Paths to Success

"Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 4:11

One of the great lessons I've been learning since lock-down last year is the Power of Words... both spoken and in our thoughts... to shape our reality.

When my "incarceration" in Covid lock-down ended on October 1st last year, I was malnutritioned, spirit broken by my wife's infidelities and abuse of our children, and had suffered a mini stroke the night before. I was unable to confirm anything about travel to see the kids, I was wading through the legalities of Vietnam and getting many wrong answers (according to the actual law), and churches were still closed.

My worries were translating to words that cascaded into more despair.

In December, my brother-in-law reached out to me, letting me have regular video calls with my youngest son and sharing information about my daughters.

January began with news to me that my church had reopened, giving me access to learning, fellowship, and the counsel of a very good Pastor.

I began focusing on the good... dreaming of a future with my little ones (helped a lot by seeing the quick acclimatization of my two older Vietnamese-born children to life in America).

I started performing again and sharing positive messages about family life and values.

As March ended, I had a specific plan in mind for my next legal steps. I took stock of the funds I've saved by being frugal, outstanding accounts receivables, and what I needed to take the next step.

I shared the words with my friends publicly of what my sales goal was. That was on April 1st. Today is the 6th and I'm 80% to the target I had for end of month!

That's powerful!

My health and spirit are getting stronger, and I can now start to look ahead to the children's needs once I've successfully implemented the upcoming legal steps.

Thank you very much friends and family!

God is great! So, use care in your thoughts and utterances.

"For it is not an enemy who taunts me -- then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me -- then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house, we walked in the throng." - Psalm 55:12-14

Interestingly, I've had requests the past few days to meet old friends for coffee so that I can listen to them vent about betrayals and gossips.

Unfortunately, I've had more than my fair share of negative impacts from people I brought close to me, who turned out to be unfaithful in their treatment of me, my family, and others close to me.

The positive side is that I'm learning how to make my way through it with grace. Others are taking notice and sharing their experiences with me. Mostly, I try to listen; because verbalizing it, they can often get it off their chest and, at the same time, arrive at a solution.

The optimal way for us to solve such problems, and arguably one of the most difficult, is to forgive.

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

I've come to realize that I cannot change what bad people say about me or do to me. All I can do is work hard to be a better person every day and to offer my best to those I serve.

Those with problems of their own often take solace in spreading gossip, because by bringing someone they perceive as possessing strength low, they feel they're not so bad, because at least they aren't as low as the person about whom they're speaking ill.

So, for this reason, I try to find the strength to pray for those who have harmed me and my family and friends... I'm slow to retaliate. I try to give them time to sort out their issues. (Others might say I'm giving them more rope with which to hang themselves... it's not my intent, but is usually the end result). We've all heard what are the wages of sin.

Don't just try to look your best... try to become the best version of you.

After weeks of anticipation, our new Kingsmith Lionhead Cowboy Boots are a few days away from going on my feet!

The boots are available in many different colors in leather for the introductory price of just $248 (plus shipping).

You can get suede for $288 (plus shipping).

Careful measurements are taken of both feet, ankles, and calves for proper fit (in person in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, or through online instruction for remote orders).

Other hand-made usually sell for prices ranging from $450 to as high as $3,000!

Contact us today to get your order in line with our experienced cobblers... by Facebook Messenger, or text +84908419879 (Whatsapp or Zalo).

No written code ever existed but it was an unwritten, socially agreed set of informal laws that shaped the cowboy culture. ... These homespun laws, being merely a gentleman's agreement to certain rules of conduct for survival were never written into statutes, but were respected everywhere on the range.

"She don't care 'bout what's in style
She just likes the way he smiles...”

Alan Jackson got it right... when people truly care about one another, it's nothing to do with style or money; it's about who they are.

"It's the people you love, not the money and stuff
That makes you rich...”

While fashion and money don't bring the true riches that make a good life, judicious use of them can demonstrate one's character and values, attracting the people and opportunities that will.

When I was new to Vietnam almost two decades ago, I was lecturing for a Master's program at one of the state universities.

Most of my students were young adults and I got to talk with them about many topics over the semester.

Knowing I'm American, they talked and asked questions about aspects of American culture with which they were familiar through TV and movies.

By this time, I had enough friends that I was becoming aware of traditional culture... enough so that I could see contradictions between traditional family values in Vietnam and what young people were drawn to from American Pop Culture.

