Life’s Too Short to Settle
Meet this month’s cover star Hien Nguyen / @hiennguyen
Photographer / @blow.raw
Makeup / @luxe_beauty_co
Hair / @slayedbyhoneyy
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Such an absolute honour to have you on Playboy: Can you give us a bit of a background
on your career as a model and where it all started? I actually started modelling in 2020, right when Covid-19 hit and we were all stuck inside. At the time, I was just looking for ways to stay busy, so I began creating content. What started as something to pass the time slowly grew into something much bigger.
What’s a project or goal you’re currently working on that you’re really excited about?
I’m really excited about the growth and expansion of my tattoo shop. The space is evolving
into something that feels like an art museum, with international tattoo artists regularly joining
us as guest artists. It’s also becoming a multi-use venue, hosting everything from fashion
shows and art exhibits to album and song release parties.
What is at the top of your list to achieve the most in 2025? At this moment, I’d say one of my biggest accomplishments has been landing two magazine covers in the same year. It’s something I’m really proud of and a milestone that motivates me to keep pushing forward.
What does it mean for you to be seen as a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman?
It’s definitely a good feeling to be seen as a strong, intelligent, and ambitious woman. For
me, it means that people recognize the effort I put in every single day. While it may
sometimes look easy from the outside, the reality is that I’m constantly pushing forward, and
I truly believe that even small steps of progress are better than none.
What would you say makes you stand out in the industry? What makes me stand out in the industry is my unique look; I’m very petite and heavily tattooed. It definitely helps me stand out… though I’d say that part’s pretty hard to miss.
What are some of your biggest passions? I’m passionate about fashion, fitness, food, and cooking. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved to eat and was never a picky eater; that curiosity around food naturally sparked my interest in cooking. Growing up in the ’90s, I was inspired by the fashion and style of the Spice Girls and Britney Spears, who shaped much of my early sense of creativity and self-expression.As for fitness, I discovered it during a dark period in my life, and it became a powerful outlet. It taught me discipline, determination, and the value of pushing through challenges; lessons I carry with me in all aspects of my life today.
If you weren’t in the entertainment world, what career would you love to explore?
I’m passionate about fashion, fitness, food, and cooking. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved
to eat and was never a picky eater; that curiosity around food naturally sparked my interest in
cooking. Growing up in the ’90s, I was inspired by the fashion and style of the Spice Girls
and Britney Spears, who shaped much of my early sense of creativity and self-expression. As for fitness, I discovered it during a dark period in my life, and it became a powerful outlet. It taught me discipline, determination, and the value of pushing through challenges; lessons I carry with me in all aspects of my life today.
3 ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men? My ultimate no-nos when it comes to men? First, if he’s not ambitious, it’s a big turn-off. I like a man with drive. Second, if he can’t communicate, I’m not here to play guessing games. And third, dishonesty. If I can’t trust you, it’s over before it starts.
We are taking you out on your ultimate date, and we really want to knock this one out
of the ballpark. What would that entail? My ultimate date? Good food, good conversation, and someone who can keep up with my sense of humor. If we can’t laugh together, it’s a hard pass.
What are some of the things that attract you to a man? What I like in a man? Pretty much the opposite of my no-nos. Give me ambition, good communication, and honesty. If he’s got those three, we’re already off to a good start, and if he can make me laugh, he’s in trouble.
You have one last chance to do something you have always wanted to do, with no limits
on anything. What are you doing? If I had one last chance to do something I’ve always wanted, I’d go to space. I’m dying to see what’s beyond Earth, and let’s be real, we can’t be the only living things out there. Strap me in, I’m ready for takeoff.
That said, what advice would you give to all the women out there when it comes to love
and relationships? I think women should be with whoever they want, as long as it makes them happy. Life’s too short to settle, so go ahead and choose what lights you up.
Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work?
Right now, the best way to keep up with me is on Instagram; I’m not really active on any
other platforms at the moment.
We are so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit! Any last words out there for our
readers? Thanks for having me! I hope it was fun getting to know the real me a little beyond just the photos and posts.
