We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nancy Luong. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Nancy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think people struggle with feeling uncomfortable in their own skin, and that can feel isolating and lonely at times. Whether it’s the way someone looks… body, weight, skin color or the things they find WEIRD or odd about themselves. We don’t talk about this enough because it’s not the norm to share these vulnerable parts of us. Plus, societal norms make us think we need to look a certain way, be a certain way, act a certain way which is a false reality!!
There’s not one box, and we’re not meant to be the same. The most beautiful part of us is all those unique features, the weird parts, being authentically, unapologetically us. That’s where all the love, magic, and beauty is.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I am a daughter of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants. My day job I work in tech at Salesforce where I help build programs that educate and support our customers. Outside of that. I’m an author, speaker, and educator who loves telling stories, sharing real-life experiences, and showing people that their “WEIRD” is actually their superpower. I also create content around personal growth, finances, and mental health, and I love building communities where people feel seen, supported, and inspired be their real, authentic selves!!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child of immigrants, I believed success was defined by education, career, and money and thought that if I achieved those things, I would be valued. All of that is important but I realized that true success is about joy, self-love, peace, and creativity. Creativity has saved my soul; it’s how I express myself and how I align with my purpose. I also used to believe that being liked by others meant I was successful. Now I know that the deepest, truest success comes from learning to like and love yourself first.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: everything that’s happening to you is FOR you. I know it feels painful and hard, and the struggles can feel overwhelming, but all of this hardship WILL pay off. Your emotions are not a weakness; they are your superpower. You were given this gift to feel, to connect deeply with others. I know you feel different and WEIRD but please know that you are meant to be exactly who you are. Every lesson, every challenge, is guiding you toward beautiful chapters in your life. I promise.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I’m a pretty open book, but it’s hard to show my whole self on social media because I’m so multi-layered. I’m not sure people see all the sides of me that show up in real life. In person, I’m a dork, super spastic and energetic, spontaneous, hilarious (seriously, I crack myself up lol), and I have zero filter. I’m also introspective, I feel deeply, I get sad, I cry, and yes… I’m moody AF at times. I’m not positive 24/7. I’m learning, I’m living.. and I’m human.
People often think I’m so busy, but I actually spend a lot of time with myself, reflecting and just being (oh and watching anything on Bravo)! I am very intentional, honest, and always try my best. I’m imperfect, but I’m a beautiful human and I embrace all the messy, wonderful layers of who I am. 🙂
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 that I made them feel seen, heard, and loved exactly as they are. That I inspired them to embrace their true selves unapologetically and find joy in being who they are. I hope my story is remembered as someone who went against the grain and made people feel just a little braver about being themselves. <3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nancyluong.com
- Instagram: nancyluong17
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyluong17/
- Other: TikTok: fi.nance_hacks
