We had the good fortune of connecting with Thao Vanessa Tran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thao Vanessa, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want my legacy to be a story of resilience, creativity, and purpose. If there’s one thing I hope people remember about me, it’s that I always used my voice and talents to inspire others to find their own strength and authenticity. Life has thrown me my fair share of challenges, but I’ve come to believe that resilience is a mindset—a muscle we strengthen through practice. It’s about embracing who we are, learning from every experience, and moving forward with intention and courage.

Music has always been a guiding light in my life. Whether I’m creating, listening, or sharing, it connects me to emotions and stories that are often difficult to put into words. I want people to remember me as someone who used the universal language of music to connect hearts, ignite hope, and remind others of their inner power.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to help people embrace their true selves and live fully, with purpose and joy. I’m deeply passionate about nurturing the mental strength it takes to overcome obstacles and rise above the noise—both in our own minds and in the world around us.

If I can leave behind a ripple effect of kindness, creativity, and resilience, then I’ll feel I’ve done my part. I want to be remembered not just for what I achieved, but for how I made others feel—empowered, inspired, and ready to write their own legacy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Ditox started as a vision and evolved into a movement. It’s my way of challenging how we engage with technology, social media, and ourselves. Ditox is about more than just “detoxing” from digital devices; it’s about curating a healthier, more intentional relationship with the digital world. What sets Ditox apart is its heart—our focus is on kindness, creativity, and community. We don’t just tell people to disconnect; we show them how to reconnect—with themselves, their passions, and the people around them.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on young people and families. Seeing someone walk away from a Ditox workshop, pop-up, or program feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped to use social media as a tool for good—it’s an indescribable feeling. I’m also excited about the future. From schools to workplaces, Ditox is expanding into spaces where the conversation about digital wellbeing and kindness needs to happen.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. Starting a business rooted in digital wellbeing—especially when the world feels so attached to screens—comes with its own challenges. There were moments of doubt, especially in the beginning. How do you convince people to step back from something they think they can’t live without? But I kept going because I knew how necessary this work was.

I’ve learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone and to pivot when needed. The biggest lesson has been staying true to my “why.” Ditox exists because I want to make social media and technology a healthier, kinder space for the next generation. Whenever I faced challenges, I reminded myself of that mission.

What I want the world to know about Ditox is that it’s not just about removing the negative; it’s about amplifying the positive. Social media can be a beautiful tool when used with intention and creativity. My story—and Ditox’s story—is rooted in resilience, authenticity, and a passion for change. I want people to see Ditox and think, This is what the future of social media can look like.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Melbourne for a week, I’d make sure it was an unforgettable trip filled with the best eats, sights, and experiences. Melbourne is my home, and I’d want to share everything I love about this amazing city!

Day 1: Arrival and Central Adventures
We’d kick things off at Melbourne Central. It’s the perfect introduction to the city, with its mix of shopping, food, and iconic architecture. We’d grab coffee at Little Sparrow, a hidden gem for caffeine lovers, and explore the shops. Next, we’d wander over to Emporium Melbourne for some serious retail therapy and a late lunch at Shanghai Taste for dumplings with peanut sauce and chilli oil that are simply out of this world. In the evening, we’d head to Rooftop Bar for drinks and breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Day 2: Culture and Creativity
We’d spend the morning at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), soaking in world-class art. For lunch, we’d head to Straight Outta Saigon, one of Melbourne’s most iconic Vietnamese restaurants, for modern Asian flavors that always impress. The afternoon would be perfect for exploring the Hosier Lane street art, where we’d snap a ton of photos. Dinner would be at Supernormal, another Melbourne classic, followed by drinks at Eau De Vie, a speakeasy bar with unforgettable cocktails.

Day 3: St. Kilda and the Beach Vibes
We’d start the day with a stroll along St. Kilda Beach and grab breakfast at Luna Park Café. Afterward, we’d check out the St. Kilda Esplanade Market if it’s a Sunday. For lunch, Republica is a must for its beachside vibes. The afternoon would be all about chilling by the water, maybe even renting a paddleboard. At sunset, we’d head to the St. Kilda Pier to watch the penguins come out—such a magical experience! We’d end the night at Piccolina Gelateria on Ackland Street, and if we’re lucky, we’d check out Ripe Hip Hop night (where I have also performed) at The Vineyard.

Day 4: The Great Ocean Road Adventure
We’d pack up early for a road trip along the Great Ocean Road. Stops would include the Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, and Lorne. For lunch, we’d enjoy fish and chips at Apollo Bay. The views along the way are breathtaking, and we’d make plenty of stops for photos. We’d head back to Windsor in Melbourne in the evening and keep it simple with pizza and wine at Freddy’s.

Day 5: Fitzroy and Brunswick Cool
We’d start the day exploring Fitzroy and Brunswick Street. Breakfast at Industry Beans would be a highlight for coffee enthusiasts. We’d shop for unique finds at the boutiques and vintage stores, then grab lunch at Vegie Bar, a Fitzroy institution. In the afternoon, we’d visit The Rose Street Artists’ Market for local art and handmade goods. Dinner would be at Naked for Satan, where we’d enjoy Spanish-inspired pintxos and rooftop views.

Day 6: Yarra Valley Wine Day & Nightlife
A trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Yarra Valley. We’d spend the day wine tasting at stunning wineries like Domaine Chandon and Yering Station. For lunch, we’d stop at Tarrawarra Estate and enjoy a farm-to-table experience. On the way back, we’d grab dessert at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Back in Melbourne, we’d end the day if it’s a Friday or Saturday night at Spice Market bar and club next to the Grant Hyatt or Bar Up for some hip-hop vibes.

Day 7: Final Melbourne Moments
For the last day, we’d take it easy, starting with brunch at Top Paddock in Richmond. Then, we’d wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens and even take a punt boat ride on the lake. In the afternoon, we’d visit The Block Arcade for a touch of history and indulge in high tea at Hopetoun Tea Rooms. For dinner, we’d go big with a fine dining experience at Vue de Monde, ending the trip with views of Melbourne at night.
Melbourne is a city of endless discoveries, and no matter how much time we have, there’s always something new and exciting to explore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Dr James Rodriguez from Fathers and Families Coalition of America.

Website: https://thaovanessatran.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha0ie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaovtranofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaovanessatran

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13611131/

Image Credits
Romeo Desepida – Photographer by Romes

Factory 4 Studio

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.