The first Vietnamese to win this beauty title
Nguyễn Phương Khánh won the coveted Miss Earth 2018 crown and there has been no looking back ever since. Hailing from Vietnam, Nguyen’s dream has always been to get on the Miss Earth stage and now she is all set to conquer the world. Nguyễn Phương Khánh is a dreamer and a believer. Upholding her beliefs of doing well for the world, she made her country proud when she clinched the Miss Earth 2018 title. Here in this interview, Nguyen gets candid with The Lifestyle Journalist Magazine about handling success, fame, her journey and more…
How did you start your journey as a model?
It all started when I joined a local pageant with my friends. I was the 2nd runner up.
Who is your favourite fashion icon?
Audrey Hepburn! I love Audrey Hepburn because I find her really smart and her lifestyle is a great inspiration for women like me.
You are the first Vietnamese woman to win the Miss Earth title. How did you feel when you win the title?
I feel so proud to be the first one to have been crowned as Miss Earth 2018 and to be able to represent my country. Vietnam in the world stage is such an honor
What were the special preparations you did for the pageant?
Mindset- I learned to be physically and mentally strong and comply with the competition’s requirement.
Outfits – I prepared a lot of outfits which, in my case, brought to life the beauty of Vietnamese woman and its culture.
Thought-Learned and shared what I believe in life.
Body – Practice and training to be in right shape.
How did you cope up with the glamour industry culture during your initial days?
Taking one step at a time, every day is a new learning and being able to adapt to the changes when I was in the spotlight. Eventually, I learned how to mix the new and old me.
What was your parents take on your entry in the modelings world?
My parents were really worried especially when they realized that their little baby (as they normally call me) is no longer a baby! But overall, they were very supportive to my role as Miss Earth’s ambassador with a mission in life to help others, and also encourage me to be a better version of myself.
What were your alternate career choices?
A business woman.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
I read a comment from my beloved follower on social media saying, ‘I never saw the point of taking pictures until I met you. I want to keep our memories alive forever’. This is really flattering!
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is beauty and manner. I believe it isn’t just about the external look but the satisfaction, appreciation and purification of our mind and body.
Most memorable modelling moment?
Walking down the aisle as one of the finalist in Miss Earth competition.
How modelling industry changed you as a human being?
It taught me ‘determination and dedication’. You need to have your vision and mission in life, and a positive mindset that is always ready for changes and unexpected journeys in life later on.
The most treasured item in your closet?
A floral dress that my mother gave me.
What does your morning routine include?
I wake up at 6.am, and do yoga and some workout. Then, I have smoothies to freshen up my body. After that, I prepare necessary outfits; make up, for the day.
One thing you cannot live without?
My family
Do you get time to nurture your relationship with yourself ?
I do spend few hours in a week to do things I love, such as reading books, watching movies, walking in the park, having outdoor activities with friends and family.
What is the best and worst thing about being a model ?
The best thing is that it nurtures my passion in modelling and the worst thing is lack of time to do other things.
What advice would you give to a 16 year old you?
Know your inner desire, strongly believe in your ability, constantly learn and improve your knowledge, have confidence and do things you love with respect, honesty and self-esteem.
One beauty product you swear by?
Skin lotion.
Please share something about your toughest moments as a model?
This would be when I became Miss Earth. I have never expected how my life has changed dramatically from a normal girl to a public figure with high expectations from people watching you.
Three things, people don’t know about you?
I self-learn to improve myself always. I am into business too, which most people don’t know.
What makes you laugh?
A humorous conversation, silly acts and random posts that I find funny in social media
What is your favourite memory as a child?
Having big family gatherings with all my favourite food on the table.
Three things that are always in your bag?
My wallet, phone and a journal.
If your days had an extra hour, what would you do?
Definitely, sleep and meditation. Having a strong mind is important to do things we love!
What kind of music do you listen to?
Jazz, Romance, Pop and Hip-hop.
Who is your 3 am friend?
I do not have a 3 a.m. friend and normally I sleep around 11 pm.
Lotion
Do you watch TV shows? If yes, which is your all time favourite show?
‘How I met your mother’ because I love 60’s movies and shows.
As a model, travel is a big part of your job. Do you like it?
‘I would say, it is the best of both worlds, do what you love and experience the world’.
Your advice to young models?
‘Being a model is not only a job, but also a life mission of contributing our efforts to bring positive energy and beauty of life to ourselves and to others’.
A cause that you feel strongly about?
It is our life mission to improve ourselves to be able to contribute to our community where we live in effectively. This is much more important than a victory.
Your favourite scent?
Natural sweet aroma
Who is on your speed dial?
My mom
Your favourite things in the wardrobe?
Shirt, jeans, simple and elegant dresses
How do you deal with heartbreak?
I look for positive things to do
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
‘An environmentalist and a happy family of my own’.
Who is your spirit animal?
Pig
Walk us through your beauty regime?
I have a fixed exercise routine. Also, drinking enough water and fresh juices helps my skin feel revitalised and hydrated! Skin lotion is very important! Lastly, wearing light make up just to enhance your natural beauty unless heavy makeup is needed for the occasion.
What is your signature look?
A woman in shirt, jeans and vintage bags.
What is the best gift you have received?
A chance to study abroad
Quickest beauty fix
Lipstick
Go to red carpet look
Anything elegant
Your pamper fix
In a foamy bath tub
Beaches or Mountains
Both
Favourite makeup artist
Hung Van Ngo, a Vietnamese make-up artist
Favourite fashion designer
Coco Chanel is my all time favourite designer
Favourite holiday destination
Parts of Asia, Europe and North America
Favourite food
Vietnamese, Japanese and Western food
Favorite Disney Princess
Cinderella
Favourite Movie
Avenger, Breakfast at Tiffany, Some like it hot, Sabrina
Favourite Book
Comics
Future Plans
Complete my mission as Ms. Earth 2018 together with my advocacy, and to pursue my studies and have an opportunity to learn and do business.