Darcy Nguyen’s Overview

Age: 23

Hometown: Inver Grove Heights, MN

Profession: Student/Business Management

Short Term Goal: Movie Showcase/Theatrical Ballroom Dancing

Long Term Goal:  Competing for Ms. Universe

Instagram: @DarcyhNguyen

Tik Tok: @Darcyhnguyen

Eyes of the Beholder

Beauty pageants, to the uninformed, can seem stigmatic and unreasonable when seen as mere competitions of beauty. Parodies often depict contestants as obnoxious and brainless, vying for the title of “prettiest.” However, this perception stems from a lack of understanding of the true essence of pageantry.

Peeling back the layers, one can see that pageantry is akin to many other competitive arenas, such as bodybuilding. Contestants have pose coaches, nutritionists, and personal trainers. Initially, I did not grasp the intricacies of pageantry until I met the talented Darcy Nguyen.

Humble Beginnings

Nguyen’s hometown may be Inver Grove Heights, but her heritage is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. In search of opportunity, Nguyen’s parents emigrated from Vietnam and settled in a Vietnamese-American community in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Starting from humble beginnings, her parents worked tirelessly, eventually opening a Vietnamese restaurant.

As seasons passed, the family adjusted to life in Minnesota. Growing up as the oldest child, Nguyen quickly realized she did not mirror the image of everyone else and faced language barriers. Understanding new cultures as a child can be challenging, but possibilities expand with imagination.

Nguyen recalls watching her first beauty pageant and being captivated by the women’s beauty on television. A pivotal moment for her was in 2016 when Deshauna Barber became the first woman of color to win the Miss USA pageant. This revelation inspired Nguyen, showing her that success does not require fitting a certain mold, sparking her journey into pageantry.

The Beauty in Competition

Without her family’s full support, Nguyen signed up for her first beauty pageant. Taking a leap of faith, she discovered a love for competition, finding purpose in expressing herself and her heritage to the world. Like any journey to success, she faced highs and lows.

Darcy committed herself to being a fierce competitor and a cultural force. Competing in five beauty pageants, she undertook numerous challenges while aiming to make a difference in the pageant world.

Contrary to the belief that beauty pageants are about a pretty face and a nice smile, Nguyen learned the hard way that it involves rigorous preparation. Like bodybuilders, beauty pageant contestants have coaches and must make significant changes to be considered worthy competitors. Nguyen felt the pressure and demands of this reality.

A Woman to Be Reckoned

In Vietnamese culture, there is an appreciation for the drama behind beauty pageants. However, Nguyen faced cultural backlash. The pressures of altering her diet and physique created a false sense of pride against her heritage, making her feel she didn’t fit the American or Vietnamese profile. This duality drained her mentally, but she did not quit.

Despite the challenges, Nguyen remained determined. Her journey is a testament to showing every woman they can be proud of who they are and where they come from. From a minority background to those not fitting the status quo, hard work always leaves room for possibilities.

Nguyen’s competitive journey for self-love led her to seek multifaceted opportunities. She enlisted in the United States Air Force as a logistician, achieving her goals while competing in pageantry as a military veteran.

The Beauty in the Unexpected

After her time in the Air Force, Nguyen’s passion for growth intensified. With high expectations in the pageantry world, she aimed to continue her career. However, personal circumstances led her to take a break to complete a degree in business. During this hiatus, she discovered a love for ballroom dancing.

Introduced to ballroom dancing by a close friend, Nguyen decided to try it as a new hobby. This exploration reignited her competitive edge. After a few months of learning, she entered her first competition and thrived, further pursuing dance. Nguyen’s pursuit of greatness is balanced with prioritizing her goals. Alongside dancing and pageantry, she keeps the idea of her parents reopening their restaurant at the forefront of her mind, hoping to make it a staple for those who look like her and support pageantry.

Although competing and paving a way for others, her education is vital to her resume. It may be deemed small to others compared to what she has already accomplished, but she believes that her business degree will be helpful when thinking about expansion via owning a restaurant and creating a business that helps others who want to compete in pageantry and ballroom dancing. There is a lot on Nguyen’s plate of goals but she continues to work for the balance for all of her dreams to come into fruition.

Conclusion: The Power of Beauty and Self-Expression

Darcy Nguyen’s journey through the world of beauty pageants, cultural challenges, and personal growth is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-expression. Despite facing cultural backlash and the immense pressures of not fitting neatly into any societal mold, Nguyen remained steadfast in her pursuit of her dreams. Her unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that true beauty lies in the courage to embrace one’s heritage while striving for excellence in uncharted territories.

Through her story, Nguyen has shown that success is not confined to fitting into a single narrative or conforming to preconceived standards. Whether in pageantry, military service, or ballroom dancing, she has continuously reinvented herself, proving that multifaceted talents and a strong sense of self can pave the way for remarkable achievements. Darcy Nguyen’s journey encourages us all to push beyond our limits, embrace our unique identities, and pursue our passions with relentless determination.

Beauty Pageant History and Titles

Beauty Pageant Participation:

Beauty Pageant Titles:

Miss Barksdale USA 2022
Miss Grand Louisiana 2022
Miss Bossier Parish USA 2023
Miss Supernatural Louisiana 2023
Miss Eco Wisconsin 2024