Tran Ta’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tran Ta. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Tran, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, and something most people don’t know about, comes from my long-time interest in children’s education and literacy. Through volunteering, interning at a charter school, and working as a children’s librarian, I realized young writers thrive in creative spaces, which inspired my first app. Most writers aren’t stuck on ideas; they are stuck on structure and the blank page. I built PlotBuzz as the solution: a safe, gamified space where tweens use fun, structured templates to create and share their stories, making it feel like a collaborative creative community and encouraging them to write more. The next step is building the tools for educators to streamline their students’ writing process. Most people don’t see the effort, but I have spent the better part of this year developing PlotBuzz, which required me to rapidly learn UX design, basic coding, and product management all while building the initial MVP.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My brand, Allettare, actually started from pure curiosity. I spent a few years working in finance in Manhattan, and while I learned a lot, I always had this feeling that I wanted to do something more creative. One of the firms I worked at focused on retail, and that was the first time I got a taste of how fashion worked.

After leaving finance, I ended up traveling for nine months and spent a summer in Paris. To be honest, I wasn’t doing anything particularly productive—I took one cooking class, one fashion class, and spent most of my time just living, observing, and figuring out what I actually wanted. Having that time to slow down made me realize I wanted to try something different with my life.

With Allettare, I’m trying to create pieces that feel effortless but still intentional. I’ve always been drawn to clean lines and small details, the things that make someone feel put together without feeling like they tried too hard. I’m not really interested in chasing trends; I want to make things you naturally reach for over and over.

I’ve worked on Allettare on and off for a few years, but I always come back to it. It still feels a little surreal when a design idea actually comes to life. Working with so many different people, from production to photography, lets me see their creativity up close, which I really enjoy.

With everything going on in the world, creating something that brings a bit of joy or beauty feels worthwhile, and that’s really what keeps me connected to the brand.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work were my family and the other immigrants I grew up around. It’s remarkable to see how my parents, relatives, and family friends started over in a new country, learned the language and culture, and still provided for their families. There wasn’t much room for passion or creative pursuits because survival came first. That perspective has stayed with me, and it makes me grateful that I get to follow something I love, like fashion, and do it in my own way.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her two key things: stay curious and keep an open mind. That curiosity led me to explore retail and fashion while I was in finance, and it ultimately gave me the courage to travel and gain a new perspective. I’d tell her to travel whenever you can because it really changes how you see the world and what you value. Finally, I’d tell her that anything is possible if you put in the work. Dream big, take smart risks, and trust yourself.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the fashion industry tells itself is that it can keep creating without consequences. Fashion can be incredibly wasteful, and many claims of sustainability don’t always live up to the promise. As a small, independent brand, I can do things differently. I work with fabric vendors who carry overstock from larger brands, keep my production team small, and order in limited quantities. It’s a slower, more thoughtful approach, but it allows me to create higher-quality, unique pieces while ensuring our supply chain is transparent and ethical. It feels like the right way to build a sustainable business.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think you should always give your best at everything you do, even if no one ever praises you for it. That way, you won’t live with the regret of wondering if you could have done more. Don’t seek validation from others. With social media, it’s easy to get caught up in likes and followers, but the opinion that matters most is your own. At the end of the day, whether it’s the clothes I make or the way I live, I try to give my best, like my family did, and stay true to what matters to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://allettare.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allettare/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allettareintimates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Allettare/

Image Credits
Tran Ta