I was attracted to Vietnamese traditions of loyalty to family and the positive signs of etiquette I saw used in meals during more ceremonial occasions, like holidays. Behaviors that were the polar opposites of the greed and arrogance that has overtaken the entertainment industry in the US over the last 20 years.

By contrast, American country western aligns more on a parallel with local traditions here. While there are some artists and songs that dwell on partying, infidelity, and other negative behaviors, the majority focuses on family, faith, love, and community... things I perceived as strengths of traditional Vietnamese life.

American country music even bears a resemblance to traditional Vietnamese "cải lương."

During these early years, I could go to local coffee shops and still hear the music of Vietnam's greatest composer, Trinh Cong Son.

Today, I hardly go out... too much noise... too much disrespect evident in clothing and behavioral styles.

Where are the entertainment venues for people to enjoy country music? I have many friends who hear me sing, recognize the original artist, and ask if I know other songs by these artists... Colin Raye... Alan Jackson... Randy Travis...

Where are they hearing this music? Why isn't it more popular?

I hope that before I leave Vietnam, I find a place where people enjoy the fashion, music, interior design, cuisine... of the American west! Perhaps a place where young Vietnamese musicians begin writing and performing music in this genre.

I'm happy to help with the style... after all, the styles used by some famous Vietnamese performers, like Dam Vinh Hung, are not too different from the Nudie suits used by American country western performers for decades.

Western suits don't have to be rhinestones and glitter. The style can be worn for many occasions.

Western wear can be incorporated into your existing wardrobe. It is popular among cowboys and ranchers and those who like the style.

As a suit it's appropriate for weddings, funerals or any occasion a suit is necessary. We can also design tuxedos and other formal wear in this style.

The jacket can be worn to dress up a pair of blue jeans or other casual attire.

To have a consultation for your new designs, please contact us by Messenger, Whatsapp, or Zalo (+84908419879). Please use text apps only.

Uniquely American

Kingsmith proudly introduces our Western collection with a sports coat inspired by the Old West.

These jackets and suits, with their distinctive design and trim are still a favorite for business, smart casual, and formal occasions in several regions of the United States.

Couturier Kenn Smith is wearing his Western sports coat with tailored Kingsmith blue jeans and brogues.

The sports coat starts at US$216, using a high quality wool blend with made-to-measure tailoring. For more premium fabric and bespoke tailoring, prices begin at just US$310.

Our jeans are tailored to your measurements and body shape for just US$85.

Hand-made Cowboy Boots from Kingsmith will be available soon!

For an appointment for design consultation, please contact us by Facebook Messenger, or by text to +84908419879 through Whatsapp or Zalo.

Most of us are happy to bring this past year to a merciful conclusion.

We all share hopes of better days ahead. But as we move forward, we cannot forget that each year is comprised of 365 days... each with 24 hours... each of those with 60 minutes... each comprised of 60 seconds.

To live our best lives, we need to live in the moment, rather than looking ahead, always looking for something better in the future.

The past 12 months were truly brutal to me and many people I love and care about dearly. I got knocked down, but not out. I've come through stronger in every way... and if you take a few moments to reflect, you'll realize that you have as well.

Though the Tiger is likely to take a few bites out of us... perhaps even try to maul us a few times... there's no reason to expect anything short of our best year yet!

Pay attention to each aspect of your life in the moments to come: physically, emotionally, spiritually... take time for developing yourself and appreciating those closest to you (family, friends, coworkers).

I won't be traveling this year... I'm staying alone in Saigon. If you have free time, let's try to catch up for coffee and talk about how to take the tiger by the tail.

Lockdown is over in Ho Chi Minh City!

I hope that you are healthy and making your way back into work and other activities that will reward you.

I'm happy that I've been busy since last Friday: getting workshops going again, checking status of orders that were in production before the long closure, going over designs and cutting of orders that came in during the lockdown, fittings, and new order consultations.

I have noticed that most of the tailor shops around the city have not reopened. It will take a couple more weeks to see how many are able to come back. I'm not optimistic for them, as most were struggling before lockdown, due to restrictions that have eliminated the tourism industry in Vietnam since early 2020.

As quickly as I see restrictions rolling back, I anticipate that we will all enjoy a good holiday season. Events may not be as large as we've become accustomed to in past years; but I do believe that organizations and restaurants will be creative in helping the city's residents put aside the problems we've all endured for far too long.

