There's no need to "leave the city for the forest"; we can absolutely live amidst nature right in the heart of the city. This is what Kieu Anh, founder of Tropical Forest and ForDeer - Coffee with Tree, has always been concerned about. This idea didn't just remain on paper but has become a reality through a chain of green cafes, plant nurseries, and numerous landscape design projects. From small forests in the heart of the city, Kieu Anh dreams of going further: connecting these green spaces and inspiring a green lifestyle in more people.

With over 30 million results on Google, "leaving the city for the countryside" has become a very popular phrase recently. After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, people tend to escape the pressures surrounding them, seeking solace and relief from stress and anxiety in nature.

But is it really necessary to leave the city for the forest when we can completely enjoy a relaxing getaway right in our own homes by "bringing the forest to the city"? This question has been answered and proven day by day by the founder of Tropical Forest, Kieu Anh: Living amidst the forest in the heart of the city is entirely possible. And she doesn't dream this dream just for herself, but for many others as well.

Since her student days, while doing fieldwork and conducting scientific research in the suburban craft villages of Hanoi, Kieu Anh witnessed the abundance of garbage and open sewers. Amidst the car fumes and traffic jams, Kieu Anh thought: "If this way of life continues, the city will sooner or later turn into a construction site. People are facing an extremely terrible environmental problem."

The dream of creating "miniature forests" in the heart of the city was sparked at that moment.

These are spaces brimming with greenery and light, where ideas easily flourish; where people can reach out and touch the branches, leaves, and flowers. In this inspiring space, people can relax, connect with each other, enjoy a cup of tea, contemplate a book, and leave behind all worries and the hustle and bustle of the city.

However, all Kiều Anh had at that time was a passion for greenery, the experience of an architect, and a heart full of aspirations. The brand and business trends were still a question mark.

By 2017, the idea had become a reality with the opening of the first coffee shop - ForDeer Coffee, located in an alley on Tay Son Street.

The name ForDeer is a compound word, combining...forest(the forest) anddeer(Deer - the mascot protecting the forest). As the name suggests, ForDeer Coffee is for forest lovers. The green areas of Tropical Forest are called "forests". The Tropical Forest team is called "Treeman".people who are 'addicted' to plantsThe facilities for the first "forest" were quite rudimentary. "But we just did it," Kieu Anh said. At that time, she had to invest a lot, working and nurturing the project simultaneously. Although everything was simple, customers happily supported her, and the "treemen" were wholeheartedly dedicated, giving her more motivation. Not a professional businesswoman, she tried very hard to balance her business with her desire to give back and add greenery to life.

And so, "Tay Son Forest" gradually took shape. A miniature tropical forest bathed in sunlight.

By 2019, the green theme of ForDeer Coffee had expanded. Tropical Forest added "To Hieu Forest" and "Van Quan Forest". Although these green spaces have different designs, they are all covered with various plants, from the ground to the ceiling. Tropical plants like monstera, ferns, and Indian chrysanthemums cascade down the stairs, giving anyone who enters a pleasant feeling, as if they were strolling through a forest.

Not content with just a few green spaces, Kieu Anh aspires to create an ecosystem where these green spaces can connect with each other. Within this ecosystem, ForDeer is an open space for people to connect, exchange ideas, and embrace a green lifestyle. They can chat about plant care, recycling, share stories about life and work, or simply find inspiration, relax, and enjoy themselves.

Tropical Forest's plant nursery is where green shoots are nurtured, spreading their greenery throughout the city. To date, Tropical Forest has established the Tay Son Forest, To Hieu Forest, and Van Quan Forest. Within these locations are three ForDeer Coffee shops and two plant nurseries in Hanoi. In the future, Tropical Forest hopes to expand its green coverage by creating many more green spaces.

“I can’t and don’t intend to change my customers. When they come to Tropical Forest, they already have the seeds of change within them; they already have a conscious desire to seek out green spaces,” Kieu Anh expressed. Instead of persuading with words, Tropical Forest offers workshops on planting, such as terrarium and kokedama workshops – new and innovative miniature bonsai styles from around the world. There are also workshops on recycling and workshops for children to ignite a love for nature and a desire to protect their own living environment.

The pandemic has impacted people's lifestyles and behaviors in many areas. So, how has the way families arrange their living spaces changed?

It's safe to say that the pandemic has significantly impacted life in every aspect. This is especially true for urban dwellers, who feel confined in their apartments and yearn to be closer to nature. However, not every family has the means to travel frequently or has housing that meets their needs. Therefore, the trend of bringing greenery indoors has increased dramatically. People can relax right in their own homes.

What conditions are necessary to create green spaces?

We often think of green spaces as something grand. A green space can be a sun-drenched garden corner, a balcony full of flowers, but sometimes it's just a few pretty potted plants in front of a table. Each of us can bring nature into our homes through the simplest things.

In your opinion, is "bringing the forest to the city" just a trend?

"Bringing the forest to the city" or "Forests in the city" is simply a phrase expressing the yearning of urban dwellers to green their homes and workplaces. Especially after the pandemic, people have increasingly realized the importance of health. They have had more time to clearly understand the true values ​​of life. They have begun to slow down and live greener. Private organizations, non-profits, and even many government policies have begun to focus on encouraging the reduction of plastic waste in the environment.

What is your assessment of this trend in the near future?

Living green and healthy will be a challenge when a convenient lifestyle has become deeply ingrained in habits: fast food, fast-paced daily routines, fast fashion. The 80s generation yearns for their children to live greener lives, to run and jump in the forest, and frolic in streams. Gen Z is energetic, mobile, and adventurous. Therefore, I believe Gen Z will create even bigger waves in the future with campaigns that have a large-scale impact.

And then, we will have a paradise for dreamers.