To make your life easier, I created this page for reference and will add and update it often. Thanks so much for your interest!
Blogging
My favorite apps to edit my photos with are: Canva, Color Splash, Preview, PS Express (Photoshop), Retouch, and Snapseed.
All of the photos that are taken of me or by me on this blog and my social media platforms are from my iPhone 11 Plus. I’m currently re-learning the functions of a camera.
My top three pieces of advice for you is:
1) Start! If you’re waiting for the perfect time, you’ll be waiting for the rest of your life. You’ll never be ready anyway so why not give it a go? No regrets!
2) Don’t sell your soul for a paycheck. It’s okay to say no to a brand even when you have a small following. Stay true to yourself and your brand and you will succeed!
3) Talk about your passions and blog to inspire, serve, and add value to others. Think about who you are creating content for and go from there. If you’re chasing money, I’d rethink your reason(s) if I were you.
I’ve also written several blog posts about this topic if you need more help. From what you need to know before starting your blog to how to balance blogging with a full-time job to social media dos and don’ts!
You can comb through blogging resources I’ve found, leave a comment on any of my business tips posts or email me too!
The SSD name represents sweating diamonds when it comes to working hard on anything…from taking care of your body to building and growing a brand/business.
The journey of becoming a diamond is all about knowing that there are ups and downs to life, but not succumbing to the pressures that we face. Instead, we need to face our “downs” head on, work hard through our struggles and stay focused to overcome our obstacles to become the diamonds we’re meant to be.
To me, that kind of mentality and work ethic warrants the “sweats diamonds” phrase.
Oh and what gem is sought after more than rubies (Proverbs 31)?
Diamonds.
Here’s the long version of how the She Sweats Diamonds name was born.
General
Absolutely! I promise I don’t bite so feel free to email me at: [email protected] any time!
For all inquiries regarding PR gifting, sponsorships, collaborations and/or event invitations, please contact me at: [email protected]
Health & Wellness
I do! To make sure my body gets everything it needs, I have a subscription of supplements every month. I’ve been taking vitamins religiously every morning and night for the last nine years and will NEVER give up them.
They’re SO good and I mean that because my sleep quality has improved and my energy levels stay up without the crash. I can also work out harder and even train to run (which I didn’t think was possible with my knee problems) for future races.
If you’re on the market for vitamins, here’s my advice on what you need to look for when choosing supplements. If you have any questions about vitamins or want to buy some, contact me (subject line: Vitamins) and I’ll get you a discount on the two brands I use!
I used to be in great shape until I was in a car accident years ago. It doesn’t look like it from my pictures, but I have ended up gaining a lot weight that I’ve been struggling to release.
Before 2020, I worked out at least three times a week. I did weighted HIIT circuits, ran, and practiced yoga as well. I plan to take some fun classes here and there to keep things from becoming too boring with one to two rest days a week. I’m seeing my chiropractor first to make sure I’m well-adjusted before I make my triumphant return to the gym this Spring!
In terms of food, I don’t have a set diet (ugh, I hate that D-word) in place. I’m very aware of what I eat (good and bad) and don’t deprive myself.
If you’re interested, I write updates about my health journey twice a year to help myself stay on track.
Personal
I thought I was 5′ 3″ all my adult life until a nurse who took my blood told me that I’m 5’ 4″. I’m going to go with what she said because I’ll take all the height I can get, ha!
I’m Vietnamese, Chinese, and French. I had no clue of my background because found out about the Chinese and French side of me the week my dad died in April 2008.
My parents are originally from Vietnam, but I was born and raised in Dallas, TX and am a proud Vietnamese-American!
Style & Beauty
Face — For day, I wash my face with water to take off product from the night before. Then I start with a vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum, add a skin brightener, and finish with sunscreen before makeup.
At night, I start with a gel cleanser or face balm. For me, it’s important to double cleanse. After that, I use an exfoliating polish or pads to get rid of dead skin cells and anything else left behind by my cleansers. I pat on a brightening and dark spot serum I love and end with a Daily Power Defense and eye cream. If it’s a self-care night, I use a clay face mask too.
Body — I love doing a dry body brush before I shower to increase blood circulation. My go-to products are this body wash, this shampoo, this hair mask.
I prefer my makeup to be light and natural. Currently, I love using By Terry’s CC serum (in Sunny Flash), a cream blush, liquid lipstick (in shade Sell Out), topped with a lip gloss, eyeshadow, and liquid eyeliner (in shade Noir Profond).
All skincare and makeup products I use can be found on my shop page.
My hair is naturally thick and wavy and I definitely got it from my dad. However, I’m such a slacker on getting it trimmed every eight weeks like I’m supposed to. My stylist gets on to me about it, haha!
Oh man. That’s a loaded question, haha! I’ll answer in categories to keep things short!
Fashion Brands
ACNE Studios, Balmain, Bulgari, Cartier, CHANEL, Chloe, Dior, Finders Keepers, Jonathan Simkhai, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik, Marchesa, Prada, Valentino, YSL, Zac Posen, and Zimmermann
Health Brands
Alo Yoga, APL, Carbon 38, CORE, Heroine Sport, Modere, Nike, No Ka’Oi, P.E. Nation, USANA, and Varley
Beauty Brands
Anastasia Beverly Hills, Aerin, Armani Beauty, BeautyBio, By Terry, CHANEL, Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Farmacy, Fresh, Isdin, Jo Malone, La Mer, MAC, Marc Jacobs, NARS, Skinceuticals, Summer Fridays, Tatcha, Tom Ford, Too Faced, Urban Decay, YSL, and ZO Skin Health
Favorite Places/Brands to Shop
AllSaints, Anthropologie, Blue Mercury, Club Monaco, Intermix, Karen Millen, Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, The Outnet, Reiss, Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop, Target, and Revolve
Most of the time, my style is edgy with feminine touches, but honestly, I base my outfits on who I feel like being in the moment. If I want to be extra girly, a floaty dress and wedges are my jam. If I want an edgy look, you bet there will be some black involved!
My choice in style varies depending on my mood and who I want to channel at the moment.
I prefer classic clothing over trends and almost always gravitate towards neutrals. My inspiration really comes from everything and everyone I surround myself with.
One day, it can be my favorite bloggers or old photos of my mom’s outfits and the next, a piece of art I’ve came across. The possibilities of fashion is endless and that’s what I love about it. It’s ever-changing and that means that there will never be a box I have to stay in because my personal style will evolve as I age.