Part 2: Vietnam
Time has a funny way of shifting its pace—flying by when you’re happy and slowing to a crawl when you’re not. When we arrived in Vietnam, I finally had the chance to pause, observe, and reconnect with my culture. It amazed me how a country I didn’t grow up in could feel so much like home. Despite the differences, everything felt familiar. Whether the sun was shining or hidden behind clouds, the energy carried a quiet perfection that made every moment feel right.
A conversation with my partner opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of myself, especially how I navigate the world around me. As a young Vietnamese woman, I hadn’t fully grasped the importance of being mindful in public—or perhaps it’s just me. In that moment, I was reminded of my unique identity as Asian American—raised with Vietnamese values in an American landscape, yet not fully taught the etiquette of Western culture.
For instance, the way we can be animated and loud in conversation—a tone that might feel harsh or misunderstood by those outside our culture. It’s not meant to harm; it’s simply how we express ourselves. Or the unspoken rule of holding back anger in public, saving those emotions for private spaces.
In Vietnamese culture, love is rarely expressed in words. Instead, it lives in quiet, selfless acts. We are vibrant, loud, and full of life, but our deepest affections often show through what we do rather than what we say.
In my thirties, I’ve found myself reflecting on the kind of woman I’m becoming. There’s something about the elegance of Asian women in Asia that captivates me. They carry themselves with such grace—mindful of their attire, their actions, and even their tone when surrounded by others. It’s a quiet sophistication that speaks volumes without needing to say much at all.
It was inspiring to be in a country where the younger generation is driving an economic resurgence—breaking free from the shadows of trauma and hardship to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Most of my time there was spent at the tattoo shop, focused on two simple goals: adding artwork to my body and visiting my aunt in Vung Tau. Yet, Vietnam left a profound imprint on my soul and my plans for
Glow Eyesthetics.
I strive to create a space that mirrors my heritage, a sanctuary filled with compassion and grace. A place where guests can step away from the business and find a moment of peace, stillness, and renewal.
