At Nouveau Essence, our team is the perfect blend of creativity, passion, and expertise. Together, we celebrate Hmong heritage, bridge cultural traditions with modern innovation, and inspire our readers with every story we share.
But we’re not just dedicated—we’re also dynamic, approachable, and full of life! Our fun cartoon profiles capture the heart of who we are: a team that works hard, thinks big, and doesn’t shy away from adding a little personality to everything we do.
Get to know the brilliant minds behind Nouveau Essence—because behind every great publication is an even greater team.
Stephanie C. Vang
Founder & Visionary | Columnist & Author
Stephanie C. Vang is the powerhouse behind Nouveau Essence. With over 20 years of experience in IT consulting for regulated industries, she brings precision and strategy to her creative endeavors. As the founder and visionary leader, Steph merges her professional expertise with her passion for storytelling and cultural advocacy, ensuring Nouveau Essence remains a trailblazer in bridging Hmong heritage with modern trends.
An accomplished author, Steph has published the deeply moving memoir Where the End Begins, with additional works such as the forthcoming novel Where Love Waits and the Feng trilogy in progress. Her creative vision and leadership are at the core of the magazine’s mission to elevate Hmong voices and inspire a global audience.
When she’s not leading the team, Steph enjoys designing, writing, planning major events, and dreaming up her next big idea—all while balancing life as a devoted mother and adventurer at heart.
– Nouveau Now –
Edwin Chang
Strategic Director
Edwin Chang is the driving force behind Nouveau Essence’s strategic direction, ensuring every publication reflects the magazine’s mission to elevate and celebrate the Hmong community. With extensive expertise in strategic planning, content development, and audience engagement, Edwin plays a pivotal role in shaping the magazine’s vision and growth.
Edwin’s collaborative approach fosters creativity and alignment within the team, guiding columnists and contributors to produce content that is cohesive, impactful, and true to the magazine’s core values. His leadership combines innovative thinking with a deep understanding of Nouveau Essence’s audience, driving the publication’s success both online and in print.
As a visionary strategist, Edwin is committed to pushing boundaries and keeping Nouveau Essence at the forefront of modern media, ensuring it continues to inspire, inform, and connect readers worldwide.
Chloe Vue
Fashion & Style Columnist
Chloe Vue is Nouveau Essence’s fashion muse, expertly blending traditional Hmong attire with modern trends. Her columns celebrate the innovation and artistry of Hmong fashion designers while offering readers practical style tips and creative inspiration.
A true storyteller through fashion, Chloe’s work highlights the cultural richness of Hmong heritage while bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Her elegant, creative voice inspires readers to embrace their personal style with pride and purpose.
Outside of the magazine, Chloe enjoys connecting with designers, researching global fashion trends, and curating pieces that inspire her own wardrobe.
Nathan Yang
Money & Finance Columnist
Nathan Yang is the go-to financial expert for Nouveau Essence readers, providing practical and empowering advice tailored to the Hmong community. As an experienced financial advisor and accountant, Nathan writes accessible columns on budgeting, investing, and wealth-building strategies that help readers take control of their financial futures.
His approach combines technical expertise with an empathetic understanding of his audience’s unique needs, making financial literacy approachable and impactful. Nathan’s goal is to empower every reader to make informed decisions that lead to lasting financial success.
When he’s not crunching numbers, Nathan enjoys researching financial trends, mentoring young professionals, and supporting community initiatives aimed at economic empowerment.
Julia Her
Lifestyle & Wellness Columnist
Julia Her is the vibrant voice behind Nouveau Essence’s lifestyle and wellness section. With a lively and relatable style, Julia writes about mindful living, self-care, and personal growth, inspiring readers to cultivate balanced and fulfilling lives.
Her columns dive into emerging wellness trends and provide practical advice for integrating them into everyday routines. Julia’s fresh perspective and approachable tone make her a trusted companion for readers striving to live their best lives.
When she’s not writing, Julia enjoys testing new wellness practices, exploring the outdoors, and connecting with her community.
Ivan Xiong
Social Media Specialist
Ivan Xiong is the creative force behind Nouveau Essence’s social media presence. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for aesthetics, Ivan curates content that celebrates Hmong culture, fashion, and lifestyle while keeping the brand ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Drawing on his expertise in audience engagement and trend analysis, Ivan crafts innovative campaigns that connect with Nouveau Essence’s vibrant, global community.
