CHI HUYNH

Born in Vietnam, Chi was the son of a jeweler in a family of 8 children. His parents were targeted by civil unrest in his community because his older brothers both served in the American Military (Navy and Marines). At the age of 12, Chi escaped with his younger brothers and sisters via a small motor boat. The part of his journey that changed his path and life outlook forever was when the boat engine seized. He and his siblings were adrift on the ocean for 18 days, robbed by pirates, and left for dead; until a fisherman found their boat and towed them to safety. “All you need is dirt and air. Everything else is a bonus after that. You can drop everything that bothers you by remembering that day.” Once rescued, he moved to the United States to live with his brother and grew up communicating through art. Chi realized that following his father’s career path was a way he could share beauty & stories with the world. He now employs an entire community of talented artisans in Vietnam who train beside him, replicating his carved pearls and world-renowned setting techniques.