For Linnie Tam (Class of 2014), creativity has never been something she found later in life. It was something she experimented with and learned to trust from a young age.
From middle school through her years at UNIS Hanoi, Linnie developed a strong relationship with personal style. She dressed how she wanted, embraced unconventional choices, and expressed herself freely, even if those outfits now prompt a laugh or two among old friends.
“That was probably the first real sense of freedom I felt,” she reflects. “I learned that showing up as yourself is powerful.”
Like many creatives of her generation, Linnie experimented early. She ran a fashion blog, filmed YouTube videos she never quite found the courage to upload, and used fashion as a way to explore identity, play, and self-confidence. Looking back, she sees those moments not as side projects, but as the foundation of something much bigger.
From passion to opportunity
After graduating from UNIS Hanoi, Linnie moved to Australia, where she studied psychology and social work. While her academic path shifted, fashion never disappeared. She spent years thrifting, curating pieces, and eventually running a successful online thrift store on Depop. What began as a side hustle gradually evolved into buying and selling jewellery, and then into a business that felt real.
“It slowly started to feel like this could actually be something,” she says.
Around the same time, Linnie met her partner, Gianni Kina, who shared her vision. Together, they recognised a gap in the fashion industry. Clothing felt increasingly homogenous, trend-driven, and repetitive.
“You could walk into different stores and see the same thing everywhere,” Linnie explains. “Everyone was wearing the same pieces.”
Creating Kina and Tam
That gap became the reason for Kina and Tam.
The brand was created to celebrate playfulness, individuality, and expressive design. The clothing feels art-led, colourful, and joyful, without being intimidating or inaccessible. Inspired by the uniqueness of second-hand fashion, Kina and Tam aims to bring that same sense of discovery into thoughtfully designed, original pieces.
At the heart of the brand is a commitment to fair pricing, something Linnie feels deeply about, both as a creator and a consumer.
“I never want people to feel like they’re just paying for a name,” she says. “Fair pricing also means making sure everyone in the supply chain is treated properly, from start to finish, and being responsible to both people and the planet.”
The UNIS Hanoi influence
Reflecting on her time at UNIS Hanoi, Linnie credits the school with shaping how she thinks, adapts, and creates.
“UNIS really encouraged freedom of thought,” she says. “I was exposed to so many cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking, and that’s been incredibly valuable as a self-funded business owner.”
Creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential in entrepreneurship, particularly when resources are limited. Linnie believes those skills were nurtured early, through teachers who encouraged curiosity, independence, and critical thinking.
Growth, discomfort, and learning to be ‘a bit cringe’
Running a business has not been without its challenges. One of the hardest parts for Linnie is marketing.
“I absolutely hate it,” she admits honestly. “Being in front of the camera, selling something you’ve created, there’s a real vulnerability there.”
But it has also been a powerful teacher.
“Sometimes you just have to be a little bit cringe,” she laughs. “It’s okay to feel embarrassed and still do it. You realise no one really cares, and you survive.”
That mindset has helped her grow her professional skills and her resilience. Discomfort, she says, is a key part of progress.
Advice for fellow alumni and young creators
For anyone considering starting something creative or building a business of their own, Linnie’s advice is grounded and reassuring.
- Be resourceful, especially when funds are limited.
- Start before you feel ready, because perfection is never achievable.
- Treat mistakes as data and opportunities for learning.
“Mistakes aren’t a reflection of who you are,” she says. “That’s just your ego talking. The more mistakes you make, the closer you get to where you want to be.”
What’s next
As for the future, the brand is entering a new phase. After years of working as a two-person team supported by contractors, Linnie and her partner are preparing to make their first in-house hire.
“It’s nerve-wracking,” she admits. “I never really saw myself as a boss. But I know it’s an important step for the business to grow.”
It is a moment that reflects the same courage that defined her early experiments with style. Stepping into the unknown, trusting her instincts, and moving forward anyway.
And in many ways, it feels like a very UNIS story.
Special Discount for UNIS Hanoi Phoenix:
Linnie is offering 20% off Kina and Tam with the code UNIS20.
The brand currently ships to a wide range of countries worldwide. However, while the team hopes to offer direct shipping to Vietnam in the future, it is not currently available.
There is no expiration date, so Phoenix around the world can enjoy the offer whenever they are ready to explore the collection.
- Alumni News