Tu-Anh is the gal behind Tu-Anh Shoes & Accessories, a fashion company that offers unique and handmade shoes, accessories, jewelry, and home goods. We sat down with Tu-Anh to get the story behind her business, her life, and her inspirations. Visit her at www.tu-anh.com.
1. What inspired you to start Tu-Anh Shoes & Accessories?
My first return visit to Vietnam after 16 years, after seeing the amazing craftsmanship - the rich colored silks and intricate works of embroideries and beadings, and the hardworking artisans struggling to sell their crafts for survival...i was inspired to make a difference in their lives, but to also fulfill my creative desire.
2. Tell us a little about the line.
tu-anh accessories is very beautiful, unique, sassy, and feminine. it's a bit of a contradiction…glamourous...elegant...and stylish, yet in many ways, playful, girlish, and simple. The collection really represents the characters that inspired me growing up…princesses, mermaids, fairies, priestesses, Marilyn Monroe, Bridgitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Katherine Deneuve, Sophia Loren.
They represent women of beauty, brains, talent, and are comfortable with their femininity. when I come up with a design, i look in the mirror and imagine as if one of these femmes are wearing them. if its not sexy and feminine enough, then I put those designs aside for design adjustments later.
3. What is your favorite part about being a Fashion Designer?
I can use my creativity to the fullest and am always learning and evolving and helping people look good and find their own sense of style. i am very lucky that I get to do what I love so much...and always meeting new faces from different cultures is definitely a great experience!
4. What are your favorite pieces in the line and why?
the famous tu-anh sequins clutch…it's all hand-beaded, it shines, it sparkles, it's glamorous, it's durable, and it goes with everything from jeans to sweats to evening…try it and you will see. most of our tu-anh fashionistas have a collection of them in several colors. My other favorite is any piece of rose quartz jewels as it is the stone of romantic love and a girl can never have enough of that. Romance keeps your life interesting.
Lastly, my current favorite…our vintage obi clutches inspired by the geisha. they are all one of a kind and so special...the size is perfect and chic. you can put so many things in there as well.
5. Tell us a little bit about yourself (background, hobbies, etc.)
hmmm…gosh lets see,
Born in nha trang, viet nam in a family of 7 children, we were one out of several thousands of families that escaped viet nam by boat in the early 80’s. stepped foot in a real school at the age of 10 in New Orleans. i have always been a girlie girl in dresses and flowers. i wrote my own poems and song book with drawings in 6th grade which I sold to a girlfriend for $5 :) (I wonder if she still has it…probably not). sang in a band during my college years. business woman from mother and creative artist from father. I am always up to new projects and hobbies. i LOVE animals, my kitty cats (autumn and poeme) mean the world to me :) I like throwing social get togethers, baking, playing volleyball in the summer time. my two other loves are singing and dancing…my interest at the moment is to focus on my dancing and to find the perfect partner who would like to advance in salsa, swing, and various types of social ballroom dancing so we can compete .
6. What events do you have coming up that may be of interest to our members?
The international gem show in Baltimore and our spring trunk shows. The best ones are usually out of my studio…you really get to see the whole collection and my inspirations.
7. What advice can you give to women who dream about launching their own holistic health counseling practice?
Be strong and determined…never give up..imagine yourself as if you have already gotten to the finish line. when you fall, pick yourself up and continue...its ok to make mistakes (you learn from them)...dream lots. smile lots. meet as many people as you can..word of mouth is always the cheapest and most effective marketing tool. But most important of all…do what you love, it pays off in the end…and dreams do come true.
