Nguyen Nhat Khiem, a 2000-born artist from Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, skillfully works at a small table, where he meticulously threads a needle into a pale fabric using a wooden embroidery frame.

His workspace is adorned with breathtaking embroidered landscapes, so realistic they resemble paintings. It’s hard to imagine that a young man has painstakingly crafted these detailed pieces entirely by hand.

Initially employed in an office, Khiem sought extra income in 2022. After experimenting with various crafts, including dried flower arrangements, crochet, and sewing, he found his true inclination in hand embroidery.

Fascinated by the art, Khiem recognized that his creative skills could flourish in this medium. He acquired the necessary tools and quickly immersed himself, ultimately resigning from his job to focus on this newfound passion.

Instead of attending formal classes, Khiem opted for self-learning through social media platforms, watching tutorials from experienced artisans to hone his skills.

At first, his hands struggled to keep up with his creative aspirations, often enduring hours of practice that led to sore fingertips and frustration. Determined, he committed 8–12 hours daily to practice, overcoming various challenges.

Despite facing skepticism from friends who viewed his chosen craft as less masculine, Khiem remained steadfast. After nearly a year, his once-clumsy hands transformed into skilled instruments of artistry, enabling him to craft smooth, intricate stitches.

“During my learning journey, I began sharing photos of my embroidery on social media,” Khiem shared. “People were shocked and interested in my work. Many initially doubted I had created them, but once they learned it was my handiwork, they were impressed and started commissioning custom pieces.”

After two years of hard work, Khiem has established a distinctive embroidery style marked by gentle, seamless color shifts. His creations are known for their vivid realism, earning him a dedicated following of collectors and embroidery aficionados.

Many of his clients are passionate about hand-embroidered art and are eager to pay premium prices for his intricate craftsmanship. Khiem specializes in realistic scenery, ornate motifs, and elaborate designs, and he has also ventured into embroidering on unconventional materials like dried leaves, showcasing his innovative spirit.

Depending on size and complexity, each piece takes him anywhere from a week to a month to finish. His works are priced between VND 1 million and tens of millions, allowing him to create 2–3 high-quality pieces monthly and generate a substantial income.

“For me, hand embroidery resembles painting with needle and thread,” Khiem expressed.

“This craft allows me to channel my creativity and passion, leading to creations I truly cherish. It’s even more rewarding knowing that I can earn a good living doing what I love.”