We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katherine Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katherine, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by my family. Growing up, I watched my mother and grandmother work tirelessly to create opportunities for our family, even when resources were limited. Their resilience and dedication taught me that success requires perseverance and heart.
When I started ZELIA LABEL, I carried those lessons with me. Building a brand from the ground up wasn’t easy I had to juggle learning the ropes of running a business while staying true to my passion for fitness and activewear. There were many late nights, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but I reminded myself that anything worth building requires consistent effort and focus.
I also believe my work ethic is fueled by the community I want to serve. Every piece of activewear I put out represents my commitment to offering women functional, stylish clothing that empowers them to feel their best. That responsibility motivates me to keep improving, learning, and showing up every day
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Katherine Nguyen, the founder of ZELIA LABEL.
ZELIA LABEL is an activewear brand rooted in empowerment, and authenticity. What sets us apart is our commitment to helping women feel strong, confident, and connected to their identity. I’m proud of the brand’s ability to resonate with women who value both functionality and style.
I’m incredibly proud of how far ZELIA LABEL has come, and one of the things I’m most excited about is the way the brand resonates with women who value both functionality and cultural representation. It’s not just about the clothes it’s about creating something that people feel proud to wear. That sense of purpose keeps me motivated every day.
The journey hasn’t been easy, though. Starting a business, especially as a solo entrepreneur, has come with a lot of challenges. From managing marketing to logistics and customer service. It was overwhelming at times, but I found strength in persistence and the support from my family, especially my husband, mom, grandma, and brother, who have always been my biggest cheerleaders. I’ve also leaned heavily on trial and error and learning from each mistake. Every obstacle was an opportunity to grow, and those lessons have shaped the way I run my business today.
Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned are to stay true to my vision, be patient with the process, and never be afraid to ask for help when needed. I’ve realized that entrepreneurship is about adapting, evolving, and being willing to take risks, but also knowing when to listen to your instincts.
What I want people to know about ZELIA LABEL is that it’s a brand built on hard work, passion, and a dedication to making women feel their best. I’m excited about what’s next for us. My hope is that through ZELIA LABEL, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams, embrace their identity, and never give up, no matter the challenges.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have been most impactful are perseverance, Self-Belief, and Networking and Relationship Building.
Perseverance: Starting a business is full of challenges, and staying committed to the vision despite obstacles has been crucial. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but pushing through those moments kept me moving forward. My advice for others is to stay patient and trust that perseverance will help you overcome challenges. Building a business takes time, and it’s important to remember that setbacks are part of the journey.
Self-Belief: Believing in yourself and your vision, even when others might doubt you, has been incredibly important. There will always be external opinions, but at the end of the day, your passion and conviction in your ideas are what drive the success of your business. To cultivate this, surround yourself with supportive individuals, keep affirming your vision, and learn to trust your intuition.
Networking and Relationship Building: Building relationships with other entrepreneurs, customers, and industry professionals has been a game-changer for me. Collaboration and learning from others provide invaluable insights and open doors to new opportunities. For those starting out, attend events, engage on social media, and don’t hesitate to reach out to others in your industry. Relationships often lead to new ideas and growth.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My husband has been the most helpful in helping me overcome challenges. His unwavering support, emotional guidance, and practical advice have been vital to my growth, both personally and professionally. He has encouraged me to stay focused and resilient, even during the toughest times. My mom, grandma, and brother have also played significant roles in shaping who I am today, offering wisdom and strength that have been key in building my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zelialabel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zelialabel/profilecard/?igsh=MW51aXVzNnNnbG02bQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zelialabel?
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
