From adversity to a journey of spreading values.
These women, who came from challenging backgrounds, have overcome their limitations through perseverance, faith, and aspiration to succeed, writing meaningful journeys. Through their personal efforts, they have not only affirmed their own worth but also spread positive messages to the community.
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Thanh Quynh(Perform)/Present:Hong Toai• March 7, 2026
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These women, who came from challenging backgrounds, have overcome their limitations through perseverance, faith, and aspiration to succeed, writing meaningful journeys. Through their personal efforts, they have not only affirmed their own worth but also spread positive messages to the community.
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On the occasion of International Women's Day (March 8th), Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television had a conversation with Ms. Phan Thi Loan (born in 1990) – a disabled woman who rose to become an accountant and Vice President of the Trade Union of Wooin Vina Co., Ltd. (Dien Chau commune) and artisan Sam Thi Tinh (born in 1987) – a Thai ethnic woman, founder of Hoa Tien Brocade, Hoa Tien Brocade Weaving Cooperative, Hoa Tien village, Chau Tien commune, with many products reaching the international market.
Ms. Phan Thi Loan:It's safe to say that my first and most important motivation was my family. I was born into a farming family, and all three of my sisters have congenital disabilities and are frequently ill. Despite the difficult circumstances, my parents always encouraged us to study hard and never let us feel like a burden.
As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of my health limitations and understood that only through education could I partially compensate for these shortcomings, find a suitable job to support myself, help my family, and contribute to society. I always longed to work and prove that I could work like everyone else.
Graduating as valedictorian from university and later being recognized in the excellent labor emulation movement of the Provincial Labor Union are milestones I will always cherish. I see them not only as my own achievements, but also as a gift to my family – those who have silently supported me throughout this long journey. These recognitions remind me to continue striving, working diligently, and living more responsibly each day, so that my efforts truly bring meaning to myself and those who have always trusted and accompanied me.
Artisan Sam Thi Tinh:I think the biggest motivation is my belief in our traditional values. From a young age, I grew up beside the loom, hearing the rhythmic clicking of the shuttle every morning and my mother spinning yarn every evening. The patterns and stories about the fabric from my ancestors gradually seeped into me. That love was the initial motivation – a compelling urge to preserve the craft of my forefathers.
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Later, when I had the opportunity to study in the city and experience many new things, I realized that simply loving the craft wasn't enough. I wondered: Why should a product embodying so much effort and cultural memory remain confined to the village? From that concern, I began learning how to market the product, how to tell the story of Hoa Tien brocade, organizing weaving workshops for tourists, and finding ways to introduce the product to creative spaces and connect with international customers.
My motivation is not only economic development, but also the desire to show the women in the village that their craft has value, that the fabrics woven by their hands can be displayed in prestigious spaces and appreciated by friends both domestically and internationally. When we both preserve the essence of tradition and boldly change our mindset, the path to bringing village brocade into the wider world will be much wider.
Ms. Phan Thi Loan:I think the most important thing is to maintain a never-give-up attitude. However, determination alone isn't enough. Due to health limitations, some tasks require more time and effort than others, so I've developed a systematic work habit: clear planning, prioritizing important tasks, and proactively communicating when problems arise to avoid mistakes.
In a high-pressure, high-demand work environment, I am always conscious of the need to work carefully, follow procedures correctly, and continuously learn to improve my expertise. For things I don't know, I proactively seek further information or ask for advice from colleagues and superiors. I also discipline myself regarding time and responsibility, because only by doing my job well can I build trust.
Looking back on my journey from leaving my hometown to study in Hanoi to having the opportunity to work in a professional environment like I do now, I always remind myself not to allow myself to become discouraged. Being able to work, prove myself, and support myself and my family has been a big dream. Fortunately, I've always had the encouragement and support of my family, superiors, and colleagues. That companionship, along with my perseverance and planned approach to work, has helped me overcome difficulties and successfully complete my assigned tasks.
Artisan Sam Thi Tinh:Convincing the villagers to change their traditional production mindset was truly not easy. There were moments when I felt quite alone on that journey. In the early days, when I talked about changing designs to meet customer demand, everyone was worried: "Will we be able to do it? Will we be able to sell it?" The villagers were used to weaving products like shirts, dresses, and headscarves, so getting an entire group to change their way of working was very difficult.
