Mode Around the Globe: Sandy Bang

Mode Around The Globe: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Sandy Bang
@sandydianabang

Photography by Hannah Rozelle @hannahrozelle_
Videographed by Estevão Mendes @stevotake

Location: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
@grandvelasmaya

Looking back on your journey so far, what experience pushed you the most outside of your comfort zone?
This journey has been a series of ups and downs, from feeling like I have it all to experiencing moments where I felt so far behind the timeline I had created in my mind. The one defining moment that changed absolutely everything for me was when I realized that in order to evolve into the woman I knew I could become, the woman I knew I had in me, changes were going to have to be made.

At the time, I had been creating content for most of my life. I started making YouTube videos when I was 10 years old, and by 16, I had become a full time content creator. It quickly became not just what I did, but everything I knew. Over time, I began to tie my worth and identity to my achievements, how well a video performed, how often I was posting, how much I was making. If I was not consistently creating, I felt like I was falling behind. If I did not reach certain milestones financially or materially, I felt like I was failing. There came a point where I realized that the life I had built, although successful on the outside, was no longer fulfilling me on the inside. It brought me more pressure than peace, and that realization changed everything.

I chose to step back and let go of the version of myself that was rooted in external validation. I finally allowed myself to ask deeper questions, what do I truly want in this lifetime? What actually makes me feel fulfilled? What feels aligned for me now? In that space, I began to reconnect with myself. I slowed down, rediscovered who I was outside of my work and expectations, and learned how to truly be with myself. Through that, I fell back in love with who I am.

That is when everything shifted. I found myself naturally drawn back to the things I once loved, but this time from a place of joy, not pressure. I reconnected with content creation in a way that felt aligned, intentional, and fulfilling. Now, I create from a place of love rather than obligation. I feel more grounded, more present, and more at peace than I ever have before. That moment of letting go, choosing myself, and being open to change was the most defining chapter of my life, because it allowed me to step into a version of myself that feels truly whole.

Fans love your confidence and presence. What’s something about your personality that people may not know but you wish they did?
One thing people may not know about me is how much I genuinely enjoy deep introspection. I naturally find myself reflecting on the things I say, the things others say, the reasons behind my actions, and how those patterns were formed. I like to understand where things come from and get to the root of it. It is just how my mind works, and I truly find so much joy in it.

Because of that, I find myself drawn to conversations that are deeper and more vulnerable. Those kinds of conversations always light something in me and make me feel truly seen. I also love when other people allow themselves to be vulnerable, it creates a space that feels very genuine and connected, almost like a soul to soul conversation!

Even though I may come across as confident, I believe that version of me was built through understanding myself on a deeper level. The more I took time to reflect, to question, and to be honest with myself, the more clear I became in who I am.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past year, both personally and professionally?
I think the biggest lesson I learned this past year was to truly take things day by day. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself by focusing so much on the future, on everything I needed to do and where I felt like I should be. That mindset would leave me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the present.

What truly helped me start moving forward in my life was shifting my focus to the current moment. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I began asking myself, what can I do today that brings me closer to my goals? Even completing one small task became something I could feel proud of.

I also learned the importance of giving myself grace. Not every day is going to look the same, and sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest. Honoring where I am, whether that is taking action or slowing down, has been one of the most transformative shifts for me.

At the end of the day, the present moment is all we truly have. We cannot live in the past or the future, this is the only place where we can create, grow, and move forward. Being more present has brought me a sense of peace, but it has also transformed the way I experience opportunities.

When I am fully grounded in the present, the opportunities that come into my life feel almost unexpected, but in the most beautiful way. Each one brings growth, new perspective, and a deeper understanding of myself, and I receive them with so much gratitude.

Even moments like this, being a part of Modeliste Magazine feels so special because I was not expecting it, I was simply being present in my life. Now I get to receive it with so much gratitude. My heart feels so full for this opportunity!

You’re constantly evolving and reinventing yourself. What inspires your creativity and drive the most right now?
I would say a lot of my inspiration comes from within from my thoughts and emotions. I pay attention to what excites me and feels meaningful, and I allow that to guide what I create. I try not to force ideas, but to trust what naturally wants to come through me!

I love creating content where I share how I take care of myself because I spend a lot of time indulging in self care and fostering environments that help me feel deeply connected to who I am. When I feel connected to myself, that is when my inspiration flows the most effortlessly.

From there, creating becomes something I truly enjoy because it is an expression of who I am! The things I create are not always planned or structured, but they come from a place of feeling and enjoyment. I like to say it comes from the heart! I think that is why people feel connected to my content, because they can feel the energy behind it.

When you think about your dream life, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
When I think about my dream life in the next five years, it is less about what it looks like and more about how it feels. I hope to feel a deep sense of gratitude, fulfillment, and peace in whatever I am experiencing.

I have learned that outcomes can change, and life can unfold in unexpected ways, so I try not to attach myself too strongly to a specific image. What matters most to me is the feeling behind it all. As long as I feel grounded, fulfilled, and at peace with where I am, I know I will be exactly where I am meant to be.

