Only through reflection can we understand what is truly good.
In this edition of our Interview Series we chat with Jenny Nguyen - Barron on her approach to life and business. Jenny spends her time curating hotspots in New York City and around the world, having a dedication to a Quality over Quantity approach on her site Melting Butter . Coverage is limited to only the things, people, places that share this view, that strive to be better than just adequate. Her finds have been featured in the likes of Belle Australia, Forbes Life and Gotham Magazine. Bringing attention to all things excellent in food, travel, fashion, art and design. You can see more of their taste making finds on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. With this in mind we wanted to get to know a little more about what makes Jenny a Bon Vivant.
What drives you both professionally and personally?
The same thing drives me both professionally and personally - and that's chasing the Joie de Vivre! I remember reading an Ernest Hemingway quote that really spoke to me... "“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the Romance of the unusual" ...and I guess that's my mantra for both work and play (which are honestly completely intertwined in my life!)
What do you consider to be the key elements to a Bon Vivant?
The good life! Fun, parties, food, wine, family and friends!
What one item do you have take with you wherever you go?
A notebook for ideas
Carry on or checked luggage?
Carry on!! I'll always try and avoid baggage claim.
What other mode of transport other than air do you most enjoy?
There's something very romantic about train travel in the countryside.
Be prepared or make do?
I was born prepared :)
Who inspires you and how?
My inner circle inspires me through wine and conversation.
How do you go about creating your ideal life? Who is working behind the scenes?
I'm a pretty big on goal setting but I also like to give myself a bit of flexibility to go with opportunities that present themselves to me as long as they feel right. Working behind the scenes on Melting Butter is a great network of contributors around the world. They are the people I've very carefully selected for their high taste levels and desire to get out there to find and share the best hotspots around the world.
What are some of the thorny issues you find yourself dealing with whether ethical, emotional, practical?
I think upholding a high editorial standard is something that all good media must deal with day to day. We get a lot of invitations, offers and opportunities to try things for free - and this can be very tempting - but at the end of the day we have a responsibility to our readers to write only about what we truly believe to be amazing and inspiring.
What advice would you give to people out there thinking of starting their own business/pursuit of dreams?
If what you're doing centres around quality, put it out there!
What gets you excited about waking up in the morning?
Opportunity.
When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
The other night with friends :)
What's happening for Jenny Nguyen-Barron on this day in 2020?
In 5 years I hope to be doing more of the same - but doing it better and at a much higher level.