We had the good fortune of connecting with Quynh Tran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Quynh, why did you pursue a creative career?
It was the most natural to me. Growing up, I really loved music, film, design, architecture and technology. As I got older those hobbies evolved into a career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I run a few businesses online and in music. I am in the e-commerce space due to my background in graphic design and photography then in music as a DJ and previously as a video game composer. It was always easier for me to express myself through mediums of art and being able to do that as a business has brought me joy.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Through a lot of experiences, trial and error, self doubt, learning, listening and meeting people from around the world. I applied all those experiences into my business today. Was it easy? I would say yes and no. Yes because it’s really your mindset that allows you to do anything you desire and no because it takes a lot of courage fueled by action to allow all the puzzle pieces to fall into place. You have to really stick it out and have resilience. Even on days I’m exhausted, I accept that and allow myself to recharge. You can’t go 100 mph everyday. It’s not natural. Working towards maintaining a balance has been key. The climate of how business is being done online and in person is constantly changing. Being open to change and adapting has been the most beneficial in evolving my business. Those adaptations can be many different things such as new technology, different ways of approaching business finance or mindset. Overall my obsessive curiosity with learning new things and technology has helped me navigate the professional world as an artist.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

1. Don’t think too much! Keep it simple.

2. Work on a healthy mindset everyday. Your mind controls your environment, therefore you are in control of your world. Create the world you want for yourself.
3. Just do it. You may never know what the outcome can be.
4. Travel as much as possible. The world is big. Gathering memories and experience will feed your mind, soul and how you do business.
5. Be open to opportunity. It’s everywhere. It comes in different forms of people, signs, experiences and thoughts.

6. Life happens in cycles. Allow organic growth.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

As humans we are naturally creative beings. Bring your life experiences into this world by offering the world your perspective.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Oh yes!

Eats:
Japanese: Izakaya Masa in Mission Hills
Mexican: Benny’s Mexican Food, Mariscos Nine Seas Seafood, Las Cuatro Milpas or Tacos El Gordo.
Russian: Pomegranate Russian-Georgian Restaurant
Vietnamese/Chinese: Pho Hoa, Phuong Trang, Minh Ky, A-Chau and Cali Baguette.
American: The Friendly Tavern
Italian: Buona Forchetta

Drinks:
Polite Provisions, Pearl Hotel, Starlite, Tahona Bar, Madison on Park and Moniker General. Some of these places have good food as well!

Smoothies, Milk Tea:
Señor Mangos, Korean Rose and Tocumbo Ice Cream.

Coffee:
Dark Horse, Influx, Communal Coffee

Places to see:
Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla, Liberty Station, Balboa Park, Mt. Soledad, Coronado and Old Town. Western coastal strip from Torrey Pines to Encinitas. East to Julian for some beautiful mountains.

A few specific locations: Salk Institute for architecture and views, Torrey Pines Gliderport, Mt. Soledad Cross for view of the city, cute seals at Children’s Pool, Bird’s Park for picnics.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My family! They are my foundation.

My yearbook advisor, Mrs. Butcher from Crawford High School, had a really huge impact on me. She’s smart, witty, creative and a strong leader. She challenged me to lead and be confident.

My San Diego State University art group. They opened my world to different mediums of art from visual to conceptual.

My Innofader family. Formed from the love of djing and music. They are a huge support system. We discuss technology, the art of djing and business.

Instagram: instagram.com/qqqqqquynh

Other: instagram.com/eyeofq

Image Credits
Mikey Avila, Giovanni Elao, Brianna Moss, Christine Tustin

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal 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.