Meet Camly Nguyen

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

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a major passion for Social Media, Photography and Graphic Design. Even though in college, I majored in none of the above. I was an Economics and International Development Studies Major. I consider myself fortunate to have attended UCLA where I could grow in both passions in my life. It’s simple I wanted an outlet to balance both my creative energy and my value for taking technology and data to change the world. By day I took courses on Film Making with Golden Globe winning directors, and by night I interned at creative agencies running social media accounts.

Fast forward to 2019, what started as my personal Instagram, my personal creative space, and a few Yelp reviews, we have Camly.me. I tell everyone I wasn’t trying to start a lifestyle brand. I was just being myself, sharing my story, and creating content I could stand by.

Now Camly.me has become a space where I not only share my favorite food spots, but my honest views on the world whether that’s politics, social justice, self-care regimens, or fitness.

It’s transformed over the last couple of years, but it started with me wanting to share my story with everyone who wants to listen.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Is anyone’s journey really smooth? I’ve taken every opportunity that I’ve been given, and I am so fortunate to have friends who’ve stood by me. There are peaks and valleys, but that’s true for everyone’s journey.

Whether it was the moment I was processing an assault to watching the political climate in the US to recovering from major surgery, every moment shaped my journey. Which is where I found my platform, social media became the space where I could bring people along for the ride; sharing the positive moments as well as the hardest moments because not every moment is “Instaworthy” in the eyes of the world, but they should be. The good, bad, and ugly are what is real. Because when is corrective jaw surgery glamorous, when is heartbreak ever easy, and when is a lazy night in cool? They are not, but I am a regular person. I want young people to be able to look at my journey and not only find light moments but also honesty. I want my peers to know I got their back; I understand the roller coaster that is adulthood. I want my locals to discover small businesses that I love. Frankly, I just want every one of my followers to know I’m their friend, that they matter, and I’m here to listen.

At the end of the day our struggles are what makes the journey because if it were always good we really wouldn’t appreciate the best moments in our lives. Everyone is capable of experiencing extraordinary things; I am a regular girl who used her voice. Just keep being you, working harder, and loving yourself, you’ll be surprised at what happens.

Please tell us more about your work.
I’m a lifestyle influencer, so that means a bit of everything. I work with amazing boutique brands, local restaurants, and simply create content. One thing I particularly proud of is my photography and videography skills. I did a short film back in college, shot some graduations nothing big, but I’ve taken those skills and elevated them. I’ve now shoot menus for restaurants. With two full menu shoots under my belt it’s an accomplishment that seems small, but we are talking hours of hard work. Shameless plug the photos of those Brussel Sprouts are from Sloane’s Valley Village a local spot that I love but also gave me the opportunity to shoot their menu.

I’m known for my food photos and videos, but recently I’ve also pushed into a space of creating illusions. I’m a strong editor with years of experience with both Photoshop and Lightroom. I want to do more of the gravity-defying content, and I’ve found moments to do. I’m proud of far I’ve grown my skill and aesthetics, and it all started at age 12 when my dad gave me my Canon Mark 1 5D. A hefty camera for a parent to trust a 12-year-old with, but I still have that camera and two others now. With time and patience anyone can grow their skills.

My work is unique, but I believe we all are unique. Also in some ways, I’m like everyone else. I’m a foodie who loves finding local spots, but what differs is using my influence to elevate small businesses. I watched my dad run a small business my entire life, and it’s made me want to do the same. I have an entrepreneurial spirit, which not everyone has. As I keep growing my goal is to bridge these worlds. I have technical skills driven by data but also love the creative world. Who do you know that has a passion for both? I know I’m basically a unicorn, completely joking by the way, but don’t feel like you have to choose, because if you love doing multiple things go do it.

What were you like growing up?
I was really shy actually. I had no sense of style till I started high school, and was a complete nerd. I always had a heart for the underdog and those who were unheard though. I stood by friends who came out back when it wasn’t publicly accepted; I cried with my family as we dealt with death and hardship. I hugged my friend as she was diagnosed with a disease that was crippling. In every one of those moments, I was there to be the shoulder to cry on or the ear to hear. The thing about being a “nerdy underdog” is that you are not seen, but in that I learn to see others. I still want to be that, but now for a larger audience. Choosing to listen early on in my life aided me finding my own voice because I wanted to be a voice for the unheard, the underdog, the nerdy teenager who doesn’t know who they want to be.

Pricing:

• Photography Sessions – $75 to $100 per hr
• Social Media Consultations – $75 per hr session
• Influencer features – Contact for more info

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camly.me/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camly.me/

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.