The ALIA
Volume I. Issue XVI. Nov. 24, 2020.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the sixteenth issue of The ALIA, a weekly newsletter dedicated to the lives of Asian women in America, and beyond, where we bring you the latest news and insightful conversations with industry professionals. In this volume, we feature women in fashion, media and arts. Find us on Instagram.
Letter from the editor:
Hello! It’s so good to see you again, and a warm welcome to our new subscribers. I was off last week for a self-care week, what did I miss? Please remember to prioritize your self-care and be gentle to yourself during these tough times.
We’re back this week with an interview with Cathy Nguyen. I will always remember watching Cathy in Wong Fu Production’s short film “Strangers, again” and continuing to love her many more Wong Fu shorts.
Cathy has since moved on from her days of singing covers on Youtube, although we will miss that dearly. She is a wonderfully caring mom to Isla, who we can’t get enough of! We chatted with her parenting and how her priorities have shifted.
P.S. Happy (early) Thanksgiving!
I hope you enjoy!
Sincerely,
Annie Lin
Founder of The ALIA
If you could like to learn more about this project, please contact us at contact@alia.news
Asian Creatives
Clockwise from top left: @fromchristina, @allyshayung, @itsyuyann, @vernicet
Community News
Dating • The cult-favorite New York Times “Modern Love” podcast takes on “Confronting Race on the First Date” with a story of how two Asian-Americans met on a dating app, but one of them said, “race might be an issue.” Listen: The New York Times or read.
White House • Making strides in the art world, Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) became the first Asian American artist to have his work acquired for the White House collection. His 1962 sculpture “Floor Frame,” installed in the Rose Garden, channels his minimalist and abstract style. Read: Artforum
Fresh face • “Crazy Rich Asians” star Gemma Chan has been named as the new international face of beauty giant L’Oreal. Chan said, “I’m thrilled to join L’Oréal Paris, a family of empowered women of all origins standing together to show the power and beauty of diversity.” Read: The Cut
Unpredictable • Harry Shum Jr. stars as the male lead in “All My Life,” based on a tear-jerking real-life story of a newly engaged couple who receives devastating news while planning their wedding. Read: Hollywood Reporter
In conversation with Cathy Nguyen
Photo of Cathy & family by Tony Le Films, courtesy of Cathy Nguyen
This week we’re joined by Cathy Nguyen, 33, radiologic technologist and Youtuber. You might recognize her from Wong Fu Production’s iconic short film “Strangers, again” where she starred across Philip Wang in an emotional rollercoaster relationship. Nine years later, Nguyen is a wife and mom to an adorable baby girl, Isla Banaag, who turned two in October. Nguyen chats about her career path, what she has been up to since her days as a singer and how she’s been coping during the pandemic.
This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Tell us about the journey that has led you to where you are today
I wish I had a fun, interesting story to tell! In short, I had originally planned to be a music teacher and go into music education. As time passed, when I didn’t quite get the approval I was hoping for, I felt like I needed to reevaluate my career choice. It wasn’t necessarily that my parents weren’t supportive, but more so that I kept getting questioned if I was making the right choices. In a way, I felt like I did not have their support 100%. Some family members told me to look into applying for the radiology program at my local community college. I did a quick research and figured it was something I could potentially do. So I did, and I am currently working as a radiologic technologist.
How is the Cathy we first met as a singer on Youtube similar or different to the Cathy now?
Cathy now is not a singer anymore! Well, I definitely would not consider myself as one, that’s for sure. Once I started the radiology program, my focus shifted to school, and music slowly disappeared into the back burner. I didn’t get to sing as much, and not utilizing those vocal cords resulted in not having the confidence to sing anymore. Otherwise, I am now a wife and mom. I’d consider that a big jump from where I was back in 2007. Being a mom to Isla has made me realize that I am stronger than I ever thought. Priorities shifted and every single thing I do now has one thing in mind, Isla. While my decisions were previously driven by my own needs and wants, as well as my husband’s, they now center around Isla’s.
What advice do you have for other Asian Americans who look up to you?
Be yourself and embrace it. Your identity should not define what you can or cannot pursue in life. I’d say I have always felt connected to my Asian-identity. I love being able to represent our community. Whether it be singing or acting on YouTube or simply sharing my life experiences on social media, I take pride in simply being myself and sharing my moments for those who can relate. In the future, I hope to continue to strive to be the best version of myself, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
What has been helpful to keep you going during the pandemic?
I guess being a partial stay-at-home mom has prepared me to be fine with staying at home for a pandemic. There are moments where I wish things were different. We had lots of plans to travel this year, but like many, we had to cancel. Working at the hospital is also an uneasy feeling. Not knowing what to expect, taking the proper precautions to remain safe and healthy for my family was and is still my biggest fear. We manage to get some fresh air by taking walks around our community or going for little drives to pick up food. Even though Isla maybe a handful right now, she’s definitely been our light during this dark time.
Asian-owned Brands
Weekly Thoughts
Last week: What is your favorite Asian movie or TV show?
Your responses:
“‘My Way,’ directed by Kang Je-gyu, it is a Korean World War II-era film.” – Trammy Anh Lai, New York City
“My favorites are ‘Haikyu!!’ for anime, and ‘It's Okay, That's Love’ for K-dramas.” – Sally Oh, Hong Kong
This week: What are your family’s holiday traditions?
#ALIAtalks and tag us @alia.news to join the conversation and we will feature the best submissions in next week’s newsletter. For email submissions, please email contact@alia.news
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