Meet Nuku Vang

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nuku Vang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nuku, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As a Hmong/Asian American photographer, I’ve often found myself being the only one in the room who looks like me—whether that’s in the wedding industry, out in the community, or in business spaces. What I’ve learned is that being “the only one” isn’t just a challenge; it’s a perspective and strength that shapes how I show up.

It’s taught me how to lead with presence. When you grow up navigating spaces where people may not fully understand your culture or the layers you bring with you, you learn how to ground yourself, observe deeply, listen first, and connect in a way that feels intentional. That’s become a huge part of how I serve couples: I create environments where people feel seen, safe, and fully themselves because I know what it feels like not to.

I’ve also had to build confidence in my voice and my vision. Representation wasn’t something I saw a lot of growing up in my small Wisconsin hometown. I had to trust my instincts, trust my artistic eye, and trust that the experiences that shaped me were valuable, not something to shrink. Over time, that confidence became a quiet strength. It’s become one that helps me advocate for myself, for my clients, and for the kind of meaningful, presence-first experience I believe in.

All that to say, being the only one in the room has made me more aware of inclusion. I know what it feels like to enter a space where you don’t know if you belong. Because of that, I’m intentional about creating spaces—whether in my business or daily life—where others feel welcome too. My difference isn’t a barrier, it’s a connector.

So yes, being “the only one” has shaped me. But more importantly, it’s helped enhance my life and how I serve those around me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a Minnesota elopement and small wedding photographer. My specialty is creating a calm and intentional experience for couples who want a wedding day rooted in presence.

What excites me most about what I do is that I’m not just documenting weddings, I’m helping couples slow down and truly feel their day. So many people feel pressured to perform, pose, or have a wedding that looks a certain way. I love giving them permission to release all of that. I guide my couples in a way that feels natural and grounded so they can stay connected, feel carefree, and actually be present with each other.

I’m also deeply passionate about representation. Being a Hmong photographer in a space where I often don’t see people who look like me, I care a lot about making sure couples—especially couples of color—feel seen, valued, and understood. My goal is for every couple to feel safe to be their truest selves in front of my lens…and I hope they can carry the comfort they learn from me with them into their every day lives too.

And on a personal note, I have a huge heart for projects that cultivate connection. Whether it’s building community, crafting presence-first wedding days, or exploring future creative ventures, everything I do comes back to the same purpose: helping people feel safe and truly seen.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey more than anything else: trusting my own voice, being intentional and surrounding myself with the right people.

Not trusting my voice used to look a lot like echoing someone else’s work. My copy sounded like other people’s copy, and nothing about it felt original. I didn’t feel true to myself. And honestly, it didn’t feel good. There’s a difference between being inspired and getting lost, and somewhere along the way I stopped hearing my own voice. My confidence dipped, imposter syndrome crept in, and I forgot what I was actually building toward: my own brand, not a watered-down version of someone else’s.

Intentionality, for me, means slowing down enough to choose purpose. It looks like clearer priorities, thoughtful decisions, and actually breathing through the moments of the day instead of rushing past them. It’s giving myself the space to ask, “Is this aligned? Does this feel grounded? Is this moving me toward the life and work I want?” That shift—toward more mindful choices—has changed everything.

The right people are the ones who support me and hype me up, but don’t let me coast. They challenge me. They ask the uncomfortable questions: Why this? Who does this serve? Is this aligned with your values? They critique my work, push my thinking, and keep me anchored to the bigger picture. My mentors, creative peers, and family all play different roles, but they share a common thread…they make me better.

Where I am now is a place of patience and clarity. I understand now that success takes time, and that has helped all three of these qualities work together. Trusting my voice helped me become more intentional. Being intentional helped me choose the right people. And surrounding myself with the right people has taught me to stay patient and consistent. Together, these qualities have brought me back to myself—to the version of me that feels grounded, confident, and in alignment with where I’m going. And it feels damn good.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest growth this year has been becoming more strategic as a business owner. Learning how to streamline my workflows, improve client experience and build systems that support long-term sustainability has been a game changer. This past year has been a shift from “just creating” to leading a business with clarity and purpose. That mindset shift has helped me find a healthier work-life balance, with more time for my family and more focused attention for my clients. I feel so much more confident. I’m really excited for the future of my business and all the growth that comes with it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nukuvang.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nukuvangphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nukuvangphotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nuku-vang-photography-cottage-grove

Image Credits

Nuku Vang Photography