What is Ham Choi?

“Ham choi” is a phrase in Vietnamese meaning always wanting to play and not work. Parents often used this to describe kids which doesn't always have a positive connotation. For me, I am reclaiming this phrase and leaning into it as a way of life. 

Shopping in secondhand stores and yard sales were core memories growing up so I truly relish in the nostalgic feeling of searching through past belongings and sharing that with others.

The time and care I put into finding items, mending, and photographing them is a reflection of that nostalgia coupled with the intention of giving existing, quality items another life to keep them out of landfills.

Based in CT, Ham Choi Market is a small AAPI female-owned shop offering vintage and secondhand goods.