In the effervescent world of fashion and glamor, Dawn Ngo stands out not just as a trailblazer but as a vibrant testament to the power of diversity and determination. Beginning her journey in the modeling industry at the tender age of 16, Dawn's story is a narrative of resilience and innovation. In our conversation, Dawn delves into her multifaceted career as a model, fashion designer, and budding actress and offers an intimate glimpse into her experiences as an Asian woman navigating the predominantly white landscape of fashion, the impact that being in front of the camera at such a young age had on her self-esteem, and the significance of Asian representation in a world that often sidelines it. 

From gracing the camera with her captivating presence to sketching designs for her own clothing line, Dawn's story is one of passion morphing into a successful career. Her foray into fashion blogging at a young age, partnering with brands like Brandy Melville and Calvin Klein, not only showcased her flair for style but also highlighted her astuteness in leveraging the burgeoning realm of social media. This foresight allowed her to realize a childhood dream – launching her own clothing line at 19. The brand's success, marked by its presence in high-end vendors like Revolve and Doll's Kill and adoration by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber, is a testament to Dawn's creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, in a surprising turn, Dawn stepped away from her thriving business to refocus on modeling and explore the world of acting, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of new horizons.

As Dawn Ngo re-enters the modeling scene with renewed vigor and steps into the realm of acting, her journey embodies more than just personal growth and success; it symbolizes the changing tides in an industry that is learning to embrace diversity. Our interview unveils the layers of her experience, offering readers an inspiring narrative of a woman who not only dreams big but also dares to make those dreams a vivid reality.

Q: You started your modeling career at a young age. How did this early exposure to the fashion industry shape your perspectives on beauty and self-worth? Can you share any pivotal moments or challenges you faced as a young Asian model in a predominantly white industry?

A: “When I was younger, growing up in western culture I was insecure about my race because it made me different from everyone else, and I thought because of that I wasn’t as worthy as everyone else. I was very insecure about it. No heroine looked like me on TV, no faces in the magazines looked like me. For years, I tried to downplay my "Asian-ness", abolishing any part of my Vietnamese culture that made me different. I pretended like I didn’t speak Vietnamese when any of my friends asked - when I was actually fluent. It took me a long time to learn to embrace my heritage and culture, and now I’m proud to be Asian, proud to be Vietnamese and proud to be different from those around me. All of the things I used to be ashamed of are things I celebrate now, and I try to bring as much of it into my life and share my culture with the people around me as much as possible. This is why representation is so important. We need more Asian people in the spotlight, so little girls who look like me don’t wish they could be something they’re not. Girls need people to look up to who look like them.”

Q: At 19, you launched your own clothing line, which quickly gained success. What inspired you to make this shift from modeling to fashion designing? 

A: “I’ve always loved fashion and I’ve always wanted to design. When I was younger, I would drape myself in towels and blankets and walk around the house in the “dresses” I made out of them. It was always my goal, but I had always thought that it would be something I’d do when I was older and had more experience. When I began to amass a following, I realized that that gave me a competitive advantage - I had a way to market my brand to people at basically no cost. This was back at the start of social media, so it was much easier to build a following and the market wasn’t nearly as saturated as it is today. I saw the opportunity, and I thought to myself “Why not?”. I started designing, and everything else fell into place.”

Q: Having started a fashion blog early on, you were a pioneer in utilizing social media to build a brand. How do you think social media has changed the dynamics of the fashion industry, especially for young entrepreneurs like yourself?

A: “I think there is a lot more opportunity now than there was before social media, which is incredible. There are so many incredible brands that have emerged on social media - it’s so cool to follow the brands and their founders and just watch them grow. It’s very inspiring when you see young entrepreneurs follow their dreams and succeed, and you see it now so much more than you would have if we didn’t have social media. It’s become a lot more difficult now with the changing algorithms and market saturation to build a brand on social media, but it is definitely still a powerful tool you can harness that never existed before. It’s a bit of a double edge sword but I think if you can leverage it to your advantage and use social media to grow your brand, inspire others and get inspired and support other small businesses, social media can be a wonderful thing.”

Q: You took a significant break from modeling to focus on your clothing line. What motivated this decision, and what have you learned from the experience of running a successful brand? Additionally, what prompted your recent return to modeling?

A: It was always my dream to have a clothing line, always. But I think I also had a bit of a chip on my shoulder and wanted to prove to others that there was more to me than just the way I looked. I wanted to shift my career to something that placed less weight on my appearance. In running my clothing line, I’ve definitely learned a lot but I think the biggest thing I learned was exactly how difficult it is to build a business from the ground up. It is exceptionally hard, and because people don’t usually share their struggles, when a business succeeds you see the success but you don’t see the years of blood, sweat and tears that it was built upon. I definitely did not know what I was signing up for but I have a lot more respect now for people who continue to follow their dreams and build their businesses. I know it’s not easy. 

As my business grew it became more about the business than it was creative, and I began to question if it was truly my calling. As much as I wanted to be a business woman, I realized that I am a creative at heart. I am happiest when I am creating, no matter what the outlet is. So I returned to modeling and began to dip my foot into acting. I know now that my worth has nothing to do with my appearance nor my professional achievements, but who I am as a person, my love for others and for myself - which has made my relationship with modeling much healthier than it was at 16.”

Q: You’ve recently started exploring the world of acting. How does this new venture compare to your experiences in modeling and fashion design? What kind of roles or projects are you looking forward to?

A: “It’s so fun, I love it so far. I’m currently filming the Cruel Intentions series reboot in Toronto. My role is small but I love being on set and bringing a character to life. It’s so different from both modeling and fashion design, which is what I love about it. It’s very challenging in its own way that’s different from the other challenges I’ve faced in modeling and fashion design. There are so many nuances in learning a character and playing them in a way that’s authentic and complex, and I love the challenge. I know it’s super cheesy, but my dream role would be to play a Marvel superhero.”

Q: Looking forward, what are your aspirations for the future in both your modeling and acting careers? What legacy do you hope to leave in these industries?

A: “I’d love to model for bigger brands. I’d also love to get more into acting and start doing bigger roles, but modeling is the bigger fish in my pond right now and that’s what I’m focusing on. Maybe I’ll even get back into fashion design again - who knows. I don’t know exactly what the next few years will hold for me, but I hope that by adding one more Asian face to the fashion and entertainment industry - an industry that historically has been dominated by caucasian models and actors - I can make a difference and inspire young girls who look like me and show them that being Asian is beautiful and something to be celebrated. To show them that it’s possible to work in the creative industry, that you don’t have to be a doctor or lawyer.”

Dawn’s journey is more than a series of professional achievements in modeling, fashion design, and acting; it is a powerful illustration of overcoming challenges and remaining authentic in an industry often resistant to change. Her story is a compelling reminder that embracing one's passions and being proud of who you are and your heritage can pave the way for meaningful success. Her journey, marked by resilience and self-empowerment, is a source of inspiration for anyone aspiring to make an impact in a world increasingly receptive to diverse voices and stories. In Dawn's story, we find not just a narrative of success but a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and representative future in the world of fashion and entertainment.

Photography by: Sam Klegerman