Talking about his luck in silk, artisan Le Thanh Son said that since he was a child, he was very passionate about learning the craft from his family and the people in Nha Xa village.
After his discharge, Mr. Son started to bring hand-woven silk from his family to sell at Hang Gai market (Hanoi). These are the first steps for him to approach the market and better understand the needs of customers.
In 1997, Mr. Son expanded his business and began selling products at Dong Xuan market - the busiest unit market in the capital for more than 100 years.
At first, when bringing silk to Dong Xuan market for sale, Mr. Le Thanh Son encountered many difficulties. Many traders at that time were hesitant because they were afraid that it would be difficult to consume. I have to convince and explain before they accept to try a few photos, Mr. Son recalled.
After a short time, seeing that Nha Xa silk is popular with customers, traders have begun to proactively import more. "After the first round, they came back to ask for a few dozen more questions. Just like that, I have regular meetings at Dong Xuan market, he said.
From a difficult start, Nha Xa silk has gradually affirmed its position in the capital market. Mr. Son's dream of building a production facility after many years of efforts came true with the birth of Son Thuy Silk - one of the largest silk production facilities in Nha Xa craft village.
After many fluctuations in the market, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, many production households in Nha Xa silk village had to temporarily suspend operations due to lack of orders and difficulties in transportation. However, Mr. Son's Son Thuy production facility has maintained its operations thanks to a sharp increase in online customers.
"At that time, there were many customers ordering online. Every day I send goods to Hanoi by bus or small truck, Mr. Son shared. Thanks to timely adaptation to the situation, his workshop not only maintains the production rhythm but also ensures jobs for many local workers.
All silk is imported from Bao Loc (Lam Dong) - a famous raw material area in the country, the production process is strictly controlled from silk density, dyeing time to vertical fiber - a factor that determines durability. Thanks to that, the product retains its traditional features while still being suitable for the modern market.
In his journey with the profession, Mr. Le Thanh Son has achieved many outstanding achievements. In particular, he was recognized by the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ha Nam province as "Provincial Artisan" - a worthy recognition for dedicated craftsmen who have made many contributions to the conservation and development of traditional weaving.
Son Thuy production facility operated by him has also continuously achieved important certifications: Son Thuy 100% silk flower paint product achieved a 3-star provincial-level OCOP, and was certified by the Ministry of Industry and Trade as a typical national rural industrial product in 2021.
Mr. Son added that recently, when silk silk has started to attract attention again and achieved certain achievements in the market, a few young people have returned to the startup village. But reality shows that there are more sellers than those who directly do the job.
"Although some young people have begun to see the cultural value and economic potential of craft village products, to truly stick with and understand the profession, they still need more time, experience and appropriate orientation," Mr. Son wondered.
Currently, Mr. Son continues to pass on the craft to future generations. Most of the staff at the workshop are also children of the family and people in Nha Xa village. For him, it is not only a way to maintain production activities, but also a way to preserve the life of a craft village that has existed for hundreds of years.
