Diana's Propelling Glue: Deep Connection, Dream Chaser and Resilience

In this captivating episode of The Mountain in Us, host Taran Singh engages with the inspiring Diana Nguyen, a multifaceted professional with a remarkable journey from finance to fashion. 

Diana shares her story of growing up in an immigrant family in Los Angeles, shaped by the propelling strength of her single mother and large extended family. Her career began in accounting, but she later transitioned to the fashion industry, founding Madison /Saville, a brand centered on empowering women with affirmations inscribed in their blazers. 

She shares powerful insights on overcoming the challenges of both business and personal life, advocating for a mindset that embraces the unpredictability of life and acknowledges the growing pains of growth. Diana also reflects on her special relationship with her grandmother and their shared joy of dancing, highlighting the importance of cherishing life's simple pleasures. 

One of Diana's standout quotes—"Armoring you from the outside and building you up from the inside"—captures the essence of her brand's mission and philosophy, resonating deeply with listeners.  

Diana highlights the significance of listening deeply during conversations and staying true to one's passions, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams regardless of constraints and perceived barriers.  

The episode concludes with gratitude for the opportunity to share their story and a reminder that it's never too late to follow your aspirations.  


Show Links:  

• LinkedIn Profile
• Instagram 
• Madison Saville
• Madison -IG

www.inkofsingh.com

Transcript

Welcome to *The Mountain in Us*, a podcast where journeys find their voice. I am Taran Singh, your host. Here, we greet the thrills, jolts, ascents, and descents of our uncharted adventures

Taran Singh:

Hey everybody, today my guest is Diana Nguyen. Diana has supported my journey as a poet—she even wrote a blurb for the back cover of my book. Diana is a creative force who works across multiple domains, and you’ll hear a lot about that in our conversation today.  

It’s such a pleasure to have you on *The Mountain in Us* podcast, where we’ll converse about your journeys, endeavors, and the propelling glue you’re so good at creating. Diana, welcome! I’m so glad to have you here.  

Diana Nguyen:

Oh, I’m very honored to be one of your first guests. Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here and be part of your journey as well.  

Taran Singh:

Thank you! Talking about journeys, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself—your heritage, your upbringing, and especially the influence your mom had on you. I know she was one of the strong women in your life, shaping your armor and your beliefs. Can you share that with our audience?  

Diana Nguyen:

Absolutely. I’m Vietnamese, born in Los Angeles, California, to an immigrant family. My mom was a single mom, and I was raised by a lot of women—my aunts, uncles, and my grandmother, who had 14 kids. She became a single mother to 14 kids after my grandfather passed away before I was born.  

Seeing the strength and resilience of my grandmother, my mom, and my aunts really shaped who I am today. Coming from an immigrant family, raised by a single mother, I grew up in Seattle, Washington, for over 30 years. I started my career as an accountant—well, technically, I had a marketing and accounting degree. I worked at Deloitte, one of the Big Four firms, and spent over 15 years in accounting and consulting before making the leap into the fashion world. That’s how my company, Madison Saville, came to be.  

Taran Singh:

You mentioned your grandmother and her 14 kids. Can you take us back to a cherished memory you have with her?  

Diana Nguyen:

Oh, yeah, absolutely. My grandmother and I had a special bond. I was the kid who didn’t really have a dad in the picture, so my grandmother, aunts, and uncles stepped in. I never felt a lack of love.  

One of my fondest memories is when everyone was at work, and my grandmother would cook for the whole family. I’d keep her company in the kitchen, and we’d dance together. That’s one of my most cherished memories of her.  

Taran Singh:

That’s beautiful. It’s amazing how those small moments leave such a lasting impact.  

Now, let’s talk about your ability to juggle so many ventures—your podcast, your fashion brand, your day job, and more. What’s the secret to building such strong connections and maintaining that beaming energy?  

