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| Through her TikTok channel, ‘O Trang’ also spreads positivity and encourages others to work with diligence and dedication |
The mark of youthful support
At 54, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, better known as O Trang, runs an eatery in Tay Loc Ward, offering a wide range of dishes, from Hue specialties to Japanese rice balls. In 2022, her daughter encouraged her to launch a TikTok channel. “My daughter told me that if I wanted to make my business better known, I needed to use technology to reach customers. That was how the ‘O Trang mon Hue’ TikTok channel got its start,” Ms. Trang shared. After 4 years of consistent effort, the channel has attracted nearly 20,000 followers.
At the suggestion of their daughter, Mr. Duong Van Tam, 57 years old, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, 56 years old, from Quang Ngan 1 residential quarter (Phong Quang Ward), also embarked on a video-making journey. Their daughter, Ms. Duong Thi Tuyet, 25 years old, who previously worked in the marketing sector, had a video featuring her and her mother go viral. Recognizing the potential to capture family memories while creating an additional source of income, Tuyet invited her parents to join her videos. In just over a year, the family’s TikTok channel has gained more than 35,000 followers by sharing simple videos of their everyday meals, featuring the familiar flavors of Hue cuisine.
From simply playing the role of ‘actors’ in their daughter’s videos, Mr. Tam and Ms. Thu have gradually learned to film their own footage, capturing everyday moments and challenging the stereotype that older people find it difficult to adapt to digital platforms.
More than just filming videos
Rather than chasing sensational trends, the ‘O Trang’ channel focuses on sharing contents on food, daily life, and everyday stories. Beyond showcasing Hue cuisine, Ms. Trang also shares personal experiences, offers advice on relationships, and encourages a positive mindset on life. Meanwhile, Ms. Tuyet’s family channel appeals to viewers with its simplicity and authentic portrayal of rural life. Shot in their own kitchen, the videos feature everyday family meals made with local dishes that are characteristic of Hue.
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| Filming a cooking video for ‘O Trang’ channel |
For ‘O Trang’, the increasing number of customers coming to her eatery has helped keep the business running steadily. Meanwhile, the channel of Mr. Tam and Ms. Thu has expanded their business by selling traditional fermented fish products and custom-made cakes, with orders coming from customers near and far through social media.
“Since we started our TikTok channel, my parents have found a new source of joy. By filming our everyday lives, my parents find it a part of their daily lives,” Ms. Duong Thi Tuyet shared.
By joining the TikTok community, parents in their 50s have not only found a new source of joy but also spread the beauty of Hue cuisine, daily life, and local people.