We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Vu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Beating imposter syndrome was not easy and even now, I have to continually remind myself squash the lingering feelings of it. As a 28-year-old first-gen Vietnamese American woman juggling a photography business an e-commerce brand, it felt like I was constantly wrestling with this feeling of not measuring up.
Growing up, there was this whole pressure to fit into the mold my parents had in mind for me. It messed with my head, big time. I questioned whether I was good enough in my ventures, wondering if I was just playing pretend.
However, the turning point came when I decided to prioritize my passion over external expectations. I started giving myself credit for even the smallest wins and changed my mindset to focus on what makes me unique. Surrounding myself with a group of fellow creatives and entrepreneurs who get the struggle was a game-changer. Sharing stories and learning from others who faced similar challenges made me realize I wasn’t flying solo in this.
Moreover, I realized that embracing my cultural background as a first-generation Vietnamese American woman brought a distinctive flavor to my work. My journey became a testament to breaking free from societal norms and pursuing a path aligned with my passions.
Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t a one-time accomplishment but an ongoing process of self-reflection, self-acceptance, and continuous learning. Today, I stand proudly as someone who not only defied expectations but also found fulfillment and success by staying true to myself and my dreams.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I wear many hats, but the one that brings me the most joy is my brand, Myebana. It’s not just a fragrance and functional botanical brand; it’s a passion project that has grown wings.
The start of Myebana finds its roots in the cultivation of community through intimate floral events based on the teachings of the ancient Japanese practice of Ikebana, where we turn regular arrangements into sculptural art pieces. Envision an ambiance adorned with exquisite blooms, fostering not only a visual spectacle but a profound recognition of the positive impact flowers have on one’s mental well-being, and how we can be more intentional with appreciating nature’s beauty through arrangements. My vision for Myebana harmonizes scents, the functional power of botanicals, and a commitment to bringing people together who love florals as much as I do.
Our brand has expanded to encompass an array of home fragrance products, each meticulously crafted to provide a sensory experience. Next on our journey, we’re venturing into the world of all-natural plant ingredients for hair growth and care. We want to bring the goodness of plants to all your routines and rituals.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just start: One of the most impactful realizations was that waiting for perfection can be a major roadblock. Launching into my endeavors, whether in photography or Myebana, taught me that taking the first step is often more crucial than waiting for everything to align perfectly. Imperfections are part of the journey, and they can be beautiful in their own way. My advice to those starting their journey is simple: embrace the imperfections, dive in, and refine as you go. Progress often emerges from the willingness to begin, imperfect as it may be.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
Pride can sometimes be a stumbling block. I learned that seeking guidance and support from others is not a sign of weakness but a strength. Whether it’s seeking business advice, mentorship, or collaborating with fellow creatives, asking for help has been instrumental in overcoming challenges. My advice to those embarking on their journey is to build a network of support, be open to seeking advice, and recognize that collaboration and shared knowledge can propel you further than navigating alone.
3. You can learn to do anything:
This mindset shift was transformative. The realization that I could acquire new skills and knowledge, even in areas where I felt initially inexperienced, empowered me to diversify and expand my ventures. My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to adopt a growth mindset. Don’t limit yourself based on what you know now; instead, cultivate the belief that you can learn and adapt. Online resources, courses, and communities are invaluable tools for continuous learning and skill development.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, collaboration is something I’m always open to! I believe in the power partnerships. If you’re reading this and thinking about collaboration, here’s what I’m on the lookout for:
I’m interested in collaborating with individuals or businesses that share a passion for creativity, wellness, and community. Whether you’re a fellow artist, a wellness advocate, or someone with an innovative project, I’m all ears.
For Myebana, I’m particularly keen on teaming up with those who have an interest in botanicals, fragrance, or hair-care. If you’re into the natural goodness of plants or have expertise in the beauty and wellness space, let’s chat!
As for photography, if you’re a fellow photographer, a stylist, a makeup artist, or someone who’s passionate about visual storytelling, I’d love to explore collaborative projects that bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table.
Connecting with me is a breeze. Shoot me a message through my social media channels, drop an email, or reach out via my website. Let’s get the conversation started and see where our creative energies can take us!
Looking forward to the possibility of exciting collaborations with like-minded individuals who are as passionate about their craft as I am. 🌟
Contact Info:
- Website: Stephanie-vu.com
Myebana.com - Instagram: Instagram.com/vuracious
Instagram.com/myebana
