From embroidery, weaving dreams - Lang Son Newspaper and Radio and Television Station

- In the modern flow, when many traditional crafts are gradually fading away, two Nung ethnic women, Ms. Mong Thi Duong (Tong Rien village) and Ms. Ly Thi Yen (Co Rieng village), Hai Yen commune, Cao Loc district, have chosen to start a business from embroidery and brocade weaving, a traditional craft passed down from their ancestors. Stemming from their love for handicrafts imbued with national identity, they have contributed to reviving traditional crafts, creating jobs for local women and bringing Nung brocade to the market.

Mong Thi Duong introduces traditional embroidery and weaving products to representatives of the Institute of Economic and Financial Sciences (Hanoi) to find ways to expand the market.

Ms. Mong Thi Duong shared: “In the past, the women and mothers in the village all wove, embroidered and sewed the traditional costumes of the Nung ethnic group. Therefore, since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the delicately patterned fabrics, meticulous needlework, and cultural features associated with family and community memories. There was a time when traditional costumes were rarely used and gradually disappeared from daily life. However, in recent years, the demand for them has increased, especially during festivals and cultural events. Seeing the opportunity, I had the idea of ​​starting a business with embroidery and brocade weaving.”

The goal of the startup group is to preserve traditional embroidery techniques, create livelihoods for local women and build a united and strong Nung ethnic artisan community. To do that, products need to be innovated and improved to suit consumer tastes. Therefore, Ms. Duong and Ms. Yen have proactively researched and learned more about the patterns of other ethnic groups, then transformed and stylized them to suit the Nung culture in Cao Loc. The motifs inspired by nature such as plants, flowers and leaves are cleverly integrated into scarves, handbags, men's shirts, etc., creating products that are both new and unique, while preserving the indigenous spirit. In addition, they also teach the craft to many sisters in the Hai Yen Commune Embroidery and Brocade Weaving Club to enrich the designs and patterns on the products.

To make traditional costumes more attractive, the women have chosen more patterns and fabrics to help the wearer not only look better but also feel comfortable in daily life. At the same time, the group has also expanded its designs to products such as handbags, tablecloths, wall paintings, etc., suitable for modern life. Thanks to that, Nung brocade not only reaches young consumers but also attracts the attention of businesses, restaurants, and hotels that need to use traditional materials in interior decoration or for export.

In addition to their personal efforts, the two women also received support and facilitation from the People's Committee of Cao Loc district and the Hai Yen commune government in connecting and introducing their products to consumers. Specifically, the authorities at all levels have supported the two women to participate in booths displaying and promoting products at fairs, cultural festivals, and festivals at the district and provincial levels such as the 11th Northeast Ethnic Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival in 2024; Lang Son City Ethnic Culture Festival in 2024... Thanks to that, the products are not only known to many people but also expand their consumption markets outside the district. Up to now, the group's traditional embroidery and weaving products are consumed a lot in Lang Son and Dak Lak provinces. The group also cooperates with Song Chau Tourism Trade Construction Joint Stock Company (Lang Son) to bring products to the international market. In addition, promoting on social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, YouTube, TikTok... with vivid images of products, production processes and cultural stories behind each product has helped connect more closely with consumers. Thanks to that, items such as handbags (VND 400,000), scarves (VND 700,000), men's shirts (VND 1,200,000), women's clothing (VND 400,000)... have all been positively received by customers.

Currently, the group produces an average of 100-200 products per month and can double during peak seasons such as festival seasons and cultural festivals. The start-up model from traditional embroidery and weaving has created regular jobs for Ms. Duong and Ms. Yen with an income of about 10 million VND/person/month. In addition, the group also creates seasonal jobs for about 10 women in the commune with an income of about 4 million VND/person/month.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Cuong, Cao Loc town, Cao Loc district said: “Although I am not a Nung ethnic, I really like their traditional costumes. That is why I bought two sets to wear to the festivals of the province and district. These traditional costumes are not only unique but also very delicate in every stitch. I can feel the meticulousness and dedication of the maker. Wearing them feels both beautiful and meaningful, as if carrying a whole culture. In addition to using them during festivals, I also order brocade products such as handbags and scarves as gifts for friends.”

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Duong, Secretary of the Hai Yen Commune Party Committee, said: The start-up model of Ms. Duong and Ms. Yen has practical significance in preserving national identity and preserving traditional crafts that are at risk of disappearing. Not only that, the model also opens up a new direction in economic development associated with local culture. Through that, it has created jobs for many female members, contributing to increasing income, stabilizing life, thereby promoting the movement of women starting a business in the area to spread more and more strongly.

From their passion for traditional crafts, Ms. Duong and Ms. Yen have gradually turned their dreams into reality. Their entrepreneurial journey not only contributes to preserving the cultural identity of the Nung ethnic group but also opens up a new direction for many women in the highlands - confidently doing business, taking control of their lives with their own hands and minds. In the coming time, the two sisters will continue to research, add more new patterns to their products, and at the same time expand the scale of production, bringing the Nung brocade brand further.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/tu-nghe-theu-det-truyen-thong-den-giac-mo-khoi-nghiep-5048345.html