Climber Interview : Natalie Trinh Khoung

Today’s climber interview is with Natalie, founder of Petite Ascension and former co-founder of Lady Crush Crew! I think you’ll love this one, so let's get to it!

Q1: To start, a few ways you identify yourself... (some examples: name, age, pronouns, type of work you do...) But really, anything you believe is important.

A1: My name is Natalie, most people call me Nat. You can refer to me as she/her as well :). I have circled the sun 25 times and my regular day job is being a Registered Nurse!

Aside from climbing, I'm a big foodie, I love watching anime, and playing League of Legends! (Fun fact: When I created my Instagram handle @gnatonthewall, I thought .. "Ok, my name is Nat. Or like Gnat is an annoying fly. Ok. and I like wearing Vans off the wall... Omg! It'll be GNAT ON THE WALL!).
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Q2: How did you start climbing?

A2: In 2017, I went on vacation to Las Vegas with no interest in doing the traditional "drink, party, gamble". My cousin took me to a Ninja Warrior gym and I found out that you could do something physically active AND fun! My mind was blown, lol! Coming back home from vacation, my boyfriend and I wanted to see what was the next best thing - so we and a friend got a day pass to The Studio Climbing.

We came back the same day and all 3 of us signed up for a membership on Jan. 31st, 2017!

Q3: What impact has climbing had on your life?

A3: Climbing impacted me in so many ways! It has helped me to become more health-conscious and physically active. Prior to climbing, I had not done ANY physical activity or sport. I used to eat as much as a bird, and now I can out-eat some of the guys. It also helps me to feel more comfortable in my own skin because I felt like I could do something. Last, but not least, the COMMUNITY is like no other! Of course, there are still negative incidents that happen - but I think the general vibe of the community is quite welcoming and open to change for the better, every day. Because climbing plays such a big part of my life, my group of friends is mostly all climbers I've met in the gym.

Q4: What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?

A4: I chose to become a Registered Nurse. My family/parents never pushed me in any direction for a career - they just wanted me to do something that makes me happy (and could make some $). I love caring for people, it is a big part of who I am, so I am grateful that I can do this as my day job!
Aside from that, I still have this Petite energy to pour and expend - and have been doing so with the community I've newly created called Petite Ascension.

It has only been 2 weeks since it was created, but it has reached and inspired SO many already! I am so happy that I am able to bring this community together and strive to find more ways to do so.

As the co-founder of LADYCRVSHCREW, I’ve been with the group since day 1. It has blossomed from just sharing personal videos and photos to sharing more about the community and Womxn empowerment. 

The meetups have been so fun to host and getting to know our followers in person is really rewarding!

Q5: If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

A5: I am short, and so is life!