Marya Nguyen
Founder of Yangu Web Studio / Squarespace Web Designer
Atlanta, GA
www.yanguweb.studio
instagram @yanguweb.studio / @maccuddles
Linkedin yangu-web-studio / marya-nguyen
Q What do you do?
“I collaborate with creative visionaries and entrepreneurs to build bespoke Squarespace websites.”
As your digital architect, I bring your business dreams to life in vibrant, user-friendly online spaces. Whether you're in need of a digital hello, an appointment calendar, or an online shop – I got you covered.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Growing up as a first-generation Vietnamese-American in a single-parent household, creativity was an essential but unspoken tool for navigating life. I used creativity both subconsciously and intentionally, navigating challenges like trauma and poverty as well as celebrating and honoring my identity.
This led me to naturally develop a knack for creative problem-solving across all aspects of life. On the surface, it showed up in traditional ways, like my love for dance (and painting, drawing, sewing, music, etc). But underneath, it meant courageously departing from my role at a digital marketing agency to dive into web design and collaborate with fellow creatives.
Beyond developing the technical skills, I'm a firm believer in personal development and growth as crucial elements for success (just my opinion!). If our vibes align for a project, I sense you'll resonate with this philosophy! We’re all about the student mindset over here. 💁🏻♀️
And of course, a huuuge shoutout to ilovecreative’s Squarespace Course—a crucial part of my journey. The blueprint it provided and the supportive community were all instrumental in my successful start.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Saying yes to everything that aligns with my vision and saying no with an open heart when it doesn’t. This approach has fine-tuned my design style, driven financial growth, and connected me with truly wonderful individuals. Your people will find you when you show up as you. I know it sounds cheesy, but its true!
Q What are you working on right now?
On the business front, I'm building my brand, creating content, and fine-tuning my marketing strategies. On the personal side, I'm currently fan-girling over nail art (AURA NAILS & GEMS ✨, anyone?!).
Q What’s your style?
I thrive on vibrant color, type contrast, and movement. While I tailor my designs to a diverse range of client industries and adapt to their needs, there's always a bit of me in there too.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’d want to focus on creating content! I’d love to develop a community in my own lil corner of the interwebs, sharing free resources and having real talk about running creative businesses as real ass people that have identities outside of what they do for income.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Extended timelinesssss.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Meal plan and meal prep for me. I love food.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Hey, 2020 Marya,
In the thick of COVID, when you're feeling isolated at 25, here's a message from the future: Everything is going to be okay. This web design biz, Yangu Web Studio, is going to soar, you have all you need to make things happen (& you don’t need to know everything in order to start the thing), and remember to connect with baby Marya – you're with her every step of the way.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to cook using seasonal ingredients! It’s so cool to see professionals whip up all these incredible meals just using things they have around them.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking to collaborate on projects involving full website builds or redesigns.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love collaborating with clients who embrace the creative process! You don't need to have everything figured out; a Pinterest board filled with your inspirations is an excellent starting point for us to craft something wonderful together.
Q What is your rate?
No two projects are identical! You’ll receive a custom quote based on your project needs, scope of work, and site functionality. The best way to get started is by filling out my onboarding form :)
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I’m all for keeping things easy breezy, fill out my onboarding form here!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My current top 3 fav creatives are designedbyshyne, isis breanna, and pearler.work. Everything they do is authentically them, and nothing less.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Scrolling aimlessly, or purpose in each finger? Mindful, not consumed.
This member profile was originally published in Janurary 2024