With a feeling of passion and strength creative, Hạnh Chi created one of theleather goods shop one of the most distinctive personalities in Hanoi. For her, making leather goods is a source of happiness.
Located on Lý Nam Đế Street in central Hanoi, 29-year-old Phí Hạnh Chi’s handmade leather goods shop might seem out of place on a street known as a hub for computer enthusiasts. Yet her passion and creativity have made this 8X entrepreneur’s shop one of Hanoi’s most distinctive leather goods stores.
Pursue your passion despite family opposition
Hạnh Chi shared that she had enjoyed collecting handbags and leather items since secondary school. With little money while still studying, Chi nonetheless tried save to own the things she loved, even secondhand items. In 2009, during a trip away, Chi discovered handmade leather workshops and began exploring and learning to make leather goods for herself.
Chi’s first products were highly praised by her friends. She then began receiving her first orders. Seeing this as an opportunity to pursue her childhood passion, in 2010, despite her parents’ objections, Chi opened a shop selling leather goods she made herself. ‘My family always complains, asking why I do not settle into a government job instead of choosing this path‘, Chi laughed as she recalled the early days of establishing her own leather goods brand.
Although constantly having to travel all over the country in search of the best leather materials, even flying to country as far away as India or Sri Lanka, Hạnh Chi never considered it hardship. To her, it was happiness. After about 2 years, Chi finally convinced her family as the shop gradually generated a good income and reached stable operation.
Despite the hard work, Hạnh Chi always considers leather goods a source of happiness. Photo: supplied by the subject.
Making leather goods is not hard, but…
Describing herself as demanding, Hạnh Chi is always strict with herself, believing this quality is essential to making the best products. She values creativity and skill in making each item, but says that without strict standards, her products could never satisfy their owners. ‘Anyone can make leather goods, but not everyone can make their products distinctive and, most importantly, breathe a soul into them,’ Hạnh Chi shares.
The person born in the 1980s confided, this work brings her revenue reaching a hundred million dong per month. Products such as handbags, wallets, and belts at Chi's shop range from nearly 1 million to several million dong, relatively reasonable compared with other leather goods. Chi and her colleagues also make custom products. “I often shop at Chi's because I can feel each product's individuality, not to mention the very reasonable prices,” said Quang Anh, a regular customer.
Many Major Brands Have Approached Chi to Commission Exclusive Products. Photo: Provided by the Subject.
Gradually, many major brands and stores began approaching Chi to order exclusive products. A well-known Hanoi coffee chain with an “unusual” style asked her to design all its menu covers. The shop also receives a considerable number of customers who want to give existing products a personal “identity” through repairs and redesigns.
Leather goods often give users a sense of nostalgia and bear the marks of time. Depending on the design, each item can feel luxurious or rugged. Whatever the style, all leather items carry symbolic meaning and are relatively durable. Recognizing this, Hạnh Chi did not stop at handmade leather goods; her shop expanded into design and decoration using leather.
This strong-minded woman has never considered stopping, despite difficulties, hard work, or family opposition. Chi hopes to expand production so her dedication can reach more people and provide them with distinctive yet elegant leather decorations and designs. ‘Every product combines an artist's inspiration and emotions. For me, bringing people high-quality, distinctive items is a source of happiness,’ Hạnh Chi shared.
According to Cafebiz
