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Fair Trade Jewelry and Ethical Fashion

Upcycled Rice Bags Are Changing Women’s Lives in Vietnam!

by | Artisans, Stories of Hope

Read Time: 1 min.

Artisans are overcoming poverty in Vietnam by blending beauty with environmental responsibility & creating fair-trade designs using upcycled acrylic rice bags!

Thi Huynh Lien’s Story of Hope in Vietnam

Thi Huynh Lien, Artisan in Vietnam 1

Thi Huynh Lien is grateful to be able to work from home in Vietnam. Sewing fair-trade fashion accessories has helped her earn enough income to provide for her family’s needs.

Thi Huynh Lien eagerly shares her sewing techniques and knowledge with other women in her community, including how to work with unique materials like the upcycled rice bags she uses to create the lining of our ethically made cosmetic bags.

Thi Huynh Lien is passionate about helping more women in Vietnam become skilled Artisans so their families can have a better life too.

Thi Huynh Lien, Artisan in Vietnam 2

Thai Thi Thu Phuong’s Story of Hope in Vietnam

I’m a single mom. I have two children and I live with my mother. I was taught sewing by social workers in a program provided by this Artisan community to help poor families. I have been working here for many years and I have a good income. I’m more confident. My favorite memory as an Artisan was the first time that I had money from working hard!

Upcycled Rice Bag from Vietnam
Upcycled Rice Bags Are Changing Women’s Lives in Vietnam

Without my work, life would be really difficult. I could not find another job at my age and with my low education. I just know sewing bags and purses. Because of my work as an Artisan, my children can go to school. They have a better education – more than me!

“I dream that my children can have a good life.”

– Thai Thi Thu Phuong, Artisan in Vietnam

Ngo Truong Lien’s Story of Hope in Vietnam

I taught myself to sew. I was introduced to this Artisan community by another Artisan and was trained in every bag-making technique. I’ve been working in this workshop for many years.

My favorite memory as an Artisan is the first item I made. It looked so nice and I was so proud of myself and what I could do! Since becoming an Artisan, I’m more confident and I have a good income. I have good health and happy life!

I’m happy with my work. I can work at home. Without my work, life would be terrible. I’m getting older and I have no good chance of finding work in this industry. I’m single and I live with my sisters.

“When I have work, I am happy and healthy. I feel free and significant!”

– Ngo Truong Lien, Artisan in Vietnam

More Vietnam Blogs

Click on each photo below to discover more about our Artisan partners and products in VIETNAM.

Stories of Hope in Vietnam – Trades of Hope

Stories of Hope in Vietnam – Trades of Hope

Trades of Hope Creates Fair Trade Fun for Kids from Vietnam!

Trades of Hope Creates Fair Trade Fun for Kids from Vietnam!

Tran Thi Ha’s Story of Hope in Vietnam

Tran Thi Ha’s Story of Hope in Vietnam

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1 Comment

  1. Lisa Lawrence

    What beautiful work you both have made. It does feel so good when we accomplish the things we wish to do. I too make things that others can use. People are proud that what they purchase is not only wonderful but also we/they know how much it benefits such awesome ladies and their families. Keep up the good work !!!

    Reply

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Kathy Thomas

Kathy Thomas

Kathy Thomas is an inspirational writer with a passion for helping women discover and celebrate their unique gifts and abilities. Kathy is part of the Communications Team at Trades of Hope focusing on Artisan advocacy.