Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kim Loan Duong of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kim Loan Duong. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Kim Loan , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, what’s been bringing me the most joy lately is spending quality time with my 2 year old son, Leo. He has a way of grounding me and reminding me to slow down, be present, and appreciate the little moments.

Whether it’s laughing together, watching him discover the world, or simply unplugging and being fully there, those moments have been incredibly fulfilling. Being a parent has given me a deeper sense of purpose and perspective, and that joy carries over into how I show up — both in life and in my work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kim Loan Duong, CEO and Founder of Prestigious Models Inc, now known as Prestigious Powerhouse — a union-franchised agency advocating for Asian talent across commercial, TV, and film.

As an Asian woman founder, this work is deeply personal. I’m committed to building a values-driven, community-centered organization — and a team that shares the same mission — because real impact is never a solo journey.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world comes from my childhood. I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the Versailles community. Growing up, I was bullied for being different — for how I looked, how I spoke, and where I came from. It was lonely and painful, but it also made me deeply aware of how exclusion and invisibility can impact someone’s sense of self-worth.

Those experiences stayed with me and taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, protected, and valued. They became the foundation for my commitment to advocacy and representation. Having firsthand experience with being overlooked or misunderstood continues to guide how I lead, how I build community, and how I create opportunities for others.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized that pretending to be ‘fine’ was costing me my voice. For a long time, I believed strength meant staying quiet, pushing through, and doing whatever I thought was necessary to be accepted or happy. Eventually, I understood that my experiences — the rejection, the bullying, and the feeling of not belonging — weren’t weaknesses. They were sources of insight, empathy, and clarity.

That shift happened when I stepped into leadership. I saw that my lived experiences allowed me to advocate more intentionally, lead with compassion, and create spaces where others didn’t have to shrink themselves to fit in. Once I stopped hiding my story and started owning it, my pain became purpose — and that purpose continues to guide how I build, lead, and create opportunities for others.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to continuously growing and expanding the agency. Twenty years ago, people laughed when I said my mission was to build the top Asian agency in the nation and questioned whether it was sustainable.

When roles don’t exist, it’s often because no one has built the infrastructure to support them, and stereotypes persist when there are no alternatives. I always believed the opportunity was there — it just needed to be built.

That opportunity is here now. My focus is on creating a strong, sustainable community that empowers talent and agents both in front of and behind the camera, without relying on trends or permission. I believe real change comes from ownership, resilience, and advocacy. Rooted in my Asian pride, I’m in this for the long game — committed to creating real access, stability, and generational impact.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was someone who never forgot where I came from and used every lesson, setback, and sacrifice to build something meaningful for others. That I saw what was missing, refused to accept it as “just the way it is,” and chose to build instead of waiting.

I want my story to be one of resilience, courage, and pride — that I created real opportunities for people who were overlooked, opened doors for future generations, and proved that you don’t have to lose who you are to create lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prestigiouspowerhouse.com
• Instagram: @kimloanpowerhouse @prestigiouspowerhouse
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimloan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrestigiousPowerhouse

Image Credits
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