“In 7th grade, out of sheer boredom in class, I tore a piece of paper in half, drew it into a little newspaper, and named it Tin Tin. That’s when I started writing.” This is how host Thùy Minh discovered her passion, as she shared in the 200th episode of Have A Sip—a truly special milestone.
For many, Thùy Minh is a familiar face from iconic shows like Ghế Đỏ, Bitches in Town, and, of course, Have A Sip. But every story begins somewhere. Before becoming the bold and unfiltered voice we know on screen, Thùy Minh’s words first came to life through her pen.
It was the start of a journey defined by relentless exploration and the courage to overcome pain—one that continues to inspire and unfold today.
Two Decades Of Relentless Pursuit
From a hastily drawn newspaper in 7th grade, Thùy Minh’s passion for content creation led her to Hoa Học Trò—an iconic magazine beloved by the 8x and early 9x generation. After her first submission was rejected, she persevered, becoming an official contributor and the youngest writer on staff while still a first-year university student.
“Relentless pursuit” perfectly defines her career journey. From print journalism to television, online gaming, and digital content, Thùy Minh has continuously evolved with the ever-changing media landscape. While many peers settled into print or television, she chose to push forward, exploring new horizons and redefining her craft.
“Only by daring to dig deep, explore broadly, and challenge myself have I kept the passion for this career alive,” she reflects after two decades in content creation.
A Life Defined By Hairstyles
“Hairstyles only Thùy Minh dares to wear” was the headline of an article about her in 2015. Beyond her sharp wit and bold presence on talk shows, her hair became a defining element of her personal brand.
One of her most unforgettable looks was the afro—a voluminous, curly style inspired by African descent. In the early 2010s, it wasn’t just bold; it challenged conventions and expanded the boundaries of self-expression. The afro earned her both admiration and criticism, with some calling it “too unconventional.”
For Thùy Minh, these daring hairstyles marked turning points in her career. From the afro during her YanTV era to the blonde transformation when Have A Sip gained widespread recognition, her hair was a statement of her fearless approach to creativity and reinvention.
“I’ve tried every hairstyle you can think of,” she reflects. For years, her hair was her voice, boldly declaring her individuality to the world.
Today, her hair has returned to its natural, unstyled state—no longer a statement but a reflection of her evolution. “After so many years in the industry, I’ve said everything I needed to say. Now, I want to be someone who listens,” she explains, embracing the journey her hair has taken from experimentation to restoration.
The Greatest Barriers Come From Within
The debates over her hairstyles are just a fraction of the obstacles Thùy Minh has faced. As someone who has never conformed to societal norms, she has weathered her share of criticism—whether for her voice, deemed unsuitable for television, her decision to become a single mother, or even her unconventional approach to content creation.
Yet, for Thùy Minh, the greatest barriers don’t come from others but from within—fear, self-doubt, and the limitations we impose on ourselves.
“Our survival instincts from the Stone Age are still wired to shield us from harm by keeping us in our comfort zones,” she reflects. “But we’re not living in the Stone Age anymore. It’s only when we dare to try and move beyond damage and pain that magic truly happens.”
Damage Is A Cycle—It Comes And Goes
Damage, rebirth, and reward—these are the three milestones that have shaped Thùy Minh into the person she is today. There were moments when she woke up feeling she couldn’t go on, as if the pain had reached its absolute limit. Yet, she chose to move forward, driven by a belief—however uncertain—that the answers lay ahead. And eventually, the reward came, simple yet profound, reminding her that even if pain returns, she will have the strength to face it again.
This cycle, like the endless loops of life, repeats. But with each turn, she grows stronger and wiser, embracing the growth that comes with every challenge.
A heartfelt thank you to Dove for partnering with Vietcetera in this podcast series honoring Vietnamese women.
Damage is a part of everyone’s beautiful journey; it helps us grow and become who we are today. There’s a unique beauty in damage—each scar tells a story.
To all women—don’t fear damage. Embrace the challenges and let Dove take care of the recovery.
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