We had the good fortune of connecting with Yung Nguyen Aka Lara Nguyen Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yung Nguyen aka Lara Nguyen, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
At first, I worked nonstop—12-hour days, no breaks—for over three years. I burned out hard: depression, zero motivation, and self-sabotage followed. Then I slowed down too much and lost momentum. I’ve learned that if you burn out, you risk losing everything. Now, I treat rest as non-negotiable. Discipline isn’t just about work—it’s also about knowing when to pause.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career didn’t follow a straight path—it was built from grit, growth, and relentless reinvention. I started with no connections, no financial backing, and no roadmap. What set me apart was my obsession with mastering my craft and refusing to settle for “good enough.” I worked 12-hour days, every day, for years—no holidays, no breaks. But success came at a price: burnout, depression, and the painful realization that hustle without balance leads to self-destruction.

I bounced back by rebuilding from the inside out. I now lead with purpose, not pressure. I’m proud to have built a brand that doesn’t just offer services, but transforms lives—especially for women who’ve felt lost, overlooked, or burned out. I teach, I create, and I mentor—not to hand people success, but to hand them tools to unlock their own.

What I want the world to know is: your story is your power. Every setback can be used as fuel. And if you stay aligned with your truth, success will meet you where you are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week in Fort Lauderdale, dialed up: sun-soaked beach days, sunset cruiser vibes, and local flavors that stick. We’d start with boutique browsing on Las Olas, cap off with rooftop drinks—then dive into eats like Larb Thai-Isan’s fiery spice and a steaming bowl from Pho Bar Vietnamese Kitchen in Davie for seriously good pho and sharing plates  . Gondola canal rides, Everglades airboat rush, nightlife in Wilton Manors, live tunes downtown, dockside brunches, and ocean walks—by day seven, they’d already be plotting their next trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a shoutout to Dr. Jordan Eckardt at Paradise Dental Studio in Fort Lauderdale. He’s a young, ambitious cosmetic dentist with incredible skill and a passion for making people feel confident in their smiles. His attention to detail, friendly energy, and professionalism stand out—and honestly, his prices can’t be beat for the quality of care you receive. If you’re looking for someone who really cares and delivers top-tier results, he’s the one.

📍530 NW 7th Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
📞 954-317-9221 | 🌐 paradisedentalstudio.com

Image Credits
Lara Yung Nguyen

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.