love the reality that I can write songs in full hmong, full english, or a blend of the two. Music is a universal language.
What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and innovation with my work. Throughout this journey, I strive to preserve our Hmong Language while also introducing modern elements that appeal to broader audiences. This balance allows me to connect deeply with my community while also bridging cultural gaps and sharing our stories with the world. I used to be scared to showcase who I truly am. Now I welcome every aspect of myself and my individuality and I identify it as my own personal super power. No one can do you better than yourself!
I’m most proud of the impact my music has had on my audience. Seeing how my songs resonate with Hmong youth and families, fostering a sense of pride and belonging, is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about entertainment for me; it’s about empowerment and representation. I hope to continue creating to bridge that gap and use my platform to celebrate self expression, empowerment and representation. I hope to inspire the next generation of Hmong artists while pushing my own limits and breaking my own barriers.
This is only the beginning, and I hope to continue to hone my craft in everything I’m passionate about. I think it’s easy to be your greatest critic, but sometimes it’s important to be your own greatest cheerleader. This journey has been challenging yet incredibly fulfilling, and I look forward to continually make a positive impact through my artistry and platform.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve had a mentor tell me when I was young that Luck is when preparation meets opportunity and that has stuck with me ever since. Throughout my career, there have been moments where seemingly random events or chances have aligned perfectly with me.
On the positive side, luck has presented me with unexpected opportunities that has propelled me forward in my journey. Whether it was being in the right place at the right time to collaborate with other amazing artists or having a song unexpectedly resonate with a wider audience, these moments of good luck have been crucial in shaping my trajectory.
On the flip side, there have been challenges and setbacks along the way that could be seen as bad luck. These moments have tested my resilience and determination. However, each setback has also been an opportunity for growth and learning. It’s during these times that I’ve dug deep, honed my craft, and emerged stronger than before. It doesn’t matter if the step forward is big or small, any step forward is a step closer to achieving your goals.
Ultimately, I’ve learned to embrace both the highs and lows of luck in my career. It’s about being prepared to seize opportunities when they arise, while also staying grounded during more challenging times. Luck, in my experience, is not just a stroke of random chance—it’s about being ready to make the most of every situation, whether fortunate or challenging. Trust the timing of your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.treasure-vision.com/music
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treasuremoua/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treasuremouaofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TreasureMoua
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@treasure.official?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Dreaming Images, CFT Photography, ESP Visualz
