Ms. Tua (far right) introduces products made from zeng weaving to customers.

With formal training and a modern entrepreneurial mindset, she not only preserves the traditional zèng weaving craft but also gradually brings brocade products to larger markets and creates sustainable livelihoods for many ethnic minority women.

Starting a business with brocade

After marrying a man from the Co Tu ethnic group, Ms. Tua moved to live in Mu Nu Ta Ra village, A Luoi 5 commune. There, she noticed a high demand for brocade products made from zeng weaving by the local people, not only for making traditional clothing but also as a "treasure" to keep at home, to use or resell when needed. Meanwhile, the number of people still involved in zeng weaving is decreasing, causing the supply to fall short of the demand.

Based on that experience, Ms. Tua boldly expanded her business. Not only did she continue weaving zèng fabric, but she also purchased products woven by local people to process into brocade products such as handbags, wallets, hair ties, and scarves. This approach not only helped her diversify her products but also created a stable market for the women who still practiced the craft.

Leveraging her technological expertise, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tua has utilized social media to promote and sell her products. She regularly posts images and videos of the zèng weaving process, creating brocade patterns that reflect the unique cultural identity of A Luoi, on Facebook, TikTok, and Zalo. These posts attract many viewers, interactions, and online orders. As a result, her customer base extends beyond the highland communes of A Luoi to include Da Nang, Quang Tri, and other locations.

“Not only people from the A Lưới highlands but also many domestic and international customers are interested in buying our brocade products, which makes me very happy. Sometimes, as soon as I post an item online, it's sold out. Many products I make can't keep up with demand. This motivates me to stay committed and determined to pursue the traditional craft of my homeland,” Ms. Tứa said excitedly.

Creating sustainable livelihoods for women.

The entrepreneurial model based on zèng textile products developed by Ms. Nguyen Thi Tua has also contributed to creating jobs and increasing income for many ethnic minority women in the locality.

Ms. A Viet Thi Thoa, a Ta Oi ethnic woman from A Luoi 4 commune, who specializes in weaving brocade, shared: “Previously, my finished products were only sold within the village, and sometimes it took a long time to sell them. Since Ms. Nguyen Thi Tua helped promote and connect me with buyers, my products are always in high demand. My income is more stable, so I feel more secure and committed to this craft.”

According to Ms. Tua, the biggest challenge currently is the shortage of young workers in the craft, the reliance on natural sources for weaving materials, while the market increasingly demands more sophisticated and diverse products. However, the greatest advantage is the trust of the local people and the unique cultural value of A Luoi brocade, an element that cannot be replaced by industrial products, so A Luoi zeng woven products still have a place in the market.

Commenting on Ms. Nguyen Thi Tua's entrepreneurial model, Ms. Ho Thi Phuc, Vice President of the Farmers' Association of A Luoi 5 commune, said: "Ms. Nguyen Thi Tua is a typical young ethnic minority woman who knows how to apply knowledge and technology to develop the economy from traditional crafts. Her model not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identity, creating sustainable livelihoods for many female members."


Text and photos: Thanh Thảo

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep-nong-thon/giu-nghe-truyen-thong-tao-sinh-ke-ben-vung-161985.html