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My Journey to Paris

Learning from the Life and Art of Lê Phổ

Rediscovering Identity Through Art​

Why does art matter? Why should we care about history, heritage, or culture—especially when it feels so removed from our daily lives? Growing up in a society that often views art as impractical, I, too, have asked myself these questions. As a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur, I’ve felt the tension between chasing success and honoring my roots. But recently, I had the rare opportunity to reconnect with both.

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Paris for the first time. It wasn’t just any trip—it was to attend a major exhibition in France dedicated to three pioneers of Vietnamese modern art. One of them was Lê Phổ, my great-grand uncle. I’ve always been curious about my family history and the legacies quietly woven into it. Despite my busy schedule and never-ending to-do lists, I knew I couldn’t miss this moment. If I didn’t go, I might never understand the answers I’ve been seeking about my identity and where I come from.

A Life Between Two Worlds
I moved to the United States in December of 1994. I was six years old, and although young, I carried with me vivid memories of my life in Vietnam. I was already in second grade, attending a French private school, learning long division, and surrounded by friends, cousins, and a close-knit family. I especially remember my grandfather, who took care of me while my parents worked tirelessly to build our future. I didn’t want to leave. The American Dream felt abstract and distant, and I was hesitant to trade what I loved for an unknown promise.

Growing up, I often felt like I belonged in neither world. I wasn’t “Vietnamese enough” or “American enough.” That sense of in-betweenness stayed with me. But in 2020, amidst the chaos of the pandemic and the collapse of the restaurant industry, my partners and I were given a chance to start fresh. It was a time to ask bigger questions—not just about business, but about meaning. I realized that to create something truly authentic, I needed to rediscover who I was.
The Roots of NUE

This inward journey sparked the inspiration behind NUE, our hospitality venture that blends modern design with Vietnamese heritage. While researching my great grand uncle Lê Phổ, I came across stories and artworks that I had never seen before. Until then, most of what I knew about Vietnam revolved around war, escape, and sacrifice. I didn’t know the stories of beauty, creativity, and resilience that existed alongside the pain.


Learning about Lê Phổ’s life gave me a new lens through which to view Vietnamese identity. He was a painter, a teacher, a designer—someone who embraced both his roots and the modern world. His work was a reflection of cultural blending, resistance, and hope. Seeing his art in Paris was like seeing a piece of myself—what I had always suppressed in favor of practicality or survival.


I felt seen. I felt proud.

A Moment of Belonging
Walking into the museum and seeing my great grand uncle’s photo, and even images of our Mandarin lineage, was surreal. I wasn’t just a visitor—I was a living continuation of that story. For the first time, I saw how art could carry the legacy of a people, a culture, and a family.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. How fitting, then, to reflect on the past not through stories of suffering, but through the legacy of someone who brought beauty and creativity into the world. Lê Phổ’s journey—from Vietnam to France, from tradition to modernity—is the same journey many of us face today as children of the diaspora.
Why Art (Still) Matters

In building NUE, I now understand that I’m doing more than running a business. I’m building a bridge between generations, between East and West, between who we were and who we want to become. Vietnamese identity is complex and layered. It includes the trauma of war, but also the elegance of art, the depth of history, and the power of dreaming again.

We’re not just a people shaped by conflict—we’re visionaries, innovators, and creators. Lê Phổ’s legacy is proof of that. And in channeling his spirit, I hope NUE can become a platform for others to reconnect with their roots, to see the value in their story, and to find peace in honoring where they come from.

I may not have all the answers yet, but this trip reminded me that art, culture, and history aren’t impractical at all. They are the compass that helps us navigate modern life with clarity and soul.

Key Takeaways
  1. Art isn’t impractical
    It’s essential It provides clarity, identity, and grounding during times of uncertainty.
  2. Our heritage holds the keys to our present and future
    Understanding your past helps shape a more meaningful and purposeful path forward.
  3. Vietnamese identity is richer than war stories
    There’s beauty, elegance, and creativity in Vietnamese history that deserves recognition.
  4. Lê Phổ is a symbol of cultural resilience
    His life and work represent the strength of holding onto one’s roots while embracing modernity.
  5. Starting NUE was an act of self-discovery
    The brand was born from a desire to reconnect with personal heritage and offer something meaningful to the community.
  6. The Vietnamese diaspora deserves a new narrative
    One that celebrates our contributions, dreams, and stories beyond conflict and survival.
  7. Museums can be deeply personal spaces
    They’re not just places for artifacts but places where history becomes real, especially when your family is part of it.
  8. It’s okay to not have all the answers
    What matters is the curiosity, the search, and the desire to honor the people and stories that made you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this deeply personal reflection. I hope it inspires you to explore your own roots, question your assumptions about identity, and find beauty in the journey—wherever it takes you.

With gratitude,

Tuyet Nhi Le

Tuyet Nhi Le
Founder of NUE Elegantly Vietnamese
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