"The establishment and development of the cooperative as it is today must be attributed to the great support of the local government and organizations, especially the Women's Union at all levels," Ms. Thuy began the story of her entrepreneurial journey.
Born in 1987, after graduating from high school, Ms. Thuy got married and sold groceries for a while. After that, she worked as a cashew sheller to earn extra income. In 2022, when the local Women's Union coordinated with a number of units to organize vocational training on weaving handicrafts from the grass of the Mekong Delta - a type of grass that often grows naturally in the coastal swamps of the Mekong Delta - for members and women in the area, Ms. Thuy also enthusiastically participated.
Ms. Le Thi Thuy (right) said that her startup journey has always had the companionship and support of the government and the Women's Union at all levels.
Ms. Tran Hong Ni, President of the Women's Union of My Xuyen district ( Soc Trang province), recalled that with the role and responsibility of the Union, especially in implementing the Project "Supporting women to start a business in the period of 2017-2025" (Project 939), the District Women's Union learned from a number of cooperative models making handicraft products in other localities. In April 2022, the Union coordinated with a number of units and companies to send teachers who were skilled workers to teach the profession to members and women in the area. "Ms. Thuy was one of the first women to learn the profession, then did very well and then taught it to other women. Seeing that she was very determined and had the desire to create jobs for members and women in the area, we also created conditions and provided a lot of support," Ms. Hong Ni shared. At the same time, after the women learned the craft proficiently, the company specializing in exporting handicraft products supported the frames and materials so that the women could have jobs and stable income; the company bought all the products made.
According to Ms. Thuy, at first, learning the craft was not easy for her, because to make a beautiful handmade product requires dexterity and meticulousness. In addition, the designs must change constantly, so the craftsman needs to be persistent and learn constantly. However, with determination and passion for handicrafts, Ms. Thuy learned quickly and the products she made always ensured quality. After the teacher from the company left, Ms. Thuy took on the task of teaching the craft to other members and women. "The most difficult thing was teaching the older women, some of whom learned and forgot what they learned. But I was not discouraged, but taught them wholeheartedly, and together with the women corrected them, so I was able to achieve results. At that time, I did not know how I had enough health and perseverance to teach the craft from morning to night like that," Ms. Thuy recalled.
Members and women have jobs and stable income thanks to Hong Thuy Livelihood Cooperative
Seeing that making handicraft products from reed grass, water fern, and bamboo brings a stable income, the number of women learning and working in the profession is increasing. By July 2024, in order to contribute to creating stable jobs for members and women in the area, Hong Thuy Livelihood Cooperative was established with Ms. Le Thi Thuy as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and Director. The cooperative specializes in processing handicraft products from reed grass, water fern, and bamboo; in which reed grass is the main one. "When establishing the cooperative, I wanted to create jobs for women, most of whom are over 50 years old. With this profession, women have time to take care of housework and can also earn extra income," Ms. Thuy shared.
Must always be persistent and determined
Although it has only been established for less than a year, Hong Thuy Livelihood Cooperative has created jobs and stable income for hundreds of local workers. Ms. Thuy shared that in order to maintain and develop the craft village as it is today, she is grateful for the companionship and support of many units, including the Women's Union at all levels. She herself also feels happy and proud of the values she has brought, especially in creating jobs and increasing income for local women.
Ms. Lam Thi Hieu, 52 years old, living in Hoa Tu 1 commune (My Xuyen district, Soc Trang province), said that due to her old age, it was very difficult for her to find a job and earn an income. Thanks to Ms. Thuy's guidance, she learned how to weave handicraft products, having a job in her spare time and a stable income. "With this job, I can take care of my family. I can do it whenever I have free time, and I earn about 50,000 VND per day. This job is really suitable for rural women, old like me," Ms. Hieu shared.
Ms. Le Thi Thuy teaches vocational skills and creates jobs for many members and women in the area.
While at first, all production materials were provided by the company, up to now, Hong Thuy Livelihood Cooperative has been proactive in 30% to 50% of raw materials, thereby helping to increase people's income. From being considered a side job, many families now consider handicraft processing as their main job, with an average income of 1.5 million to 2 million VND/person/month.
Ms. Le Thi Thuy said that, besides the advantages, the Cooperative also faces difficulties such as: constantly changing designs, requiring workers to learn and be continuously retrained. "If you and your people do not have determination, it is easy to get discouraged. I myself am lucky to have support from my family, there were times when I worked continuously, the children and housework were shared by my husband. I think, when deciding to start a business, you must determine what you want, what your destination is, from there you will have enough will and determination to overcome the difficulties and obstacles on the journey of starting a business", Ms. Thuy shared.
Sharing about her plans for the future, Ms. Thuy said that she will continue to develop the cooperative, invest in more facilities to help more members and women have jobs and stable income. "I hope to continue training and teaching more weavers, expand greenhouses to have enough space to store raw materials. In addition, I will also expand the area of raw materials to increase people's income", the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Hong Thuy Livelihood Cooperative shared.
Some startup experiences of Ms. Le Thi Thuy:
- When starting a business, you must determine a specific goal. If your business brings good values to the community, you will have more will and effort to carry it out.
- In the process of starting a business, you must be persistent and determined; do not be discouraged by difficulties.
- I must constantly learn about business startups and business management to further improve myself.
- Besides personal efforts, the startup journey also needs the companionship and support of family, local authorities and organizations.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/muon-khoi-nghiep-phai-co-y-chi-no-luc-khong-ngung-20250526142447283.htm
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