When he’s not strategizing the next viral post, Ivan enjoys exploring cultural traditions and finding modern ways to bring them to life through visual design and social media.
Want to Join Our Team?
At Nouveau Essence, we’re always looking for passionate, creative individuals to help us celebrate culture, spark innovation, and inspire our global audience. If you’re ready to bring your unique talents to a fun, dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you!
Abbie Yang
Director of Advertising, Partnerships, and Marketing Strategy
Abbie Yang is the creative force behind Nouveau Essence’s advertising and partnerships. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for innovative strategies, Abbie ensures every campaign resonates with the magazine’s vibrant audience while staying true to its cultural roots.
As the Director of Advertising, Partnerships, and Marketing Strategy, Abbie manages the intersection of brand collaboration and audience engagement, crafting campaigns that not only elevate Nouveau Essence but also amplify the voices and stories of its partners.
Her approach is rooted in creativity, data-driven insights, and a deep connection to Hmong culture. Whether she’s securing impactful partnerships or devising cutting-edge marketing strategies, Abbie’s goal is simple: to inspire and empower through every page, post, and partnership.
When she’s not driving the magazine’s promotional efforts, you’ll find her exploring new creative ideas, connecting with the community, or diving into the latest trends in fashion and lifestyle.
Eddie Lee
Pop Culture Columnist
Eddie Lee is the voice of Hmong pop culture at Nouveau Essence. With a knack for uncovering the latest trends and a passion for celebrating creativity, Eddie’s columns delve into music, film, and digital media, showcasing the vibrancy of the Hmong community’s modern experience.
Beyond writing, Eddie conducts interviews with influential artists and creators, providing readers with unique insights into the cultural forces shaping today’s world. His fun, witty, and culturally aware perspective makes him a favorite among readers seeking entertainment with depth.
When Eddie isn’t spotlighting Hmong influencers, he’s likely exploring digital trends, attending concerts, or brainstorming his next feature story to captivate Nouveau Essence’s audience.
Tabitha Yang
Spirituality Columnist
Tabitha Yang is Nouveau Essence’s guide to mindfulness, spiritual growth, and numerology. With a warm and intuitive writing style, Tabitha connects readers to deeper self-awareness and balance. Her columns feature personalized numerology insights, practical mindfulness tips, and thoughtful explorations of spiritual practices.
Drawing from her expertise in spiritual guidance, Tabitha helps readers navigate life’s complexities with clarity and intention. Her work serves as a trusted resource for those seeking inspiration and inner peace.
When she’s not writing, Tabitha enjoys crafting spiritual charts, exploring nature for rejuvenation, and deepening her own spiritual practice.
Kao Vang
Politics & Issues Columnist
Kao Vang is Nouveau Essence’s authority on politics and social advocacy. With a commitment to empowering the Hmong and Southeast Asian communities, Kao covers grassroots movements, legislative updates, and social challenges with thoughtful analysis and engaging storytelling.
His work highlights both the struggles and triumphs of the Hmong diaspora, inspiring readers to stay informed and involved in driving change. Kao’s insightful approach ensures his columns are both educational and motivating.
When not researching or writing, Kao can be found collaborating with advocacy groups, mentoring young leaders, and exploring ways to create meaningful impact.
May Lee
Food and Recipes Columnist
May Lee brings the flavors of the Hmong kitchen to life in Nouveau Essence. With a passion for preserving traditional recipes and experimenting with modern twists, she shares her culinary expertise through engaging articles and mouthwatering recipes. Her work celebrates the richness of Hmong cuisine while making it accessible to readers of all skill levels.
Through detailed recipe development, cultural insights, and explorations of food trends, May ensures every dish tells a story. From showcasing the significance of traditional ingredients to crafting fusion recipes that bridge Hmong and global cuisines, she connects readers to their heritage while inspiring culinary creativity.
When she’s not writing, May enjoys hosting cooking demonstrations, developing downloadable recipe guides, and sharing tips for adapting Hmong meals for modern lifestyles. Her warm and inviting writing style makes readers feel like they’re sharing a meal in her kitchen.