Today we’d like to introduce you to Catalina Nguyen
Catalina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a first generation Vietnamese American. My mom was a Vietnamese immigrate and devoted her life raising us six kids on her own. All of us siblings started working at 13-14 to alleviate some of the burden and to help my mom pay the mortgage and bills. Living in America is a dream. There are opportunities here if you work hard, make sacrifices, and aim high.
I attended the University of Minnesota at 15, became a Registered Nurse at 21, a personal trainer and fitness instructor the same year and paid for all my education by 22, all while working three jobs, raising my baby brother, and commuting 2 hours each day.
Although food was scarce at times, I was fortunate to have uncles that loved to cook, bake, and drop off food for us. That is how I was exposed to a diversity of cuisines because my uncles we’re whipping up something different. Balancing multiple jobs allowed me to pay for my food adventures and finally eat things I didn’t have access to as a child or teen. I would try new restaurants on my own and take pictures to document what I ate at each place and shared my experience.
I am big on supporting local. When I started my foodie journey back in 2010, I had always loved, appreciated and was passionate about food. Food is what brings us together. It tells a story. I practice gratitude daily knowing I have the income to support my foodie adventures. We grew up with very little and wasting food was never an option. I still carry that mentality today. I say a little prayer before I eat and savor every bite… almost always licking the plate clean. Yes even in public.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Supporting my mom and younger brother was a big priority for me growing up. I wanted to make sure they had enough to eat. Any opportunity I could, I would take them out to eat or take my brother grocery shopping, teaching him how to cook, and meal prep for the week. My page initially was a mix of fitness tips/motivation as well as all the places I ate in Minneapolis. I was only 29 when my mom passed unexpectedly in 2020, I moved to Austin to make it my new home without ever visiting the city prior and not knowing anyone. The last piece of exciting news I was able to share with my mom before she passed was that I landed a job interview in Austin, and she was so excited for me. I knew I had to make this dream a reality. I moved here October 2020, continuing my work as a non-profit Nurse and started a brand new Instagram; Catalina_eats focused on supporting Austin local restaurants and businesses and I still love doing this as a hobby!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been Nurse for 12 years, serving first time moms and their babies; many refugees/young families who have fled their home seeking asylum and do not have access to healthcare, food, and housing; basic human needs we should all be granted. Having compassion for those who have struggled just as we did growing up. I have my Mom to thank for showing her unwavering faith to God, serving others, and for being where I am today.
The Austin food scene has a lot of content creators, influencers and foodies. Many people ask me “what are your goals for Instagram?” And I respond, “none” in terms of numbers or metrics. I like to get to know the person behind the plate of food. Their story, their culture, what brought them to open a food truck or restaurant. Building genuine connections within our community. There is nothing more important than the people standing in front of you. I learned that the hard way after losing my mom so early.
When people first meet me, they’re surprised at how much food I can eat in one sitting. I don’t waste any food, I eat it all. It’s not just for the gram. And I encourage others to reduce their food waste. These individuals and restaurants put so much energy and time into their craft and are proud of the food they’re serving to the community. If you can’t eat it all, find a way to split it and give it to someone who’s hungry or could use a nice meal. Leftovers make for some delicious meal prep for later!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I was a very shy, modest, and soft spoken girl growing up. I learned to build self confidence over the years by challenging myself and being in uncomfortable situations, breaking stereotypes. I taught fitness classes that had 100’s in attendance. I started modeling in 2017, working with four different modeling agencies (my side gig) became a WBFF Pro Bikini Athlete at age 23, competed in pageants from 2013 – 2018 and was a finalist for Miss Minnesota USA. As a young girl, I dreamt of becoming a dancer, but we did not have the financial means for me to take dance lessons. I finally taught myself how to shuffle dance in 2019 by watching YouTube videos. And still do that in my free time or when I’m at a concert.
Although I grew up in a typical traditional Vietnamese household. My mom encouraged me to pursue all my wide range of passions. Even telling me “Lina, if I had a body like yours, I would show it off more.” My mom was so proud of how hard I worked both inside and outside the gym. She was my biggest cheerleader and a big time foodie like I am.
Pricing:
- None! My foodie page is a hobby and I want to keep it that way. That’s why I do not charge or get paid. I want it to be a place of creativity, sharing and supporting local.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/Catalina_eats
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catalina_eats?igsh=bW1ia25xZHkzYjBi
- Other: https://theblockagency.com/women/catalina-nguyen/
Image Credits
Ben Hogge for the fitness photos in the all black attire and Grey Sports Bra/Black shorts attire
