How embroidery found me – my story from Hanoi

I am Quynh, an embroidery artisan from Hanoi, Northern Vietnam.
I never looked for embroidery – it found me, as if guided by fate.

In 2018, I became a mother. I stayed home to take care of my baby, and for a long time my whole life revolved around him. It was wonderful, but at the same time I started to long for something small, my own – something that would bring joy and help me breathe for a moment, too.

In 2020, when my child was a little older, I discovered embroidery through YouTube. It immediately took me by surprise. I started making little hair clips and bows for my daughter. I still remember the moment she looked at one of the clips and said in her bright voice:
"Mom, so beautiful!"

That little sentence filled my heart. It gave me the strength and courage to continue.

I started sharing my work in craft groups online. I was surprised how many people stopped by my pictures, encouraged me, and even ordered my products. That's how it all started to grow: pins, key chains, brooches, embroidery on clothes and bags… If you could embroider something, I wanted to try.

Today, embroidery is much more than a job for me. It is my therapy. It brings peace, teaches patience, and helps me cope even when the days are hard.

It takes 6–8 hours to make one embroidered headband. Each stitch is full of craftsmanship, care, and love.

And when someone on the other side of the world puts on something I've made by hand – I feel great pride.
Proud to be able to share a piece of Vietnamese craft tradition with the world.