No. 2 | Introducing: Ninaco

     

Today, I'm breaking down my alter-ego: Ninaco. In the middle of my photography journey, I realized a lot of my passion stemmed from desire. And that was my desire to become: A POPSTAR. As a kid, I would watch the same special edition Britney Spears DVD everyday. I loved her energy, the way she smiled on stage, her effortless performances. I'd sing and dance next to her, manifesting the day I too would get to step on stage and share my love of music. I wanted to prove myself, make a point. But I didn't have the funds or the support I wanted. So I went into my training arc. If I wasn't able to afford the services I needed, I would learn to do it myself. But I needed to practice on other people and that's what I did. 

For six years, I shot as many music videos and had as many Artist photoshoots as I could. Trying to understand camera angles, editing styles and color grading. I had a lot of fun but I also had a lot of resentment towards myself. I spent so much time learning and giving my efforts to others, that I felt a lack of value on my end. I was so happy and honored to work with the people I did. But I also knew I was capable of becoming the Artist I wanted to be, so why didn't I? How much learning do I have to do, before I feel ready to be one? It wasn't until after the 2020 Pandemic, that I realized: Life is short. So I made a promise to myself, I was going to sell everything, move to Los Angeles and go in 100% on me. And that was the birth of: Ninaco. 

Who is Ninaco?

Ninaco is a mix of both my real name and my nick name: Colina and Nina. My mom named me after the famous American singer-songwriter: Selena Quintanilla, also known as the "Queen of Tejano Music." Her movie was my favorite growing up, I'd watch it over and over as much as I could without getting in trouble. I loved her music so much and her story was incredibly inspiring. As an Asian daughter who also had strict parents, it really hit home. The earliest recollection I ever had of performing was when I auditioned to be Mrs. Clause in 2nd grade, and I got it! It made me realize, as a little Asian girl I could! I didn't know how it was going to happen, but I was going to make it happen.

I Moved to Los Angeles...

In 2021 with my boyfriend. I sold everything in my little Wisconsin home and made the three day drive across the country. My family didn't want me to leave but that's normal, Hmong families typically like to be close knit and in range so they can help whenever they can. But this was a journey I've longed for since I was young. Being the oldest of 10 and taking care of my family for years, it felt like a new adventure for me. I was ready to discover myself! And I've always known I wanted to live in California, it was just the matter of doing it. Yes, it was the scariest thing in my life, but I love scary sh*t. I lost my job twice, my car got impounded and I learned I might have IBS as well as ADHD. My mental health was taking a toll. The first year was crazy as hell and I felt so overwhelmed. But I knew this was going to be hard. Otherwise, everyone would be doing this. I realized I had to change my behaviors and be more intentional. With my moves, my money, my friends. I felt stronger and more solidified in who I was. I felt awake in my identity as a Hmong American woman, and it felt like this was the best time to share my story. 

The 'Big Chief' single drops...

On December 16, 2022. This was my first official single as Ninaco. And I really wanted to make a track that would set the tone for my artistry. I was Hmong and American and I wanted to show the beauty of unifying those two identities. I listened to a lot of Paradise growing up, they're my all time favorite Hmong Band. And later on I found David Yang. His ability to switch in between Hmong and English as well as his flow, inspired me to take myself seriously. I was also working at a cannabis company called: Big Chief, at the time. And that was the inspiration to my track. A bad b*tch, who does whatever she wants, cause she's the Big Chief. 

On October 11th, 2023, I drop the 'Pojlaib' EP. Which is a 5 track project, that highlights my perspective on what it means to be a "Pojlaib." Which literally translates to: Bad Girl. It's a word that was utilized in the Hmong Community back in the day to describe types of women who would dye their hair, get tattoos and piercings and just challenge the social norm. It was often looked down upon, but I always thought they were the coolest. They were the trailblazers of that generation and growing up you learn the trauma that comes with wanting to be a perfect daughter. Now I was going to give myself the grace and the freedom to learn and accept who I really was. I'm loud, I love people, I love creating and I'm unapologetically me. I learned to love myself and I wanted to make music for others like me. 

So What Can We Expect?

Stories. This next project I'm working on, is a dive into my childhood and the darkest and brightest moments that shaped me into the woman I am today. I think there are a lot of stories in our community that we haven't been able to talk about. And I hope that with this EP I can share that we're not alone, and that it allows us feel safe to have those conversations. This project was a little more vulnerable for me, but I'm excited to finally share it with the world.

And that's ME! No matter what it is I do, I love creating. I am a photographer and videographer at heart, but I'm also an Artist. Wherever you may find me in this journey, welcome. Here's to more #HMONG stories.

      

written by: colina vang