If you want to begin preparing to look your best for the holidays, it makes sense to get started a little early this year. In normal years, I can't normally handle all the order requests we receive. This year, with fewer tailors to share the customer demands, I anticipate my team and I could be busier than usual.

My family is now in lockdown in Phu Quoc; so I'm trying to get everything operating well here and make proper arrangements to go take care of things for them there. Since I've been unable to see them for five months, I expect I might be there for awhile.

I can work remotely (I've had to do it for several months). But, if you'd like an in-person design consultation, please schedule with me before the end of next week.

You may message me through Facebook Messenger, or at +84908419879 (WhatsApp or Zalo).

All the best to you and your loved ones.

Continuing my lockdown dress code with another long-time favorite from my closet that hasn't been worn for awhile.

Since it's Saturday and I'm again stuck at home, I opted for traditional casual wear... Red velvet, double-breasted smoking jacket with black cord frogging on the sleeve cuffs and buttons.

For a more formal look, I'd normally go with a white shirt and a bow-tie... today, I'm wearing it with an old gold, french cuff shirt and a silk cravat that matches the jacket. Finished off with black dress trousers and black brogue loafers.

Too bad I didn't get around to filling my humidor before the lockdown.

This jacket has been in my wardrobe for 12 years. As is the custom with this type of jacket, it's loose fitting, because it's used for comfortably lounging with friends, while enjoying a nice cigar and a scotch, or perhaps rum.

It used to get a lot of attention when I first wore it to evening events, because in Ho Chi Minh City, few people (including expats) had ever seen one. In fact, I hadn't either!

According to an entry in Wikipedia: When the Crimean War during the 1850's popularized Turkish to***co in Britain, smoking gained in popularity. After dinner, a gentleman might put on a smoking jacket and retreat to a smoking room. The jacket was intended to absorb the smoke from his cigar or pipe and protect his clothing from falling ash.

This was in an era long before television; so people entertained guests with dinner parties more than they do today... and even casual styles of the day would be considered formal by today's standards.

After dinner, ladies would often gather in the parlor, while the men retreated to the study. Men wore suits every day, so they'd remove their jacket and hang it before entering the smoking room, replacing it with the smoking jacket.

What I enjoy most about being a couturier (personal fashion designer) is combining my passion for style with my lifelong love of history... It gives me a lot of insights into the functionality of the design features on the things I design.

I've been starting to get more online inquiries and orders over the last few days. I hope to hear from you soon so that we can have our virtual design consultation.

You may reach me by private message through this page or my personal Facebook profile. Or you can text me at +84.908.419.879 (also on Zalo and WhatsApp). Because of time differences and working schedule, it's best to message me (I have difficulties hearing clearly on electronic devices and everything we discuss is important in my design process; so I don't want to miss anything important).

20 days into complete lockdown, following 39 days of strict social distancing... We're supposed to have 17 more days of lockdown with continued 12-hour daily curfews.

So, why am I wearing my favorite suit for the first time since April?!

A few reasons: I wanted to see how it fits (I've lost weight and now the waistcoat and jacket are loose); I needed practice tying my bow-tie (I've only used it once since April, as a makeshift eye patch to play pirate, when my friend sent me a bottle of rum a couple of weeks ago); but mostly, it was to make me feel like I'm still in some normal state of life and to have the confidence and strength that I usually have every day when I do my work.

I've noticed that many have let themselves go, wearing "athleisure" clothing 24/7... even when they've already come out of lockdown and gone back to the office.

What kind of message does this send to colleagues about the level of respect you have for them and yourself? What's the first impression you make with clients? (You know... the things they use to categorize you in the first seven seconds after you meet: education level, confidence, reliability, family background, hobbies and habits, etc.)

Don't let the response to Covid bring you down below your optimal level! Being forced into lockdown already stresses your mental and emotional health, as well as weakening your physical health and immune system.

How we see ourselves every day dramatically affects our performance and has positive impact on overcoming the mental, emotional, and health challenges present now everywhere on the planet.

My job... my passion... is helping you look and feel your best! I refuse to let a lockdown rob me of this.

For a virtual consultation, message me at the Facebook Messenger account attached to this page, or my personal account. You can also reach be by text at +84.908.419.879 (also on WhatsApp or Zalo). Note: please don't call, as I don't hear clearly on electronic devices and I use all the information you share with me when I design... so I don't want to miss a thing.

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