Editor’s Note: In honor of Asian American Pacific Islanders Month, Sampan presents the second of two video essays. The best journalism tells stories, provides forums for voices heretofore unheard. Through this forum of video essays our goal is to offer a consistent platform from which important stories can find a new and fresh perspective. There is a story behind every face we see on the streets of Boston, a narrative behind every closed shop door. They’re variations on the same theme: perseverance, survival, adaptability. Our goal is to try and tie them all together.
Nestled in the heart of Copley Place is a boutique owned by Kim Pham, a Vietnamese-American who fled her ravaged homeland, helped her others escape, and came to America, where she has thrived as a master tailor and fashion designer.
Pham’s journey in America has been filled with triumphs and tribulations, including having to rebuild after a fire that destroyed her shop in Chinatown. She managed to open a second shop in Copley Square, but fought to keep her shop nearly two decades ago when the landlord threatened to evict her.
Today Pham remains a vital presence in Boston, her legacy sealed. She still works long hours in her family-run boutique to produce beautiful wedding dressings and other masterpieces.
Boston University student reporters Clare Ong, Natalia Madera, and Shandra Back spent some time with Pham recently. What unfolds in their video essay called, “A Tailor’s Journey” a remarkable tale of survival and a hope in a new homeland.
Watch the video here ：