Diana Nguyen:

Thank you. It does take a lot of work. I’d say I’m more of an extrovert, but I also value my alone time to recharge. Building genuine, authentic relationships comes naturally to me. I believe in leaning into connections that feel right and not forcing anything.  

When I moved to LA in 2019, right before COVID hit, it was challenging to meet new people. But I was determined to build a network here, especially for Madison Saville. Networking is like exercising—you don’t always feel like doing it, but it’s worth it. Over time, those connections turn into great friendships.  

As an entrepreneur, I believe it takes a village. The people you surround yourself with will help you on your journey, especially when things get tough.  

Taran Singh:

That’s so true. Your generosity in nurturing those connections is inspiring.  

Now, let’s talk about Madison Saville. Your tagline, *“Arming you from the outside and building you from the inside,”* is profound. Can you share how this brand came to life and where it’s headed?  

Diana Nguyen:

Absolutely. Madison Saville is a lifestyle and inspirational brand focused on women’s contemporary workwear. What makes us unique is that we’re about being on the journey with the woman, helping her step into her power.  

Every blazer is lined with words of affirmation, voted on by our community. Our first collection features words like *unstoppable* and *fierce*. The blazer is armor for the warriors of the world, reminding them of their power and uniqueness.  

The name Madison Saville reflects our mission. *Saville* comes from Savile Row in London, known for bespoke men’s suiting. *Madison* means *gift of God* and *warrior*. Together, it represents arming the warriors of the world with our blazers.  

But Madison Saville is more than just blazers. It’s about changing the narrative for women and helping them discover who they really are.  

Taran Singh:

That’s incredible. You’ve beautifully captured the essence of empowerment.  

Now, let’s talk about challenges. You’ve taken many detours to get where you are. How do you handle challenges, especially when outcomes don’t align with your expectations?  

Diana Nguyen:

Oh, it’s definitely not easy. When I left my corporate job at Microsoft eight years ago, I thought launching Madison Saville would take six months. But six months turned into years, and then COVID hit.  

Entrepreneurship is like being in a maze. You think you’ve found an exit, but it’s another dead end. It’s about learning, growing, and healing from the pain. You have to sit with the challenges, understand the root cause, and walk through the fire to grow.  

Taran Singh:

That’s such a powerful perspective. Now, let’s talk about your podcast, *Madison Saville Inspired*. What motivated you to start it, and how do you prepare for those deep, meaningful conversations?  

Diana Nguyen:

The podcast started during COVID. I wanted to inspire and encourage women, even if I couldn’t produce blazers at the time. The podcast shares stories from women in the community and experts like psychologists and coaches.  

When preparing for conversations, I focus on being interested in the person and their story, not just trying to be interesting myself. I ask my guests, *What message do you want the audience to take away?* That helps guide the conversation and ensures it’s meaningful.  

Taran Singh:

That’s such great advice for anyone starting a podcast. Now, let’s come full circle to your mom. You mentioned she worked in a sewing factory. Can you share that story?  

Diana Nguyen:

Yes, full circle! My mom worked in a sewing factory when she first came to America. Years later, when I told her I was starting a fashion brand, she admitted she secretly always wanted one of her daughters to be in fashion. She even gave me her fabric shears from her factory days.  

Now, I use those shears for Madison Saville. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment—from an immigrant mother working in a factory to her daughter creating a fashion brand.  

Taran Singh:

Wow, that’s such a powerful story. Those shears are like pieces of diamonds, carrying so much history and love.  

Diana, it’s been such a pleasure talking to you today. Any last words for our audience?  

Diana Nguyen:

Thank you for having me. My last words would be: It’s never too late. It’s never too late to discover your passions and lean into them. Success stories often come from people who started in their 40s, 50s, or even 60s. So, don’t be afraid to chase your dreams.  

Taran Singh:

Thank you, Diana. And thank you to our listeners for joining us on *The Mountain in Us*. Each episode is crafted with love, adventure, and reflection. If you enjoyed this one, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to be on the show, feel free to reach out.