“You have just won a dress from SimplyBridal!”

Facebook. Website.

Tell me about yourself. 

“Hello iHeartHmongers!

Gosh, a little bit about myself, hmm where to start…well…I like all things fun and artsy…anything that can hold my sporadic attention span for more than a few minutes at a time, is in my book, A-Ok! It’s rather funny because by nature, and by day trade, I have to be pretty serious all the time with the utmost professionalism. I’m an HR Executive Search Recruiter, manager, and strict organizer by day and a mom, fiance, and frazzled, unorganized, art nut by night! it’s almost a stark contrast, I know, but I think that’s the reason why I love all things artsy so much, it’s the relief that allows me to keep my sanity after a long day’s work living in the adult world as part of corporate America.

Photography is a way for me to be able to try and show people the world through my eyes. I believe everyone has a unique style and that’s what really sets us all apart from each other in the world of art. In someone else’ work, we are able to see a glimpse of the world through their eyes. Who really truly knows if we all see the world in the same colors, hues, and shades right?!

Photography for me, is still fairly new. I have only been seriously shooting for about 1 1/2 years. I’m not a tech nut so when I pick up a camera, I know that this button adjusts this and that button will make my photo look like that if I set it up to here or to there. But if anyone were to ask me to write it all down step by step, I’d be a sputtering fool. I depend on my tech nut fiance to take care of all the “boring” stuff and leave the fun stuff to me!”

What is your inspiration? 
“What inspires me is seeing work by other artists. For me, there is no greater inspiration then the end results of another’s inspirations. I believe it is a never-ending cycle wherein we continue to inspire with the inspiration we receive from others.

As such, inspiration for me, can come in any form, a simple picture, idea, word, or thought, or something someone may have said to me, either directly, or in passing that sets my creative juices flowing.”

What tips do you have for future youth?
“I could not have learned as much as I have learned without mentors and without asking questions.  As we have grown up, we have always been told that there is no such thing as a dumb question, and I truly believe this.  When you are new to an industry, you need a teacher, without a teacher or a means from which you learn, you won’t be able to go very far.  While online tutorials, books, and manuals are full of useful information, there is no substitute for that of a pair of hands willing to show you exactly what to do.  Practice as much as possible, and never give up.  When you feel as if you are at your wit’s end and cannot find another ounce of inspiration, remember the reasons why you wanted to learn and why you wanted to do what you are doing.  If you have a photo that was your first source of inspiration, revisit that source to remind yourself why this is all worth it.  If something motivates you once, it is bound to motivate you again!”

 What do you like to do for fun?
“I have such a short attention span and I always feel like there is so much to do! Maybe it is because I have sooooo many interests, that it seems sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do. What I do in my spare time really depends on how I’m feeling and what has been my inspiration as of late. My spare time will find me doing anything from reading true crime books, to thrillers, to watching sleep depriving scary movies (yes, even the lame B rated ones), to singing, scrap-booking, creating charms, watching Hmong movies (yes, I said Hmong movies…the kind that make you laugh, cry, mad, and cause your hair to stand on end because it’s so impossibly corny! Ha ha!). Fill in the rest of the space with trying to fit in time to spend with my family and overworking myself and some days I feel like life is passing by far to quickly!”

What are 2 goals you are currently working on?
“I consider myself still pretty green as far as experience goes in photography, so my list of goals is never-ending two of the most prominent goals that I plan to complete at least within the next few months is to put my special made(courtesy of my fiance), beauty dish to good use in at least 1 fashion photography shoot and at minimum learn how to use it. And the other, is to shoot my first wedding, live, and in candid action. I hope to be able to do both very soon so look for updates on these two items in my blog soon to come in the next few months! ”

Thank you for sharing your story! You are so inspiring.

Would you like to be featured on ihearthmong? Email me at ihearthmong(at)gmail(dot)com or post on my facebook. I would be happy to share your passions!