Meet Hannah Phung | UGC Lifestyle Creator & Freelance Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Phung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always loved this question because I wanted to be like the people around me growing up. The majority of them were successful, always dressed to impress, and seemed to have it all. I wanted to have it all too. But when I got to face the real world that’s when my life changed completely. Yes, for those wondering I did have a 9-5 job. I didn’t stay there long and even though it was flexible, I despised it. Every day, I’d come home, reflect on the hours I had just spent, and end up crying about it. That 9-to-5 made me feel like a nobody. While everyone else had their circles, I felt like an outsider, with no purpose or place. So, that same year, I walked away from my 9-to-5. Technically, I was still in school at the time, which was one reason. The other reason? I wanted to turn what I loved into a career. What I love doing most is freelance modeling, showing off my personality, and connecting with others who are like-minded. I realized that if those I grew up with could succeed, so could I. None of us had privileged beginnings.
And so it began, I was sitting on my childhood bed doing tons of research on how to become a content creator. After that, everything else aligned, and of course, hard work and dedication paid off. I knew I always wanted to be my boss and now I can proudly say that I AM my boss!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a UGC Lifestyle Creator and what sets me apart from others are my personality and passion. I would say I’m most proud of hitting my first year as a Content Creator and working with my dream brands. I’m excited to be featured in more magazines like this one. And I know everyone thinks my job is so easy, they tell me all I do is take videos of myself, edit, and post them. But there’s so much more that goes on behind the scenes. For example, doing research on the brand and products, figuring out how to negotiate, learning new editing skills, etc. The truth is, it’s not as easy as it seems. I am the face of my business and I have to be cautious of how I want to represent myself. I would say I always keep it as authentic as possible so no filters or anything like that. And now that I’ve had a year of experience as a Content Creator. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to let the numbers get to your head. In my line of work, numbers are there and realistically they don’t matter. It’s more about quality over quantity!!!! If there’s one thing you should take away from this, it’s that I’ll always stay true to myself and my audience. And I’m a driven person who’s focused on making my younger self proud.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
No matter the season. If there’s one place everyone should check out it should be the beaches. One of my favorites is Malibu Beach because I always went there as a kid and I still go now. Trust me the long drive is worth it. From where I live it takes us almost an hour to get there. Just imagine rolling down the window and the fresh breeze blowing in your hair. The sounds of the waves hitting against the sand. And truly being focused on the present. I know when I go there my head feels a lot lighter and stress-free. They have a Pier nearby and it’s got good food (a bit pricey) but a nice view. I can’t exactly narrow down my favorite spots in Malibu because they’re all great. I would say I haven’t had a bad experience being there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to proudly thank my dad because he’s the hardest-working person I know. He didn’t come from a wealthy family, and when he came to America, he had nothing. It’s truly inspiring how he’s built such an incredible life for himself and our family. I see the effort he puts in to make sure we have food on the table, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs. And all I want to do is give back to him. I remember him telling me that during his prime years, everything he wanted, and he worked hard to get. He saved every penny to buy his dream car—a Corvette LT4. That story stays with me because it goes to show that if you want it bad enough, you should go after it. Like any relationship, there have been ups and downs. Even though we don’t always see eye to eye, he’s always been there for me in more ways than I can count on my two hands. In every photoshoot I’ve done, he’s been the photographer. On every road trip, he’s been the driver. And if I could give my dad an award, it would be for being the best dad a daughter could ever ask for.

Website: https://alwayshannahdp.my.canva.site/creatorportfolio?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwayshannahdp/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannahdovephung

Image Credits
Hannah Phung