Reflecting on Maries in 2024: A Journey of Spreading Vietnamese Traditional Values

The year 2024 marked an inspiring journey for Maries, filled with memorable milestones, meaningful events, and impactful activities within the community. Let’s look back on the remarkable moments that defined Maries’ year!

March: Starting the Year with Enthusiasm

• Business Networking Program: “ESG Trends in Tourism: Developing a Diverse and Gender-Responsible Supply Chain”

This event was part of the WE RISE Together project, funded by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and implemented by UN Women in collaboration with WISE.

Maries was honored to participate as a prominent representative of the handicraft industry, sharing its journey of blending traditional and modern craftsmanship. The event provided an opportunity to connect with buyers and enterprises, learn from peers, and drive future innovations to improve product quality and market relevance.

April: Milestones of Growth and Contribution

• Lepironia Grass Harvest Season in Traditional Village, Hue

Maries is not only about business but also about nurturing a dream of a prosperous community. Every strand of Lepironia grass and every handcrafted product carries the dedication of our team and artisans, telling the story of a peaceful yet vibrant countryside.

The joy of villagers during the harvest season now extends beyond income—it’s also the pride of seeing their Lepironia grass products gain wider recognition. With Maries’ support, local cultural values are being increasingly shared, improving the economic well-being of the craft village residents.

The 2024 Lepironia grass harvest season is brimming with hope for a brighter future for the people of Pho Trach. The handcrafted products made from Lepironia grass are not just gifts from nature but also the pride of Vietnam’s craft villages.

• Celebrating “World Intellectual Property Day 2024” at Phu Xuan University, Hue – April 26, 2024

Participating in an exchange program at Phu Xuan University, Maries conveyed the message of preserving and promoting the essence of traditional crafts.

The event, hosted by EQuest Education Group and Phu Xuan University, welcomed esteemed guests from top organizations such as WSO, AWGIPC, WIPO Singapore, the Provincial People’s Committee, the Intellectual Property Office, and other prominent businesses.

Maries presented the message of safeguarding traditional craftsmanship and introduced local products with a “fresh perspective” to international and domestic delegates, receiving praise and admiration.

• Signing the Commitment to Support WEPs Principles

As a women-led business, Maries deeply understands the challenges women face in achieving economic independence. It is committed to creating stable employment opportunities for the community, particularly for disadvantaged women.

Recognizing the importance of fostering equal and sustainable working conditions for women, Maries was among the few local businesses to early sign the commitment to support the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) globally.

This step underscores Maries’ long-term vision of promoting gender equality in the workplace, providing women with opportunities to grow and make their mark in the handicraft industry.

• Granted the Use of the “Hue Handicraft Product Identification Seal”

In the third quarter of 2023, Maries was honored to receive the right to use the “Hue Handicraft Product Identification Seal”—a testament to the quality and origin of its products. This achievement affirms Maries’ commitment to preserving and advancing Hue’s rich cultural heritage through its traditional craft products.

July & August: A Vibrant Summer

• Summer Party

Maries’ summer party was an exciting internal event where team members bonded, shared stories, and strengthened their camaraderie. Activities included games and creative product competitions to inspire the team.

• Event at the Hue Imperial City

Participating in an event at the Hue Imperial City was a great honor for Maries. Here, Maries not only showcased its handcrafted products but also shared the cultural origins and meanings behind each item. The Maries booth attracted numerous visitors, affirming its place in the hearts of those who cherish Hue’s culture.

September: A Season of Love and Connection

• ITE HCMC 2024 – International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2024

ITE HCMC 2024 concluded with many memorable moments. This prestigious international tourism event drew numerous enterprises from the Mekong region. Under the theme “Sustainable Tourism, Shaping the Future,” the 18th ITE fostered opportunities for exchange and collaboration while promoting sustainable tourism and community development.

For Maries, this year’s event marked a milestone as it introduced products rooted in traditional craftsmanship, benefiting craft village workers by ensuring stable employment and higher incomes for rural women. The highlight was the debut of the unique and meaningful collection—Charms from Lepironia Grass Decorated with Patterns Representing Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic Groups.

• Mission of Connection: Celebrating the Moon Festival with Maries at the Hue Lepironia Weaving Village

For another year, Maries had the honor of collaborating with the leaders of Dong My Village to bring a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival to the children of the over-500-year-old traditional Lepironia weaving craft village in Hue. Together, we created unforgettable moments as the moonlight illuminated the village paths, blending with the children’s laughter and strengthening the bonds within the craft community.

This year’s Moon Festival was not only an occasion to gift the children but also an opportunity for Maries to reconnect and express gratitude to the skilled artisans who dedicate themselves to the craft of Lepironia weaving. With their meticulous hands, they tend to the grass fields, harvest Lepironia, and weave beautiful, high-quality mats and products. The craft of Lepironia weaving in Dong My is more than just a trade—it is the culmination of diligence and centuries-old tradition.

• HorecFex Vietnam 2024 – Leading the future of hospitality

HorecFex Vietnam is the premier annual exhibition and forum focusing on technology and innovation in the hospitality industry, driving the growth of Vietnam’s tourism and service sectors.

At this event, Maries showcased sustainable, high-aesthetic Lepironia decor and gift products designed for the premium hospitality industry. Particularly, Maries’ handcrafted gift collections attracted significant attention from major hotels and businesses in the field.

October: Affirming Values

• Hanoi Gift Show 

The Hanoi International Gift and Handicraft Fair 2024 celebrated the best of Vietnam’s handicrafts, gathering hundreds of exhibitors showcasing traditional and innovative products.

Maries proudly introduced handcrafted Lepironia Grass Bags and Hats through various diverse collections. Each item was meticulously handmade, symbolizing harmony between fashion and environmental responsibility.

• Lifestyle Vietnam 2024

Lifestyle Vietnam returns in 2024 as one of Asia’s premier trade fairs for gifts and handicrafts. With a scale of up to 1,500 booths, Lifestyle Vietnam presents an exceptional opportunity for Asian manufacturers and exporters to connect with global buyers.

This event marks a significant milestone in Maries’ growth journey. The collaboration opportunities here not only help expand our market but also allow Maries to further enhance product quality, elevate brand value, and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s craft villages.

Maries is committed to continuous efforts to become a trusted partner for global distributors, bringing the essence of Vietnamese craftsmanship to greater heights.

• Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024

With the theme “Building a Green Future,” GEFE 2024 is organized by the Trade Promotion Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade) in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham). The forum serves as a platform where businesses from Vietnam and beyond showcase sustainable products and technologies, accelerating the green transition process.

As one of the 24 Vietnamese companies exhibiting at the event, Maries introduced unique handcrafted fashion items such as bags, hats, and wallets made from Lepironia grass—a highly sustainable natural material harvested and crafted in a 500-year-old village in Thua Thien Hue Province.

Maries’ focus extends beyond creating visually appealing fashion products. We are dedicated to a circular economic model, combining Vietnam’s long-standing craftsmanship traditions with modern, eco-friendly practices. Through each product, Maries aims to promote circular economy principles, protect the environment, and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

• Flood Season Stories from Hue’s Traditional Villages

Every year, during October and November, Hue faces relentless storms and floods. Yet, what is most admirable about this land is the resilience of its people. Floods have become an inseparable part of life, embraced as a “routine.” The locals live in harmony with nature, enduring hardships with optimism.

In the traditional villages of Pho Trach and Dong My, where Maries has collaborated with residents for over three years, a sustainable business model not only provides income but also serves as a great source of encouragement during flood seasons.

Over these three years, the economic stability of the women here has improved significantly as markets for traditional woven products from Lepironia grass have expanded. What was once a craft barely sufficient for daily subsistence has now become a stable source of income, enabling these women to overcome challenges during floods and improve their quality of life sustainably.

November: Strengthening Community Bonds

• Morning Coffee with VTV3 – Reviving Hue’s Traditional Lepironia Products

In a special conversation with VTV3, Maries shared its brand story with a nationwide audience. This was a cherished opportunity to convey our vision, challenges, and achievements on the path of growth. We value every chance to highlight Vietnam’s cultural heritage and social values through each product, from conical hats and handbags to exquisite accessories.

Maries aspires not only to thrive in Vietnam but also to bring the beauty of Hue to the global stage. Every bag or hat tells a cultural story, helping to build Vietnam’s image as a nation rich in heritage, modernity, and sustainability.

“Maries – Realizing the Dream of a Happy Home, a Prosperous Village” ❤

• Awarding scholarships on the Congress Day

On November 18, at Dong My Village—renowned for its ancient tradition of weaving Lepironia mats—Maries proudly participated in the Great National Unity Festival. With the spirit of “Sowing the seeds of knowledge, building the future,” Maries awarded scholarships to outstanding students as a heartfelt gesture of encouragement.

Dong My has long been famous for its traditional crafts, preserving the essence of Vietnamese culture. However, in today’s era, such villages face significant challenges, from economic pressures to the risk of cultural loss. Maries believes that supporting younger generations not only nurtures knowledge but also motivates them to preserve and promote their hometown’s traditional crafts.

• Maries at the Global Discovery Day 2024 (#GDOD)

Maries was honored to represent Vietnamese handicrafts at Global Discovery Day 2024, an annual event organized by Renaissance Hotels. Held simultaneously at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon and Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa, the event attracted numerous visitors with its unique “Evenings Market” concept.

Maries presented handcrafted designs from Hue’s Lepironia grass, transforming this traditional material into modern products such as handbags, fashion accessories, and home decor. Our booth not only showcased sophisticated products but also shared an inspiring story about the skill of Vietnamese artisans, especially rural women.

The event provided Maries with a platform to connect with customers while spreading the message of sustainable fashion and community values. Many international visitors expressed admiration not only for the quality of the products but also for the meaningful stories behind each creation.

December: Closing a Meaningful Year

• Program: “Essence of Craft Villages and Regional Specialties” 2024

To foster socio-economic cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and the North Central region, particularly Thua Thien Hue Province, this event celebrates traditional craft products, regional specialties, and OCOP items.

Maries, with immense pride and dedication, will bring exquisite handcrafted products from Hue to share the story of the Lepironia craft village and the cultural values of this historic land.

• “Trade Connection Conference for Promoting Agricultural Products, Specialties, and OCOP Products in Thua Thien Hue Province, 2024”

Maries’ booth at AEON Mall is the highlight of the year-end, where the brand expresses gratitude to customers with special promotions and introduces new products.