Architect, blogger and fashion enthusiast Amanda Do
In a period of time when we're inundated with what feels like consistent bad news, we wanted to put some emphasis on the positive. This is another instalment in "Collective Conversations," a weekly series focusing on a woman we think is awesome + what she's all about. This week we're talking to Amanda Do, our muse for this week. She won our giveaway by sharing her favourite tradition from her Vietnamese/Australian upbringing, and has continued to catch our eye with her hyper-colour rainbow ensembles. She's a blogger and YouTuber, traveller, architect and lover of good food and rainbow anything. Today we chatted to her about her traditions, her love of fashion and the importance of creative outlets.
1. Describe yourself in three words?
Loud, Hopeful, Kind (hopefully!)
2. What does heritage and tradition mean to you?
It means stories of where I came from, a part of my family that has been carried through history. Or similarly, a part of history that has been carried on by my family! :)
3. Something that you’re passionate about?
Fashion! I don't have it in me to design clothing, though I did fancy it briefly when I was younger. I ended up designing buildings instead, ha! Of course, my love for fashion has endured. I love the endless possibilities, the combinations of shape, colour and texture, the opportunity to tell a story or make a statement. I love how you can wear your history on your body, and the simple joy a good outfit can bring you.
4. Who do you most admire?
My mum, definitely. She's a single, immigrant mother who raised 3 kids on her own. She's the strongest and kindest person I know.
5. What is a weekly/monthly/fortnightly ritual or tradition you do for yourself?
Nothing scheduled, but I try to stay creative. Whether it be painting, sketching or styling outfits. Having a creative outlet (other than my job) helps me make sense of things. I've attempted sewing recently so that's been super fun!
6. What is something you’re proud of?
How far I've come. In my career, my mental space and being comfortable in my own skin.
7. What's something you do to be kind to yourself?
I let myself rest. I've learnt that it's okay to not be "busy" all the time and rest is just as important.
8. What are some traditions that you’ve adopted from somewhere or someone else?
Having dinner with family on the first day of the Lunar New Year, especially coconut pork brisket and bitter gourd soup!
9. How do you align and connect with your intuition?
Having a creative outlet, reflection and prayer.
10. What's an assumption others make about you?
That I'm always happy. Which isn't true. But I am a Christian, and that means I believe in a God that is always there for me and who has my future in his hands. Even when I don't have all the answers, I find hope and comfort in Him. I'm not always happy, but I am hopeful in Christ, and I think there's a difference :)
11. Is there an item you would like to see from Collective Closets in the future?
Pieces that continue to tell stories, made with love and are kind to our planet. Of course, I wouldn't mind the Nzuri Blazer in more prints. ;)
You can follow Amanda here and visit her Youtube channel here.