I was discouraged at times, wondering if anyone would join me or if I would have to go it alone. But then I understood that change takes time and patience. My secret is not to force or argue much, but to take the initiative and show people. I proactively researched customer preferences, experimented with new designs, but still maintained the traditional weaving techniques, dyeing methods, and pattern creation. I introduced the products, listened to feedback from the market, and then returned to share specific details with the people: why this design was well-received, and why certain details needed adjustment.
When the first products sold well, and the women's incomes improved, trust gradually built. I think the most important approach is to work with results, speak with sincerity, and always put the common good of the community above personal desires. When people saw that the innovation didn't diminish their identity but instead helped improve their livelihoods, they were ready to support and stand by me.
Artisan Sam Thi Tinh:That's a question I've always reminded myself of throughout my career. In my opinion, creativity doesn't mean destroying the core values of tradition. With Thai brocade, the patterns, weaving techniques, and cultural spirit embedded in each piece of fabric are immutable. We simply seek ways to apply that fabric to modern life – from scarves and wall hangings to fashion products and accessories… When you truly understand the roots of your culture, creativity will help tradition live on in a new form, rather than diluting its identity.
For me personally, weaving has changed my life significantly. From a girl who grew up in a poor village, familiar with looms and the simple life of the mountains, I gradually learned to step out into the world: learning to work with partners, learning to organize production in cooperatives, and sharing the cultural story of my people with friends both domestically and internationally.
It's not just me; weaving is bringing about change for many women in the village. Previously, many families wove fabric only for home use because there was no market for it, and some even considered giving up the craft. But with the establishment of the cooperative and the availability of stable orders, more women have returned to the loom. With additional monthly income, they can provide for their children's education, buy necessary household items, and their lives are gradually becoming more stable.
Therefore, when Hoa Tien brocade reaches international friends, what I hope for is not just to sell the products. I want people to understand that behind each piece of fabric are the skillful hands and dedication of Thai women in the village. Each pattern carries a story, a unique meaning. When these fabrics travel further, I feel as if the culture of my village is also stepping out into the world.
Ms. Phan Thi Loan:I also went through a long period of feeling insecure, withdrawn, and depressed. But then I gradually realized that there are things I can't change. If I continued to dwell on those feelings of inferiority, my future would only become more difficult. Therefore, I learned to accept my flaws and to face reality.
I started setting small goals for myself, such as striving to study well, and later finding a suitable job so I could support myself and help my family. These things might seem simple to many, but for me, they are valuable milestones. Every time I achieve a small goal like this, I gain more motivation to keep going and believe that I can still do many useful things.
Later, as I had the opportunity to meet more people, read about and learn more about difficult circumstances through the media and life around me, I realized even more that not everyone has a smooth start. The important thing is to learn to accept your circumstances and try to live well with what you have. Thinking this way, I felt lighter and gained more positive energy to move forward.
As the Vice President of the company's labor union, I don't dare think I've accomplished anything truly extraordinary. But within my capabilities, I always try to listen, share, and support my colleagues when needed. Some people, after talking with me, have said that they've gained a more positive outlook on life. Sometimes, just looking back and realizing that there are many people out there striving to overcome even more difficult circumstances than ourselves, makes us feel stronger.
I believe that small things can have a big impact – like a word of encouragement, a sincere conversation, or simply listening. If we can contribute even a small part to making someone feel stronger, that's already valuable. Therefore, whenever I face difficulties, I remind myself, and I also want to share this message with everyone: Believe in yourself, don't give up. Persevere through the challenges of the present, because who knows, there might still be many good things waiting for you ahead.
Ms. Phan Thi Loan:Modern women are increasingly asserting their position and having a clearer voice in all aspects of life. Therefore, I hope that women who are facing disadvantages or limitations will receive more attention and opportunities from society and the community. These opportunities include the chance to learn, to work, to integrate, and to live a normal life like everyone else. Because everyone deserves the opportunity and the right to happiness.
Hopefully, in the face of difficulties, we will not choose to give up, but will always strive, persevere, and bravely seize opportunities when they arise!
Artisan Sam Thi Tinh:I want to tell all women that you shouldn't be afraid to start with the smallest things. Whether it's a traditional craft, a simple job, or just a fledgling idea, if you truly believe in it and persevere, each step will take you further.
We women possess a very special strength – perseverance. As long as we don't give up, the path ahead will eventually open up!
