Mode Around the Globe: Cathy Nguyen
Cathy Nguyen
@coconutcathy
Photography by Julie Attallah @juliea_photo
Location: Castello Di Porciano
www.castellodiporciano.com
@castelloporciano
Tell us a little about yourself and how you would describe your personal brand in three words?
I’m Cathy, and I create beauty, fragrance, and lifestyle content. I love trying new products, sharing unfiltered reviews, and occasionally influencing people to buy things I probably didn't need either. My content is a mix of beauty, fragrance, travel, and everyday life. I’d describe my brand as relatable, sarcastic, and honest.
What inspired you to begin your journey as a content creator, entrepreneur, or influencer?
I've always been drawn to creating. Whether it was making videos, playing music, or finding new creative outlets, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a creator in some way. I grew up watching beauty YouTubers and became obsessed with makeup, but also loved being in front of a camera. It came naturally to me. Being able to turn that passion into a career feels surreal. If you had told younger me that one day I'd be talking about makeup and perfume on the internet for a living, she would've thought that was the coolest job ever.
How would you describe your personal style, and where do you find fashion inspiration?
I’d describe my style as colorful, expressive, and playful. I’m always drawn to bold colors, interesting patterns, and pieces that make getting dressed feel fun. I love mixing higher-end fashion with everyday staples and creating outfits that feel personal to me. Most of my inspiration comes from archival runway shows, vintage fashion editorials, travel, and people-watching. I also get a lot of inspiration from people who have a similar body type to mine because it helps me visualize how things will look in real life. I love taking those references and making them my own.
What are three wardrobe staples you can't live without?
Baggy jeans, a fun bag, and heels. I pretty much live in baggy denim because they’re comfortable but still look put together. A fun bag is my easy way to make any outfit more interesting, and heels are what I throw on when I want to dress things up.
What does a typical day in your life look like when you're not traveling?
If it’s the weekend, my day usually starts slow. I spend a lot of time with my dogs, whether that’s going for walks, heading to the beach, or doing a hike if I’m feeling active. I love being outside and spending time in the sun—it’s my favorite way to reset. During the day I’m usually filming, editing, or working on content, and at night I love getting ready and going out to dinner with friends or family. It’s a nice balance of calm mornings and social evenings, which is why I love living in California.
What passions or interests do you have outside of social media and content creation?
Music is a huge part of my life. I’ve always felt a deep, almost spiritual connection to it and experience it in a very creative way. I’m constantly listening to music, and it shapes my mood and stimulates my creativity. It’s something I turn to whether I need motivation, calm, or just a sense of grounding. Outside of that, I like keeping life simple and surrounding myself with things that feel good.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
One of the most rewarding moments has been meeting Justin Bieber. I’ve always looked up to him and been inspired by him in so many ways. It was such a surreal, full-circle moment and definitely a dream come true. Another exciting milestone was recently shooting a campaign with my dream brand that’s coming out soon. It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time, so being part of it felt incredibly rewarding. Little girl me would have been screaming and kicking her feet.
Who are some of the women that inspire you and why?
The two women who inspire me most are my mom and my grandma. They both grew up in Vietnam, and that shaped the way they love and show up for people. My mom is incredibly hardworking, resilient, and supportive, and she’s taught me so much about strength and perseverance. My grandma inspires me in a quieter way through her wisdom, grace, and warmth. Together, they’ve taught me what true strength, softness, and unconditional love look like.
What is one piece of advice that has had a lasting impact on your life?
Always lead with kindness and treat people how you would want to be treated. It sounds simple, but I think there’s something really powerful about moving through life with intention and grace. You never know what someone is carrying, and that perspective has shaped the way I interact with others.
How do you stay motivated and creatively inspired?
My motivation comes from my parents. Seeing how hard they’ve worked and the perspective they have on life keeps me grounded and driven. Creatively, I feel most inspired when I’m exposed to new experiences, whether that’s traveling, listening to music, or stepping away from my usual routine. I’ve learned that I create my best work when I’m not forcing it and allow inspiration to come naturally.
What are your favorite beauty products or self-care rituals at the moment?
Right now, I’m really into simple self-care rituals that help me feel refreshed and balanced. I love doing face masks, getting massages, and incorporating lymphatic drainage into my routine. I’ve also been more intentional about what I put into my body, whether that’s supplements, fresh juices, or my daily matcha. For me, self-care is about the small rituals that help me feel grounded and recharged.
When planning a trip, what are the top three things you look for in a destination?
The first thing I look for is good weather and somewhere I can spend time outside. The second is the food scene because I love discovering new restaurants and memorable dining experiences. The third is the overall vibe and aesthetic of a place. I’m drawn to destinations that feel visually inspiring, whether through architecture, culture, or energy.
What does luxury travel mean to you?
Luxury travel is all about feeling truly relaxed, recharged, and taken care of. It’s less about where you go and more about how you feel while you’re there. I love experiences that allow me to slow down, disconnect, and come back feeling refreshed and inspired.
If you could visit anywhere in the world next, where would it be and why?
Definitely Vietnam. I haven’t been back in a long time, and it’s such an important part of my culture and identity. I’d love the opportunity to reconnect with my roots and experience it again from a different perspective.
What is something your followers would be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised to learn how sarcastic and unserious I am in real life. I’m a lot more playful and random than what always comes across online. I’m also incredibly passionate about music—it’s a huge part of my life and influences my creativity, mood, and mindset every single day.
What is your favorite way to unwind and recharge?
Going to the beach and completely disconnecting from my phone. Being near the ocean, soaking up the sun, and allowing myself to slow down without distractions helps me reset mentally and creatively.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of content creation and social media?
I’ve learned not to force creativity. One piece of advice that really stuck with me was to stop chasing content and let it come to you. I create my best work when I’m actually living life and feeling inspired, not when I’m putting pressure on myself. Protecting my personal time and stepping away when I need to has been key to maintaining balance.
What are some goals or aspirations you're currently working toward?
I feel incredibly grateful because so many of my dreams have already come true. Right now, my focus is on continuing to grow creatively, stepping into bigger opportunities, and building a long-term career where I can keep creating, collaborating with brands I love, and exploring projects beyond social media. More than anything, I want to continue growing while staying true to who I am.
What upcoming projects, collaborations, launches, or exciting news would you like to share with our readers?
I have a really exciting project coming up that I’m incredibly proud of. It’s my first-ever campaign for something I’m truly passionate about, and it feels very full-circle. I can’t share too much just yet, but let’s just say there’s a little hint involving pistachios. I’m also so excited to be featured in Modeliste Magazine, which feels like another major pinch-me moment.
Looking back on your time at Castello Di Porciano, what was the highlight of your experience, and what made it so memorable?
The most special part of the experience was being able to share it with such an incredible group of women. Being featured in the same issue together made the experience feel even more meaningful and memorable. It honestly felt like we were all meant to be part of each other’s story. Italy has always held a special place in my heart, and this experience made it even more unforgettable in such a beautiful, full-circle way.
