Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Sasouvong.
Vicky, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I wanted to be a model since I was 11. I went to two modeling schools, but I never booked anything. The rejection didn’t stop me because modeling was still a part of me. In my freshman year of high school, I discovered my style. I’d put outfits together and just go with it! When my sister took me to work with her, after school, I’d sit and read Vogue, Teen Vogue, Cosmo, and Marie Claire. Analyzing trends became an intimate experience for me to learn about myself. The confidence I gained from my style grew as I came into adulthood, but it wasn’t until I was pregnant with my daughter that I realized I wanted styling as a part of my career. My pregnancy was very complicated and prevented me from working. I spent more time studying [Tumblr] blogs for all sorts of inspiration. It took me some time after giving birth to get me back in my groove. I had to put beauty and fashion on hold to be a mom. When my family and I moved to California, I knew this would be the opportunity to pursue this career, again.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, I had to fake the confidence because my home life was on the rocks. My sister and I learned to carry ourselves as if life was “normal” and eventually our family made it through. I think young women need to keep in mind that we have to go through bumps — it’s inevitable — but the way you carry yourself, lean on your “sisters,” and just be who you want to be, can get you through those bumps. It’s also vital to remember that flaws are okay. We all have them, but those flaws make you different. Learn to love that difference.
Making time for FEMPOWER, while being a full-time wife and mom, can be challenging, but I’m learning how everything fits in its place. Editing a video or photo can take hours, but dedicating that time propels me toward the goal.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into FEMPOWER story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m mostly known for beauty and fashion. It takes hours of long work to build a brand. FEMPOWER came about from finding the balance between beauty and fashion. I can’t tear the two from one another. What sets me apart is that I learned this brand can’t be built alone. So, I found a team. With the team, I wanted to do something to help women — who have the same drive and passion as I do — to grow our work. A network of young women who aren’t just beauty gurus and fashionistas, but are artists. We put a lot of effort into this to create a business, but we’re generating a friendship from this connection. It’s refreshing to be around a group of women who push one another toward the same goal, rather than step on one another. At FEMPOWER, we meet twice a week: once to plan for the week, set goals and the next time to put our plans into action.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
For me, I’m very open to meeting new people. So, I like to encourage people to put yourself out there is a big part of this industry. Remember, you’re a walking billboard and connections lead everywhere. If this is something you want to to do, knowing and talking about what you love is where to start. People can connect to your passion when you can show its importance.
Contact Info:
- Email: ykcivsaeng@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ykcivs/
Image Credit:
Kaitlin Rose Williams, Anissa Villa, Estefania De La Torre
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