Whether that looks like continuing to grow in my career and having more opportunities to express my love for self care, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, or creating a family of my own, 
I trust that whatever unfolds will be right for me.

At the end of it all, I think I will simply feel grateful. That feeling of peace and fulfillment is what I truly see for myself.

What’s one project or passion you’re currently working on that you’re most excited for fans to see?
One thing I am really excited about right now is stepping more into modeling and creative expression through photography. It has always been something I was drawn to, even as a little girl. I loved the idea of being able to express myself visually and bring different energies to life. 

Growing up, I was often told that I was too short to model, and I think that is what kept me from ever truly pursuing it. In a way, content creation became my outlet. It allowed me to still express myself visually, but in a space that felt more accessible at the time.

After this opportunity with Modeliste Magazine, something definitely shifted for me. It made me realize that I no longer want to hold myself back from something that feels so fulfilling and fun. It reminded me to simply go for the things that excite me without being attached to the outcome, and to trust that the joy in doing it is reason enough!

What made this experience even more meaningful was seeing how my audience responded. They were so supportive and encouraging, and hearing that meant so much to me. It truly felt like I was making my younger self proud, and that feeling is something I want to continue following!

Your travel schedule is amazing — what destination has inspired you the most recently and why?
Paris is the most beautiful and inspiring city I have ever been to. I have been able to visit twice in the past 2 years, but my first trip there with my mom, aunt, and grandma was truly life-changing. Coming from St. Paul, Minnesota, being in Paris felt like I was stepping into a completely different, expansive world, and it really changed what I believed was possible for myself.

Being there made me realize that so much of life is something you get to choose. The way you dress, the way you carry yourself, your habits, your lifestyle, it is all something you can evolve into. Paris showed me that I could redefine those parts of myself and step into a version of me that felt more aligned and expressive.

I also fell in love with the lifestyle. Sitting at a café, taking your time, enjoying your food, and just being present in the moment felt so amazing there. It taught me how to slow down and romanticize my life in a deeper way that I didn’t even know was possible.

Paris has since inspired my personal style, my routines, and even the way I design my space. My bedroom is very Parisian-inspired and I truly feel like a princess in my room. My mom’s name is Paris, so in a way, my connection to the city feels like it was always meant to be.

What does a perfect, slow, restful day look like for you?
For me, a perfect, slow, restful day always starts with a good morning routine. As long as I have that, I feel grateful for however the rest of my day unfolds. I really value having the first few hours of my day to slowly wake up, make breakfast, and enjoy an intentional drink, whether that is coffee, tea, or even an energy drink. I truly believe that how you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. When I begin my morning feeling connected to myself, I am able to carry that energy with me throughout the entire day, regardless of stress or how many things I need to get done. Even if the day becomes busy, I still feel grounded because of how I started it.

That is why my morning routine is so important to me. I love making it feel special, wearing cute pajamas, playing soft music like meditation sounds or Parisian jazz, and just being present while I move through my routine. It turns something simple into something that feels romantic and intentional. To me, a restful day is not about doing less, it is about starting in a way that allows me to feel connected, peaceful, and in tune with myself.

Fashion-wise, how would you describe your style in three words?
Intentional. Feminine. Expressive. I think when people look at my outfits, they can feel the effort and heart I put into them, and I hope they also feel a sense of excitement, because when I’m creating my outfits, I’m usually having so much fun!

What’s one beauty or self-care ritual you never skip, no matter how busy life gets?
No matter how busy life gets, I always moisturize my skin! It is something so simple, but it makes such a difference for me. Without it, my skin feels dry and textured, but with it, my skin feels soft, smooth, and glowy.

It was actually one of the first self-care habits I ever picked up, and it is something I have stayed consistent with over the years. Moisturizing my skin is a small way I can show up for myself, no matter what my day looks like.

Fans love your authenticity — how do you stay grounded amidst such a fast-paced career?
Ironically, staying off social media is what allows me to be my most authentic self. Even when I am online, I try to create space from constantly checking comments or messages, because it helps me stay connected to myself rather than being influenced by how others may be perceiving me.

That time alone is really important to me. It gives me the space to slow down, check in with myself, and understand how I am truly feeling. I have learned to ask myself what wants to be expressed through me, and to honor that without overthinking it.

I think staying grounded, for me, comes from nurturing that relationship with myself. When I feel connected internally, everything I create feels more honest, more natural, and more aligned. It reminds me that no matter how fast things are moving around me, I always have a place within myself that I can return to.

What’s a misconception you think people have about you, and what’s the truth?
I think a misconception people may have about me is that I have everything figured out because of the opportunities I have or the platform I’ve built. From the outside, it can look like I am always moving with certainty and clarity.

But the truth is, I am still figuring things out as I go. I do not always know what my next step will be or exactly what my future will look like, and I think that is something people do not always see.

At the same time, I have learned to be at peace with that. Not having everything figured out does not mean I am lost, it just means I am growing.

