girlcrush series vol. 4: heart of gold.

jolie is in my personal top five "realest people i've ever met" category. she's honest and high-minded, with an overall dynamic personality. she's also a shoe and handbag whore (more on that later).

i met jolie during high school. i remember having classes with her and always being overly envious of her style. one day, junior year, she came in with a monroe piercing, and i just about lost it. i think there are probably like, three people in the world that can pull off something like that, and although i am not one of them, jolie was. she had and still has an inimitable style -- partnered with her impeccable taste and flair for putting outfits together -- which to this day, makes me feel like that gawky teenager in hollister jeans and volatile sandals. don't judge me.

jolie is my girlcrush not just for her fantastic fashion sense -- or because she finds out about the best bands before anybody else, or because she talks me out of crushing on guys that we both know are completely wrong for me -- but for her sharp, biting wit and neverending willingness to keep learning and keep growing.

name: jolie

age: 24

where do you live? EL LAYYYY

what do you do? advertising/marketing

website: http://twitter.com/jolienguyen and http://room285.wordpress.com

signature drink: gin and tonic. i keeps it real.

who/what inspires you? my parents and the thought of failure.

have you found your passion? i have interests... but a passion? ask me again in a year. if it hasn't changed, i'll tell you what my passion is.

how would others describe you? hard-working biyatch... but with a heart full of gold. ♥

what is your biggest insecurity? question number 2. i know what i like, love, want..... but im not quite sure what im passionate about. (and yes, there's a difference). im someone nearing my mid-twenties and i think i might be facing a mid-twenties crises. im no longer a kid and adulthood is very real... only it's still kind of hazy. im waiting for my moment of clarity.

what is your most prized possession? photos from summer 06 in espana! oh. and my handbags :)

who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why? my mom's side of the family. every single one of them. they are some of the most intelligent, hard-working people i have ever met and had to go through so many obstacles to stand tall in their respective careers. i admire them and aspire to be as successful as they have been.

what book(s) have influenced you? Positioning by Al Ries. it's a marketing classic! it's the only book from school that i keep on my bookshelf.

what are your goals? which of those have you already accomplished? my goal is to inspire others. whether it's my career path, my shoes, my whatever. i want to inspire! i also want to fill my passport with stamps from around the world. both are currently in progress....

how do you maintain a positive attitude? surround myself with loving and supportive people and realizing that things could always be worse. whenever i have a problem, i know i can turn to my amazing group of loved ones and they'll be there to help find a solution. sometimes, all they do is provide a shoulder, and sometimes, that's all i need.

words to live by: 'it's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be' - paul arden

mood music: jay-z feat. adele and kanye west - never chasing pavement (urban noize remix)