Nam Vo

Nam Vo developed an early fascination with beauty, models, actresses, and pageants while growing up in California. Despite not being surrounded by glamorous individuals, she was drawn to the world of beauty and powerful women. This interest led her to give makeovers to friends and engage in makeshift photo shoots. Her initial beauty knowledge was largely self-taught, supplemented by observations from nail salons she visited with her aunts, where she learned about the prioritization of skin care within Vietnamese culture. Her early experiences instilled in her the importance of sun protection and investing in quality beauty products. Nam Vo later pursued a goal of working at MAC Cosmetics, which she admired for its artistry. She achieved this goal, securing a job despite lacking formal training and having dropped out of high school in 10th grade. Following her time at MAC, she worked for other prominent makeup brands, including Shiseido, Laura Mercier, and Nars, gaining experience across the industry.

Simultaneously, Nam Vo began working as a freelance bridal makeup artist in the Bay Area. This period was pivotal in developing her skills and establishing her reputation as a strong artist. She eventually built a client base that allowed her to transition to full-time freelancing. Driven by a desire to move to New York City, Vo left her established bridal business to pursue new opportunities in the competitive New York beauty scene. Initially, she faced challenges in securing representation from agencies, as her portfolio primarily consisted of personal projects rather than commercial work. However, she eventually signed with an agency and began working in editorial makeup.

The trajectory of Nam Vo’s career shifted significantly with the rise of Instagram. After her initial agency went out of business, she began sharing her work on social media. A video demonstrating a Bobbi Brown highlighter gained significant traction, achieving over 100,000 views overnight. This unexpected success led her to coin the hashtag #dewydumpling, which quickly became synonymous with her signature luminous, glowing skin aesthetic. This viral moment marked a turning point, allowing her to bypass traditional editorial pathways and establish herself directly to a wider audience. Her Instagram presence enabled her to gain control over her professional narrative and showcase her artistry independently. Over time, she garnered a celebrity clientele, working with notable figures such as Paris Hilton, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Kylie Jenner. Her success on social media also led to numerous brand collaborations and partnerships, solidifying her position as an influential figure in the beauty industry.