Fashion designer Ha Nhat Tien garnered attention for earning a living as a ride-hailing driver. He stated he sought a necessary change for himself after a period of stagnation.
Ha Nhat Tien, 38, from Ho Chi Minh City, has been active in the fashion industry for nearly 20 years. He gained recognition through the Vietnam Design Star competition and presented collections at the International Fashion Designer’s Show and HongKong Fashion Week. Besides design, he also pursued photography.
Over the past three years, Ha Nhat Tien ceased fashion creation due to a loss of inspiration and financial difficulties. Since his solo show in 2023, his fashion business has "frozen" with no orders and declining sales. Lacking his own design workshop or team of artisans, he relied on external contractors and could not bear the investment costs. Additionally, his clothing style, leaning towards gender-neutral rather than mainstream, appealed to a narrow customer base.
After borrowing money from a few relatives to sustain his operations, the designer decided to stop. "I was demoralized and in debt. Some days I couldn't even earn tens of thousands of dong. The feeling of not knowing how to make ends meet was terrifying", he said.
Originally from Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ha Nhat Tien still rented accommodation while establishing his career in Ho Chi Minh City. To cover rent and living expenses, in late July, Ha Nhat Tien chose to become a ride-hailing driver, finding it suitable and allowing him to control his own time.
In the initial days, he had to familiarize himself with the steps and operations of the phone app, fearing late pickups. When he completed his first ride and the customer told him to keep the change, he was moved. "I cherish every dong from each ride", he shared.
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Fashion designer Ha Nhat Tien (second from the right) with models during the introduction of his "Hoa Moc Lan" collection in 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City. *Kieng Can*.
Ha Nhat Tien learned patience and focus with each ride or delivery. He was careful with his words and communicated appropriately, avoiding mistakes that could affect customer experience. According to him, his daily income ranges from 150,000-200,000 VND. Though the money earned is not substantial, Ha Nhat Tien felt relieved to have money coming in.
A few acquaintances and friends offered encouragement to the designer. Photographer Kieng Can commented, "Perhaps this is just a detour – a place where Tien’s fashion dreams can continue to be nurtured through daily work." Singer Pham Khanh Hung expressed hope that Ha Nhat Tien would stabilize soon to have the opportunity to return to fashion.
Currently, Ha Nhat Tien's priority is to balance his life. Driving on the road and conversing with customers daily helps him relieve pressure and negative thoughts.
"I don't know how long I will drive, but after each trip, I find small joys. I still have much to learn from this job and will try harder each day", he said.
Tan Cao
