It's not just about making a living.

“In the past, I did this job to make ends meet. After spending time with it, I've come to love the profession more. When I finish a product and see the customer satisfied, I feel happy too.” This is the sentiment shared by Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung (59 years old), a shoe repairman on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, Tan Ninh Ward, Tay Ninh Province (formerly Gia Long Street). For over 40 years, Mr. Hung has diligently repaired old shoes, helping customers save money or preserve unforgettable mementos. Every day, rain or shine, his rough, calloused hands, constantly exposed to glue, pliers, chisels, etc., meticulously repair all kinds of shoes for his customers.

Mr. Hung said: "Most of my customers are regulars. They know I work carefully and offer reasonable prices, so they often recommend friends and relatives to come here for shoe repairs. No matter what profession you do, you need diligence and hard work, but most importantly, you need to love your job because only passion can give you the motivation to overcome challenges."

For Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, as long as there is customer demand, he will continue to practice his profession.

Some days, with so many orders, he only leaves his chair for lunch before continuing his work to meet delivery deadlines. Despite his declining health and failing eyesight, he remains determined to stick with the profession. For someone like Mr. Hung, who has fallen in love with his work, he continues repairing shoes and sandals as long as customers still need his services. It's not just a means of livelihood, but a habit and a passion he's been dedicated to for so many years.

Amidst the wave of developing printing technology and countless modern electronic advertising boards, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Bich (68 years old) - owner of Ngoc Bich sign-painting shop on Truong Quyen Street, Tan Ninh Ward, has been diligently pursuing the profession of painting advertising boards for over 40 years.

Since childhood, Mr. Bich has loved painting. In 1985, he opened a sign-painting shop at home, taking on painting and portrait work. According to Mr. Bich, the sign-painting business was very prosperous in the past. Hand-painters sometimes worked day and night without a break. Later, when printed signs and pre-designed computer-aided designs emerged, the traditional signs he used to paint gradually faded into obscurity. Many painters had to switch professions because they could no longer make a living.

Mr. Bich shared: “To create a complete sign board, you have to go through many stages, from framing, applying primer to the background, dividing the letters, then painting and applying a glossy finish. This work usually takes a week, or even longer, depending on the size of the sign. Handmade signs give people a feeling of closeness and authenticity, and each artist conveys their own unique style, depending on their painting technique. I think that's why many people still choose to use handmade advertising signs instead of electronic signs.”

Creating a complete sign requires going through many steps.

At Ngoc Bich's shop, although it's not as busy as before, many customers still come to order handmade advertising signs. Sometimes, Mr. Bich has to rush orders for shop owners to meet their opening day deadlines. Mr. Bich happily says, "Most of the people who come to order signs are returning customers. Many request that I be the main artist because they believe I have a 'lucky touch' that helps their businesses prosper."

For Mr. Dong Van Hoa (66 years old, residing in Tan Ninh ward), clothing repair is not just a means of livelihood, a matter of sewing and needlework, but also a joy in doing a job he loves. With a sewing machine and a few tools like a ruler, scissors, needles, thread, and a sign that says "Clothing Repair Available," Mr. Hoa has been involved in this profession for over 30 years. Having traveled extensively and worked in various jobs, after many twists and turns, he came to clothing repair. Thanks to his diligent learning and passion since childhood, in 1991, Mr. Hoa decided to choose this profession as his long-term career.

Thanks to his responsible work ethic, Mr. Dong Van Hoa has a loyal customer base.

Throughout his house, in cupboards, on shelves, every nook and cranny is filled with tools and accessories for repairing clothes. Most of his customers are regulars, ranging from students and laborers to the elderly. Their needs are diverse, from repairing everyday items to high-end clothing.

Thanks to his reputable and responsible work, word spread from one person to another, and over time, his customer base became more stable. Every day, he diligently works at his old sewing machine, adjusting each detail on the clothes according to the customers' requests.

Mr. Hoa shared: "Making new clothes is difficult, but altering them to satisfy customers is even harder. A tailor must have knowledge of fashion , grasping new trends to advise customers. They also need to understand the customer's characteristics, such as whether their shoulders are sloping or straight, whether their legs are curved or straight, and whether their upper and lower body parts are proportionate, in order to make the alterations accordingly. Each type of clothing, design, and material requires its own specific alteration techniques."

For people like Mr. Hung, Mr. Bich, or Mr. Hoa, their profession is not just a means of livelihood but also a way to live their passion. Therefore, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, there are still those who hold onto their craft as if it were a love and a familiar part of their lives.

Phuong Thao - Ha Quang

Source: https://baolongan.vn/khong-chi-la-muu-sinh-a202280.html