Dele Nguyen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Dele, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that’s brought me joy recently outside of work is collaborating with fellow creative entrepreneurs on passion projects and having side conversations that lift each other up. I really value staying connected with colleagues and peers beyond the office.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name Dele Nguyen, cofounder of The Creative Union. The Creative Union was launched this past summer in partnership with Menace Media. Our mission is to unite Detroit creatives across all industries to learn, share, and grow through art, culture, and community-driven work. We’re excited to be part of Detroit’s vibrant creative scene, offering free monthly events for networking and connection, accessible creative development workshops, and a membership designed to elevate your creative journey.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often fear, ego, or the mindset of competition-thinking someone else’s success diminishes your own. What restores them is collaboration, openness, and the willingness to create together. At The Creative Union, we believe that when Detroit creatives come together to share knowledge, support each other, and build community-driven projects, we strengthen connections, elevate everyone’s work, and prove that collaboration always wins over competition.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the value of community in a way success never could. As an entrepreneur, I spend a lot of time working in isolation, and during my interview for Menace Media’s residency program, I shared that I was looking forward to partnering with them to practice collaboration and be in community with others. Not only did I find that within the Menace Media team, but we then went a step further in creating the same feeling for the entire city through The Creative Union-building spaces where Detroit creatives can lift each other up, share ideas, and grow together. Collaboration over competition isn’t just a motto for us; it’s how we turn challenges into shared success.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the creative industry tells itself is that success comes quickly or easily-that talent alone guarantees recognition. Another is that failure is something to hide, rather than a crucial part of growth. We recognized that building a creative career requires tools, resources, safe spaces to create, and a community to back you. Coming from a collective of creatives who have been in the industry for 10+ years, we know what’s needed, we know the budget, and we’re here to make an impact with our knowledge and networks.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve come to deeply understand that there’s a room for everyone, but not every room is for everyone. Success doesn’t come from trying to fit into spaces that aren’t aligned with your vision or values-it comes from finding your people, your village, your community. When you surround yourself with the right collaborators, mentors, and peers, you create a space where ideas flourish, risks feel safer, and growth happens faster. That’s exactly what we’re building at The Creative Union: a place where Detroit creatives can find their tribe, support each other, and thrive together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Menace.media
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeuniondet?igsh=a3Zqd2NqMXluZnIy
Image Credits
Agron from Menace Media
Hasin from Menace Media
