Brian Jeffrey
A Journey from Farm Life to TikTok Fame
Huynh Thi Kim Thanh, a 46-year-old woman from the Cau Ngang district in Tra Vinh province, has charmed many with her infectious laughter in her TikTok videos.
Initially, she worked in farming and as a laborer, never envisioning herself as a social media influencer. However, her content, which highlights the unique aspects of life in the Mekong Delta, has gained massive popularity, reaching thousands and even millions of viewers.
For the past year, Thanh has shared her everyday experiences on her channel, including trips to local markets, vegetable harvesting, and meal preparations in her simple outdoor kitchen surrounded by nature.
Her genuine and straightforward way of expressing herself resonates with many, reflecting the essence of the Mekong Delta community.
The channel was started by her nephew, 19-year-old Nguyen Minh Khang, who encouraged Thanh to join him in creating engaging video content. They initially aimed to create personal memories rather than pursue fame. One of their first videos featured Thanh making bun rieu (a type of noodle soup) while catching crabs together.
When the videos unexpectedly gained traction, they decided to invest more time into the channel. As the main star, Thanh brings life to each video, while Khang handles filming and editing.
Having lived in Tra Vinh for 20 years after marrying a local, Thanh primarily dedicates her time to raising livestock. While she previously had several cows, she currently tends to two and cultivates grass and vegetables on her property of about 1,000-2,000 square meters. During the dry season, she also grows various vegetables for sale and works as a seasonal laborer for neighbors.
“I take on various tasks, from weeding to planting, earning around VND200,000 daily,” she shared.
The meals she features in her videos are the same ones she prepares for her family, utilizing fresh ingredients typical to the region’s abundant rice and seafood. She often invites neighbors to join if there is leftover food from her cooking.
Since her TikTok debut, Thanh has become a local celebrity, enjoying community support despite occasional criticism, which she takes in stride.
An important presence in her videos is Pham Thi Tuyet Thu, 42, a long-time friend who also lives in Tra Vinh. Thu, known for her hushed demeanor compared to Thanh’s lively personality, contributes to the warmth and camaraderie reflected in their cooking sessions.
Currently releasing three videos weekly, Thanh balances her morning farm work with afternoon filming. She has begun monetizing her content, attracting brand partnerships for advertising in her videos.
