Meet Teresa Nguyen; our Graphic Designer and InDesign Teacher! Over the last three years, Teresa has been vital to our Design team, continuously executing incredible work on both internal and external projects. Learn all about her love for Japan and Chicken Nugget cake and get to know ‘Tez’ on a more personal level!
How did you find your way to Affari?
So, after living in Nottingham pretty much all my life, I moved to Sheffield to study for a Masters in Graphic Design at Sheffield Hallam University. Shortly after I finished my course, I was job hunting whilst doing some freelance work on the side; one project I was working on required some stationery, so I went to a Nottingham supplier and they passed on a list of agencies to help me out, which is where I first discovered Affari and thankfully, I was invited in for an interview!
With all the interviews I attended, I had a ritual where I would wear the same ‘smart’ outfit and on the day of my Affari interview, I had a change of heart and decided to go against my own ritual and play it out differently. This worked in my favour as I was offered the position and here I am three years on, it was fate!
What are the three best things about yourself?
1 – I’m super organised; I have checklists and spreadsheets for literally everything!
2 – I am very passionate about design and my job inside and outside of work.
3 – I’m really good at buying gifts for people; I always pick up on small details and like to get something that somebody would enjoy and appreciate receiving, rather than a generic gift!
What’s one of your best experiences?
In my third year of university, I moved to Malaysia for 8 months to do a work placement at a design agency. The experience taught me how to become independent and more confident, which confirmed that I definitely wanted to go into the design industry!
University taught me about the subject of Graphic Design, but the work placement gave me the experience and the real work scenarios you face. So without this opportunity, I don’t think I would have been successful in my Affari interview, so I’m very grateful!
Another advantage was that I got to travel whilst out there!
What other interests do you have other than Affari?
Does eating count?…
I’m really into my foods, which is a running joke at Affari. But I do really enjoy cooking, watching cooking shows and going out trying new places to eat.
If you’re ever in Nottingham, you must try out Higoi, a traditional Japanese restaurant – I recommend the Wagyu Beef! Or Cafe Coco Tang, which is Vietnamese like me!, it has a really cool venue with all the decor, making you feel like you’re actually in Vietnam.
What’s your favourite quote and why?
“Don’t wait, the time will never be right’ – it’s about living in the moment as life is too short. There’s never going to be a right time to do anything so you may as well go for it!
What’s #1 on your bucket list?
Number one on my bucket list is to visit Iceland and see the Northern Lights; I’d like to stay in one of the igloos as well!
What would you choose as your last meal?
Starter = Sushi
Main = Wagyu beef with rice
Dessert = Chocolate cheesecake!
What’s the best holiday you’ve ever been on?
Japan without any doubt. I’ve been there twice and still plan on going again as there’s so much to cover out there! It’s just so different to any other place I’ve visited before, the people are so nice, it’s extremely quirky and futuristic but very historic at the same time with their amazing culture and the technology is insane… they have vending machines for everything!
What’s the most unusual item in your fridge right now?
I’ve just celebrated my birthday so it’s pretty full at the moment! But, the most unusual item right now would be my chicken nugget themed birthday cake!
PS Uyen is my Vietnamese name, I haven’t just stolen the picture from someone else 😂
