Today we’d like to introduce you to Camly Nguyen.
Camly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Let’s talk SOCIAL MEDIA; what started off as me running Social Accounts for creative agencies, start-ups, national organizations, eventually became a personal passion project. In college, I was also trying to find the intersectionality of marketing, creativity, and making actually change, and that’s where I landed when it came to social media. As someone who has also considered herself a Jane of all trades, I found myself as an Economics major at UCLA who did photography, ran social media analytics, and did graphic design for organizations on campus, companies, and even myself. Eventually, realizing that I could be creative while being to also see the world through a critical analytical lens. Flash forward to my senior year and even post-graduation, I had lived through an assault that rocked my world. That’s when my life was put on hold; having people think that your body was an object that they could force themselves upon or even being followed to my vehicle by a stranger I found myself so angry with the world around me.
After amazing counseling, the support of organization know as Peace Over Violence, and loving myself I realized I wanted my passion project to become something bigger. I always loved the idea of using social media for change, but I wanted my lifestyle to completely encompass that. Using my influence to empower women, share my story, and support brands that want to change the world. And along the way I also reignited my passion for photography, food, and simply life. This idea that my brand is my personal story was something so important to me. That every photo taken and every post shared is actually a peek into my life. Yes, I love food, I love music, and I love women so why not use my influence to share those things. I’ve found myself learning more about my style, my aesthetic, and even who I want to be.
Now, I work full time as a Data Analyst for a non-profit changing education as well as running Girls Build LA by day; while taking the same passion for change to my social media by night. Something in particular is that I love LA; the city I was born in, raised in, and has shaped me to be who I am today. Yes, I’m only 24, so I have a long way to go, but I know that my hope is to take my brand and show LA through and through while empowering women, brands that are changing the world, and having fun along the way! Fashion, fitness, food, and fun make my world run!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a tough road for sure. As women, we are constantly trailblazing; you have no one or very few people to look up to. In addition, you have to push harder, work harder, and not let anyone stop you. One of the biggest struggles was learning that I can’t do it all and I will never be 100%. Stats say men go for something when they feel 60% prepared; women feel the need to be 100%. I’ve had put aside my perfection to take a risk, and that’s the first hurdle putting yourself out there even when you’re not ready. In addition, wanting to support brands I stand by in the social media game is hard; it means being okay saying no to an opportunity to stand by your convictions, which sometimes is hard in a business driven by appearance. In addition, trying to be vulnerable and real is hard. I don’t want to have the “perfect” feed because the reality is I am not, and trying to find the balance of letting the world in while not feeling like I need to put up a front is hard. But, trust your instincts is my first piece of advice. Second, find women who get it and want to support you. Third, just take the risk whether it works or “fails” is all a part of figuring out who you are and what you want to be!
Please tell us about Camly.N soon to be CamLA.co.
I am an influencer! It’s as simple as that, and I clearly have an affinity for food and event curation here in LA! My strength is knowing LA through and through as a native I know this city, but I’m still discovering new things every day! I’m known for my photography skills, and I say that meaning even the shots of myself I shot. Yes, you read that right. I set-up a tripod have a timer, and use random objects as stand-ins; 90% of the photos are shot by myself, which has made me even better at shooting others. In college, I shot for Instagram models, students, brands, etc, and didn’t take much credit because I was an intern, but that practice has taken me to where I am now someone comfortable being both in front and behind the camera. How many people do you know to shoot themselves? I think simply my patience and ability to do things effectively is something I’m proud of, and I’m willing to teach and spread that love.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I came from an immigrant family. Parents who are both refugees, and came from nothing and started their own businesses. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, but I’m still learning every day. I look at my dad a man who was a POW, a business owner, and a photographer all at once, and in some ways I see my life modeled after his. He’s suffered much more than I ever will, but my drive really comes from him. Someone without anything making a name for himself and sacrificing everything for his kids. In addition, I think the opportunities I got in college were such a blessing. I ran a beta campaign for a national nonprofit at UCLA, hosted an event that nearly had 1,000 students show up, countless internship opportunities where I got hands-on experience with influencers, and even a short film that was produced by a Golden Globe-winning director. Not going lie, I was so fortunate to get those opportunities, and in the midst of hardships and struggles those were reminders of the potential others saw in me. Also, a driving force to never give up!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camly.n/
Image Credit:
@camly.n
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