I think that is also what makes me feel the most human. I am evolving in real time, learning through experience, and allowing myself the space to become who I am meant to be.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self?
Honestly, I would not give my younger self any advice. If you knew her, she was ambitious, strong minded, and such a little go getter. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she went after it without overthinking it.

Even at a young age, I always said my biggest goals in life were to be happy and to inspire women all around the world to be confident in who they are. And it is so special to me that those are still the same goals I carry with me today.

If anything, I would just hug her and tell her that I am so proud of her. She had so much belief, so much drive, and so much heart, and she really trusted herself.
She knew exactly who she was becoming, and I am so grateful that I listened to her.

You’ve become such an inspiration to many. Who inspires you the most?
If I am being honest, there have been many women I have crossed paths with who have inspired me in different ways. Some carried a level of confidence and presence that I was drawn to, others were exploring the world in a way that made me want to do the same, and some inspired me to step into my own ambition and start building something for myself. But if I had to choose one, I would say the person who has inspired me the most has always been the version of myself I knew I could become. From a young age, I had this inner knowing that I was capable of more, that I could be confident, expressive, and fully myself. 

That inner voice has always guided me, reminding me that I am able, that I am capable, and that I can create the life I envision for myself.

Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota as a Hmong Chinese American, I did not always see people with a similar background to mine in the spaces I aspired to be in or achieving the things I dreamed of. Because of that, I had to become that source of belief for myself. And in a way, that shaped everything.

I also have to give so much credit to my mom. Her resilience and the way she carries herself with such inner authority has always inspired me. She taught me to stand up for myself and to trust what I want for my life.

Now, being able to inspire others means so much to me, because I know what it feels like to not always have that reflection of possibility around you. And if I can be that for someone else, even in a small way, that is something I will always be grateful for.

What’s your current go-to outfit when you want to feel confident and empowered?
My current go-to outfit when I want to feel confident and empowered is a chic midi skirt, a pair of kitten heels, and a shawl. There is something about that combination that feels so elegant, feminine, and put together.

Shawls, especially, have a special meaning to me. I had a pink one when I was younger that I loved so much, but I lost it when my house at the time burned down. For a long time, I did not really get to experience that piece again, but now as an adult, I have found my own version of it.

Wearing it now feels like reconnecting with a part of myself, and it makes me feel both confident and nostalgic in the best way. I have even started collecting them in different colors because I love them so much. It is one of those pieces that instantly makes me feel so stylish.

If you could only bring three items in your handbag for a day, what would they be?
I would say my lip balm, hand cream, and hand sanitizer. They are my everyday essentials and I genuinely cannot go without them. It is the little things that make me feel put together, and those three always keep me feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the day.

What’s something your fans would be totally surprised to learn about you?
Something people might be surprised to learn about me is that I did taekwondo growing up and earned my black belt. It was a big part of my childhood, and it actually shaped a lot of who I am today. It taught me discipline, structure, and consistency at a really young age, which I still carry with me today. It also built my confidence early on. Being able to see my progress and know that my effort was paying off made me proud of myself, and it showed me that putting in the work can truly change how you feel about yourself.

I think a lot of people assume that the characteristics I have now came naturally, but I truly believe taekwondo played a big role in building that foundation for me. It gave me the courage to try new things without being as afraid of failure. Whether it is starting a business, exploring new hobbies, or putting myself in new environments and meeting new people, I feel more open to it because I was introduced to that kind of growth at such a young age.
Now, as an adult, I find so much joy in trying different forms of movement, whether it is yoga, Pilates, working out, running, or even picking up new hobbies. I love staying active and challenging myself, even if I am not the best at something. It is less about perfection and more about enjoying the experience.

What’s a personal mantra or quote you live by?
Follow what feels aligned, and trust that the way it unfolds will be exactly right for you.

What did you love most about your stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya?
What I loved most about my stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya was truly the people. From the moment I arrived, I felt so welcomed and taken care of. The staff were incredibly kind, respectful, and attentive, and they made the entire experience feel so comfortable and effortless.

I also really loved being surrounded by the Modeliste family. Everyone there was so unique, inspiring, and genuinely kind. It felt like we were all connected through our love for life and our shared desire for growth, which made the experience even more special.

It is something I will always remember. The connections, the energy, and the people I met made the entire experience feel so meaningful and unforgettable.

What exciting projects or career moments do you have coming up that you’d love to share?
Right now, what I am most excited about is continuing to grow my brand, Bennu, which is my self care brand centered around inner healing and becoming the most confident and whole version of yourself!

This year, I would really love to expand it beyond the products and content, and continue creating more in person experiences, like my workshops, that allow me to connect with my community in a deeper way. Eventually, 

I would love to host retreats, creating more immersive spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and focus on their inner world.

Being at Grand Velas really reminded me how much your environment can shift your perspective and energy, and it made me realize how powerful it would be to create something like that for my own community. I think that is something I would be really excited to bring to life.