Hemp Oi: Weaving dreams from the colors of the highlands.

Continuing the video series “7A.M Start” - “Why Do We Start?” produced by Travellive Media Group in partnership with Ford Territory, episode 4 will take viewers into the story of founder Tran Phuong Thao and Hemp Oi - a sustainable fashion brand with unique products made from hemp.

Hemp and flax are plants used to weave traditional fabrics by ethnic minorities in the highlands. They are not only renowned for their durability but also for their ability to regulate temperature, making them particularly suitable for hot and humid climates. Today, hemp fabric is being revived and developed, becoming a sustainable fashion choice favored by many.

Formerly an MC and editor, Tran Phuong Thao, the founder of Hemp Oi, ventured into the fashion industry and developed her passion for green living. She shared: “I don’t have any specific rules about green living; I live green based on nature. It all stems from my inner awareness and love for the environment. The reason I branched out into fashion was also to seek new experiences.”

During a chance exploration of Ha Giang, Phuong Thao was captivated by the pristine beauty of the hemp fields and the innocent charm of a 14-year-old H'Mong girl named May. Talking to May, Phuong Thao learned that, like many other H'Mong families, her family had been weaving hemp for generations. As she delved deeper into the benefits of hemp for the environment and the community, Phuong Thao was inspired to create positive change. This passion led her to establish Hemp Oi in 2021, a brand that not only preserves traditional weaving but also brings positive values to the community.

Based on three key connections: connection with nature, connection with people, and connection with oneself, Hemp Oi was created with the desire to bring customers fulfilling life experiences. This local brand connects customers with nature through sustainable, eco-friendly products that minimize negative impacts on the environment. At the same time, Hemp Oi also serves as a bridge for customers to preserve the traditional cultural values of the H'Mông people. Furthermore, the brand aims to build a community of responsible consumers who live more meaningful lives each day.

Hemp fabric is not only a handicraft but also a symbol of the unique culture of the Hmong people. Modernizing this weaving craft requires careful consideration to avoid losing its traditional values.

When Phương Thảo brought the Hemp Oi idea back to share with the villagers, she encountered a major obstacle: cultural differences and beliefs. The idea of a young person wanting to collaborate to develop traditional weaving was met with skepticism and a lack of trust from them. They were accustomed to weaving only for family needs, and mass production for the market was a completely new concept.

With sincerity and perseverance, Phuong Thao earned the trust of the local people. Her genuine affection helped her bridge the gap between traditional and modern generations. Initially, collecting fabric was very difficult. She had to go from house to house, meticulously selecting each piece of cloth. But luckily, she met an older sister who shared her passion for preserving traditional weaving. Thanks to the support of the cooperative founded by her sister, collecting materials became easier than ever.

Hemp Oi preserves 100% of the traditional H'Mông hand-woven fabric. The process begins with planting trees, waiting for them to mature, harvesting the bark, spinning the yarn, and then weaving. The result of all these manual steps is fabric panels approximately 30-35 cm wide. Finally, Phuong Thao will conceptualize and directly design higher-end products such as handbags, face masks, clothing, as well as household items like blankets, sheets, pillows, and mattresses… to meet the diverse needs and preferences of customers. Hemp Oi products are sold online and are priced from 200,000 to 3,000,000 VND.

Above all, with the desire to create products that bear the distinct mark of Vietnamese culture, Phuong Thao named each product after ethnic minority groups such as Ede, Ba Na, Lo Lo, Si La... Each name contains a story, a special inspiration, which she cherishes and imbues into each product.

At Hemp Oi, every handcrafted hemp product possesses a unique beauty. Unlike mass-produced industrial goods, each item is a unique work of art, allowing users to feel the appreciation in every product. From the natural colors of the hemp fabric to the traditional brocade patterns, everything creates a vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese culture. It could be a story about ethnic minorities, traditional craft villages, or simply the emotions of the founder when creating the product. “The main idea is to gather images from everyday life and my own experiences. From that, I realized this idea was great to apply to Hemp Oi's products,” Phương Thảo said.

The story of sustainable development has always been appealing to many people. Hemp Oi's customers are mostly those who appreciate sustainability and the profound meaning behind each product. They are not only interested in quality but also in learning about the story behind the brand and the values that the local brand aims for.

Hemp Oi's products have crossed the borders of Vietnam, reaching customers who appreciate sustainable fashion in countries such as Germany, France, the Czech Republic, and Spain… Founder Phuong Thao believes that in the near future, Hemp Oi's products will continue to conquer even more international markets, bringing hemp fabric and the weaving craft of the H'Mong people to international friends.

"In the future, I hope to take Vietnamese hemp further into international markets, especially in major countries in Europe and America… and possibly collaborate with large sustainable fashion brands worldwide," Phuong Thao shared.

TRAVELLIVE readers are invited to watch episode 4 of the "7A.M Start" video series to discover the story of Hemp Oi - a sustainable fashion brand with unique products made from hemp. This represents a small piece in the colorful tapestry of Vietnamese brands that are increasingly asserting their position.