Meet Trailblazer Amy Nguyen

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

Amy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
How did I start? From my experience in working in a small, family-owned business, I knew the impact of “word of mouth” marketing. My mom heavily relied on customers who were satisfied, to relay their experience to their network. I wanted to do the same, but with food.

I started my Instagram in 2016 with the intention of shining a light on small family restaurants. I slowly got involved with blogging after spending two years exploring the city of Columbus, Ohio and searching for a voice to represent the small business community. I realized that there wasn’t any that fit my style and there was an opportunity to create my own. Since then, I’ve moved back to Southern California to explore the good eats and to shine a light on local businesses.

When the curtains of food blogging are pulled back, what is revealed is passion. I am passionate about creating connections with people. More importantly, I believe in authenticity and sharing of great substance with others.

And still today, I am always patiently eager to find the next hidden gem, special menu item or my next favorite dish to share and empowering the local businesses around me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The only challenge I face is myself. People say, “you are your toughest critic” and it’s true. If you scroll down my page, you can see that it wasn’t until recently that I started posting more pictures and videos of me and the product.

Over the years (and it’s been three), I’ve grown a stronger self-conviction for who I am and how I want to present myself to the world.

The advice I’d give to other young women who are starting their journey is, be honest with yourself and then, be unapologetically you.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
From hole-in-the-walls to high-end restaurants, I want to empower the local businesses around me. My work on @amytellmewhere is about exploring the known and not-so-known good eats ranging from West LA, DTLA and Orange County area.

My work is also ever evolving. It’s a showcase of me, my art, my love for food, ordering things that are delicious and encouraging people to try it. I love talking about food, the history, the culture behind it and sharing it with others.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve formed my network by being curious about people.

It’s all about social capital in a social network right? It’s the thinking of, “how can we exchange values to help each other better?”

I’ve found my way across cities and states by asking questions to people about themselves to figure out what kind of person they are, what they like, what they want to do and figuring out their “why?”

From there, you’ll soon realize what kind of role certain people can play in your life and what value they bring and what value you can exchange, but it all starts by being interested in them.

Contact Info:

• Email: amyyynguyennn@gmail.com
• Instagram: @amytellmewhere

Image Credit:
Amy Nguyen

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.