My name is Serena Nguyen also known as Serena La Deesse which means Serena the Goddess. I was born in Vietnam to my mother of mixed Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cambodian and to my father of mixed Vietnamese and Chinese. We lived in more of the countryside of the country which was filled with plants and animals. This is part of the reason for my love for nature. We came to America when I was still young and have adapted to American culture. I have always had a passion to do and be in front of the camera since at a young age also. I danced growing up and sang as a hobby. I then started modeling about 3 years ago and started acting this year. However, most of my time is booked up with nursing as first priority, but at the same time, I’m still trying to further my entertainment career.
What does fashion actually mean to you? What inspires your passion and what excites & motivates you about modeling? Serena: Fashion to me means when one is able to put together his/her own style together to make a statement. Modeling to me is like acting. I get to become a different character in every session depending on the concept which is really exciting because I also love acting and be very playful.
What do you think, Is it important to attended fashion modeling courses? Do they really help newbies to get a foothold in the Fashion Industry? Serena: I did not attend any modeling course or class etc. I was discovered through one recruiter to the next. However, there are many people who have benefit from the courses but there are also people who are still trying. In the end, it is really up to the person to be his/her own inspiration and to really want to grab hold of that goal.
How you communicate with other netizens, especially your subscribers? Are you patient? polite? friendly? How often you reply to them? Serena: Facebook is now my ultimate networking site besides Model Mayhem. My main goal on there is to receive more business inquiries especially those with interesting projects and great art. However, I do have a plethora of subscribers who just admire me and just would like to “chat” with me. I too respond back with either a smile or a “hi” and “thank you” but other than that I really do not have time to continue on with the conversation.
Has modeling changed other aspects of your life? What does your career do for you? Serena: Modeling has changed my life in a way that helps me gain more confidence and better self-esteem. Every time I view a finished project, I would feel proud of myself for the art and talent that I offer.
Is there anything you dislike about modeling? Serena: There is one particular reason for modeling that I dislike is that sometime I would meet unprofessionalism whether it’s a photographer, another model, etc.
Is there anything you dislike or want to change about the fashion industry? Serena: There is really nothing that I would like to change about the fashion industry. I understand that the current trend is “sex sales”, therefore, the sexier the image, the more the viewers or subscribers. That’s what draws to the majority of the audience. However, I still appreciate “PG” artistic work and would not want that to lose sight.
How you prepare yourself for a modeling shoot? Serena: I normally ask the inquirers for their vision and concept of the shoot and from there I would respond with my input. We then agree on the idea. Basically it’s to get an understanding of each others’ notion.
What has been your best fashion look? What was your biggest fashion mistake? Serena: I really do not have a favorite. It is actually depending on what mood I’m in. I guess the mistakes would be when I started: not knowing how to apply to make up.
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in? What are your least favorites? Serena: I love high fashion outfits, very artistic. However. Casual outfits are fun also but for fun daily look shoots. My least favorite outfits would be anything that makes me look awkward and out of shape.
Any goal to fulfill as a model? How do you see yourself progress in this field? Serena: My goal now is to brand myself out as in having my name be known to people along to create more artwork with more inspired photographers.
I believe that I have progress on a monthly basis, maybe not dramatically but slowly getting closer to my goal. I hope my audience appreciates all the artwork that I have created so far.
What kind of shoots would you like to work on in the future? Serena: Maybe more high fashion headshots with great makeup work and I would like to work with a great retoucher. A photographer can capture a moment artistic but a retoucher can emphasize on the story.
Would you like to tell us something about your city, your favorite hang out spots there? Serena: I now live in Houston, TX and there are lots to do here. However, my ultimate favorite spot would be City Center because it’s a hangout area for the main professional upper middle class but also family-oriented. It consists of fine dining, lounges, theater, play area, etc.
What do you like to do for fun & entertainment? Serena: I enjoy cooking, singing, creating art, experiencing new foods, and dancing. I’m now licensed Zumba instructive, therefore I have choreographed dances to prepare for a future class.
What is your perfect day, morning through to night? Serena: My favorite day would be the weekends because that’s when I actually have some free time to be more creative.
What’s your fashion mantra? Please describe your style? What’s your beauty regime? Serena: Normally I like to dress very casual but with a hint of girly and flirty materials like flowy chiffon fabric or showing a bit of skin like legs or arms but whatever I wear it would have to flatter my body type. Occasionally, I like to go all out with very sexy dresses and glamorous makeup. My must-have before I leave the house would be a light touch on the skin, sunscreen, and a great smile.
Do you eat nutritiously? Tell us about the diet you follow on a regular basis? Is there any food which you avoid eating? Serena: I try to consume more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. I eat very little meat and processed food especially sweets. My favorite snack is nuts especially unsalted peanuts and cashews.
How often do you exercise or go to the gym? How much time do you spend there? Serena: I attend Zumba at the gym about 5 days weekly each for an hour. I do my stretches every morning and every night before bed.
Excluding all complicated beauty & fitness mantra, what do you think to be the easiest way to look pretty and glamorous? Serena: The easiest way for anyone to look fabulous, I feel, is to not overthink what one would wear but rather just throw something on that feels comfortable and flatters your body and a great smile. The main key is to nurture and take good care of yourself as a foundation for beauty. Be comfortable in your own skin.
What other modeling projects have you done? Serena: Most of my work is on Facebook. I recently created a “Like Page” for followers @ Facebook.com/SerenaTheGoddess. I was published in Houston magazine for a local designer and have featured on multiple websites for fashion and modeling.
What are your experiences in the fashion industry? What is fun and rewarding about modeling? Do you have any advice for other aspiring models? Serena: What I have learned like in any other project or work is that you have to learn the basics and trend then apply that to your own creative mind to create your own artwork.
Which fashion magazines you like reading? What fashion websites & weblogs you follow? Serena: Growing up, I enjoyed reading and browsing through Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and so forth but honestly I haven’t been reading any magazines but just the news online. If there is a magazine that has a great cover photo that would catch my eyes, then I would grab it and see it then put it back. This applies to pictures I see on the net. The reason for the observation is for me to get ideas and understanding of why the artwork captured, attention, and for me to be able to apply the same to my work.
Tell me about your favorites. Serena: Model: Victoria’s Secret models such as Alessandra, Adrian, and Candice. I really do not have a favorite actor, actress, singer although I enjoy listening and watching the younger generation such as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Miley, Demi, Christina as actors Natalie Portman, Kiera Knightly, Jessica Alba and so forth. I love and appreciate international music. Any kind that has upbeat to it because I love dancing. As far as the book goes, I now read the bible but rarely have time to read. When I do have the time to, then I would read romance. As far as film, action, drama, mysteries.
How you access the Internet? What device do you use: Is it a tablet, smartphone, or laptop? What according to you is a more comfortable, quick, and easy device for accessing the Internet? Serena: Tablet and phone. Laptops and Desktops take too long to boot but sometimes it’s necessary to use them.
Do you own a domain? Do you have your own fashion blog? Serena: I have not started a blog but have considered it. Maybe one day when I actually have the time to. It would be awesome if all social network link together like Instagram, Facebook, and Model Mayhem is doing. Instagram: Serenaladeesse Facebook: Serena La Deesse and Serena The Goddess Model Mayhem: Serena La Deesse
Is there anything you like to add? Serena: I hope that netizens enjoy and appreciate my work and hope that I can be an inspiration to them. Maybe have an impact on someone put there.
Your ultimate message for netizens? Serena: If you have a passion for something, believe in yourself and make it happen. Doors only open for you if you take the start to walk up to it and knock on it first.