Today we’d like to introduce you to Tram Nguyen.
Hi Tram, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Voyage Dallas for this opportunity. My name is Tram Nguyen, and I’m the proud founder of Mypheme, an online women’s clothing brand. My journey begins in Vietnam, where I was born and raised until the age of 18, before embarking on a new chapter as an international student in America. Entrepreneurship was not just a concept but a way of life in my family; both my parents were entrepreneurs. I vividly remember a conversation with my mom during my childhood when I expressed my dream of becoming a flight attendant. Her response, candid and thought-provoking, was, “Why dream of working for somebody else instead of yourself?” That question echoed in my mind, shaping my perspective on life and work. As I grew older, the seed of entrepreneurship my parents planted in me began to sprout. I always knew I wanted to pursue entrepreneurship, yet the specific industry eluded me until my college years. It was during my senior year at TCU that I discovered my passion for fashion. Right on the brink of the Covid-19 pandemic, I took a leap of faith and founded Mypheme. Utilizing my entire savings, I invested in the brand and sourced inventory from a wholesaler in LA. The early days were daunting; establishing trust in my brand proved to be a significant challenge. Despite trying various social media platforms and investing in paid advertisements, success seemed elusive.
In a pivotal moment, I borrowed $500 from my husband, a decision that changed the course of Mypheme. I bought four new styles of dresses, determined to create content that resonated with potential customers. I meticulously made videos for each style, hoping to gauge which one would capture people’s hearts. To my amazement, one of these videos, showcasing a mini dress, went viral. That moment marked a turning point for Mypheme. The brand suddenly gained momentum, and my social media presence skyrocketed. Today, Mypheme boasts over 1.2 million followers on TikTok and over 100K followers on Instagram and YouTube. My journey from a young dreamer in Vietnam to the founder of Mypheme has been a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. Each challenge, setback, and triumph has shaped both me and my brand, and I am excited to see where this entrepreneurial adventure takes me next.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. In the early days of Mypheme, I faced relentless doubt and uncertainty, especially during the first six months when the company struggled to make any sales. There were moments when I contemplated giving up entirely. However, it was a turning point when, at the brink of despair, I decided to borrow money from my husband for one last attempt. That decision changed everything. Mypheme began to gain traction, but with that rapid success came a new set of challenges. The brand went viral so quickly that it became incredibly difficult to keep up with the standards and expectations of such a vast audience. One of the most significant hurdles was the lack of inclusive sizing in our products. This limitation stemmed from the fact that I initially sourced items from wholesalers, leaving me with no control over the sizing options. This realization deeply bothered me, prompting a pivotal decision.
Last summer, I made a bold choice. I embarked on a journey to transform Mypheme from within. I decided to design our own products and source them directly from manufacturers, giving us control over both quality and sizing. This transition has been a work in progress, a labor of love and dedication. I am immensely proud of our final products, meticulously crafted to cater to a diverse range of body sizes and shapes.
I am thrilled to share that our new collection, featuring inclusive sizing, is set to launch soon on our website, mypheme.com. This milestone represents not only a triumph over challenges but also a commitment to creating a brand that is truly for every woman, celebrating the beauty of diversity in both fashion and individuality.
As you know, we’re big fans of MYPHEME. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
At Mypheme, we specialize in crafting exquisite women’s clothing, with a focus on creating stunning dresses that are bound to turn heads on any occasion, be it a night out, brunch with friends, or a birthday celebration. What truly sets our company apart is our unwavering commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. We believe in giving our customers an insider’s view into our creative process. That’s why we provide behind-the-scenes videos, allowing our valued patrons to witness firsthand the dedication and effort that goes into crafting each unique piece. We take pride in our fast and efficient processing services; all orders are meticulously handled and shipped out within 24 hours, ensuring our customers receive their purchases promptly and in perfect condition.
What makes us truly stand out, however, is our firm dedication to ethical practices in the fashion industry. We have taken a strong stance against unethical labor practices. Mypheme does not employ child labor, and we focus on small-scale production to maintain the highest quality in our garments. Moreover, we are deeply committed to ensuring good working conditions for every individual involved in the production process.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was fortunate to have an outgoing personality that naturally drew people in, and I always had a circle of friends around me. My extroverted and sympathetic nature allowed me to connect with others on a deep level, fostering meaningful relationships from an early age. I’ve always approached life with a positive outlook, believing in the power of optimism and the importance of seeing the bright side of every situation, no matter how challenging. One of my defining traits has been my natural curiosity and an insatiable love for learning. This curiosity led me to explore various interests, but it was my fascination with business that truly captured my attention. In high school, I eagerly assisted my mom with the accounting aspects of her business. Additionally, I had the opportunity to accompany her on business trips, where I absorbed invaluable skills about negotiation, communication, and dealing with business partners. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of the business world but also ignited my passion for entrepreneurship.
For me, learning has always been a mantra that I live by. I firmly believe in the concept of continuous self-improvement, pushing myself to acquire new skills, knowledge, and perspectives. I’ve adopted a forward-thinking mindset, choosing not to dwell on the past. However, when I do reflect on my past experiences, it’s solely to extract valuable lessons from my mistakes. Every setback has been a steppingstone, teaching me resilience and shaping my determination to move forward, making progress both personally and professionally.
Pricing:
- Dresses starting from $20
- Tops starting from $15
- Bottoms starting from $15
- Jewelries starting from $6
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mypheme.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypheme/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmypheme
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpFFIF3OstZnXo085xJsf9A
