When Traditional Art Meets the Spirit of the Times
In Thanh Tiên Village—nestled along the poetic Hương River—the craft of making paper flowers has existed for nearly 300 years as a distinctive form of Huế’s spiritual and cultural heritage. From humble flowers made of bamboo and hibiscus, generations of local artisans have preserved the nation’s colors and fragrances through skilled hands and deep reverence.
Yet as lifestyles changed and consumer demands shifted, paper flowers gradually fell into obscurity. Traditional crafts no longer offered a viable livelihood for younger generations. It was within this context that Maypaperflower emerged—as an emotionally resonant response to a fading legacy.
Ms. Phan Ngọc Hiếu, a native of the former imperial capital, quietly began her journey to preserve her hometown’s craft through an entirely new approach: blending traditional handmade paper flowers with contemporary decorative art. No longer limited to altar arrangements or ritual offerings, Maypaperflower’s creations now embody a modern aesthetic—refined, elegant, and aligned with the lifestyles of today’s younger generation.
A “Craft Village Start-up” and the Dream of Sustainable Flowers
Founded in April 2021 amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maypaperflower is far more than a paper flower brand. It is a vessel for cultural, artistic, and environmental values.
Each flower is meticulously handcrafted by women, people with disabilities, and dedicated artisans—affirming that art is inclusive, and that every product carries the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship, the story of its homeland, and a commitment to sustainable development.
By avoiding plastic and eliminating harmful waste, Maypaperflower defines its audience as those who appreciate beauty while caring deeply for the environment. In doing so, Ms. Hiếu quietly inspires a gentle yet meaningful “green” lifestyle.
Finding a Guiding Star: Co4Growth
Despite strong passion and a clear vision, the entrepreneurial path is never easy. From design and production to business management and market access, every stage posed significant challenges for a woman-led craft village start-up.
The “Women Cooperate – Creating the Future” program came to Maypaperflower as a meaningful turning point—“a star from the universe,” as Ms. Hiếu described it.
Through the program, Maypaperflower received comprehensive support, ranging from business knowledge, sales, and development strategies to investment connections, trade networking, and, notably, media support. Each expert insight and mentoring session became vital material for May’s sustainable growth.
“I am deeply grateful to the program for strengthening my confidence, motivation, and invaluable connections. May has grown tremendously,” she shared.
Carrying the Soul of Huế to the World
In less than two years of operation, Maypaperflower has exceeded expectations:
Exporting thousands of products to 14 countries
Establishing a showroom in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Winning Second Prize at the Vietnam Handicraft Product Design Awards 2022
Being selected among the Top 29 social impact enterprises under the UNDP–IseeCovid program
Gaining regular coverage across reputable media outlets
Maypaperflower is no longer merely a business; it is steadily becoming a symbol of the convergence between tradition and modernity—between the cultural beauty of Huế and the sustainable aspirations of today’s generation.
One Flower, Many Meanings
With each product, Maypaperflower offers not only aesthetic beauty, but also inspiration rooted in identity, femininity, environmental consciousness, and the aspiration to reach beyond borders.
When a paper flower is placed in someone’s hands, it is more than a gift—it is a story of Vietnamese culture, land, and people.
