We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michelle Nguyen. Check out our conversation below.
Michelle, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I would say I’m walking a very intentional path because I’m clear of the goals I want to accomplish but I also don’t know the way there. I’m building the path as I go by wandering into different opportunities or testing out a detour in order to build a solid path.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michelle Nguyen, I am the founder of Emmi’s Closet and Emmi’s Label, a secondhand and upcycle fashion brand. I source secondhand clothing and textile to resell while also turning old items into new designs to combat fashion waste. My fashion label is one of a kind because they are made from carefully sourced fabric and thoughtfully designed with my unique perspective.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I taught myself the most about work because I didn’t know how hard I could work until I found that thing that I wanted to work for. Before I started my business, I actually thought that I was lazy because I wasn’t a top student or employee. I realized later that I wasn’t interested in or motivated in those subjects or fields. When I started my business, although it was a very uncertain and difficult time, I was always motivated to do better. I also learned how to handle set backs and rejections to keep my dream and mission going.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of rejection held me back the most in life. I used to take things very personally and a rejection hit me to my core and would stop me from ever pursuing. It would even lead to self sabotage if I ever dare to pursue. I remember applying for a competitive university and “missed” the deadline. A part of me thought I would never get in so I procrastinated on the application and eventually missed the deadline. I knew that I would rather tell people that I missed the deadline then say I didn’t get accepted. When I started my business, I was very nervous and scared to share anything on social media because I was fearful or what others/my friends would think of me being so out there. I thought that they would reject my endeavors and be judgmental. It was quite the opposite actually, everyone has been very supportive and encouraging which made me realize that my fears are definitely internal and has been holding me back in life. I still have some level of fears of rejection but I don’t let it stop me from doing what I truly want to. After experiencing so much rejection in general I realize that it has made me stronger and more resilience.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think that one has to work really hard to achieve their goals but as I’ve gotten older, I’m learning that believing in yourself and your goals will take you much further. Of course you have to do the work to see results. You can work your hardest, however, if you don’t believe in yourself the result could be fruitless. When I started my business, I poured a lot of time and energy into the work and learning about the work and stressing about the work. Which created a resistance between what I was doing and what I believed was possible. I thought I had to work hard to see results but the results were so minimal that I would lose hope and motivation every few weeks. When I started to believe in myself and my abilities, I noticed the path has been more direct and easier and my mood better. I’m still doing the work, however, I don’t question myself as much and allow myself to try and test out different ideas because I believe whatever I’m doing will work out.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
“The reason you want it so badly is because the version of you in the future already has it.” This quote comes to mind for this question. Sometimes I question myself, why am I so invested in this endeavor? I could do anything else or nothing else, so why am I so hung up on this path when nothing is promised? The answer I can come up with is that this is something I’m supposed to be doing. It’s something I love doing and I find it to be beneficial for the world so that alone are good enough reasons for me to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emmislabel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmislabel
