Tiếng Việt
The Flood Season Story from Traditional Hue Villages
When Business Stories are About Sustainable Values
Every year, during the months of October and November, Hue faces relentless rainstorms and floods. However, perhaps the most admirable thing about this land is the resilience of its people. Floods have become part of life here, to the extent that locals view them as an essential “habit.” They live in harmony with nature, overcoming harsh conditions with optimism. In particular, in the traditional village of Phò Trạch, Đông Mỹ, Hue—where Maries has partnered with the residents for over three years with a sustainable business model—not only bringing income but also providing significant moral support each flood season.
From Relief to Self-Sufficiency
In previous years, when the economy slowed down at the end of the year, residents could not go out to work due to prolonged flooding. Each flood season, they eagerly awaited relief shipments from all over, even if it was just a few boxes of instant noodles or bags of rice, which brought them joy and comfort.
Today, that picture has gradually changed. With Maries’ support over the past three years, the economic lives of the women here have stabilized as markets for traditional weaving products continue to expand. The craft of weaving Lepironia grass—which used to be just enough to get by—has now become a stable source of income, helping them not only to survive the flood season but also to improve their quality of life in the long term. Relief shipments are now fewer, but the residents no longer wait as they did before, as they have built a sustainable foundation for their lives.
Uncle and Aunt rowing to deliver goods to Maries
Flood Doesn’t Hinder Livelihood
In each daily report from Phò Trạch village, the everyday stories of its residents warm the hearts of those following Maries’ journey. Even though floods make life more difficult, the work ethic of the aunts and sisters remains unchanged. If they used to bike or ride motorbikes to work, now they row boats along flooded roads to continue their jobs. Aunt Thúy, one of the long-standing employees at Maries, shared: “I can wade through several more floods; as long as there’s work every day, I’m very happy.”
Sustainable Values from a Human-Centered Ecosystem
Looking back at the market, it’s not hard to see that many businesses are racing on e-commerce platforms, trying to sell and compete incessantly. However, Maries has chosen a different path: building a sustainable business model that emphasizes values, people, and long-term development. Instead of creating a battle for customers and short-term profits, Maries aims to create a business ecosystem where both producers and consumers benefit sustainably.
The products from Phò Trạch village are not merely goods; they carry the stories, spirit, and contributions of each woman here, where the craft village has existed for over 500 years. Maries and the women of Phò Trạch are a vibrant testament to the power of a sustainable and human-centered business model, where value lies not only in profit but also in the profound meaning for the craft community and the dissemination of Vietnamese cultural values. It is hoped that this story will inspire many businesses to come together to create beautiful values, positively contributing to society and the community.
~ Maries, 31/10/2024 ~