(VOVWORLD) - The art of paper quilling is still unfamiliar to most people, but Le Thi Mui of Dak Lak province has started a paper quilling project that is helping local women with disabilities earn a stable income.
 Le Thi Mui’s business creates jobs for many local women in Krong Pak district, Dak Lak province. (Photo: VOV) |
In a 30-square-meter space in Krong Pak district, 10 women are making pictures using the art of paper quilling. Strips of colored paper are curled tight using a small motorized device, then are shaped and glued onto a flat surface to create a picture or design.
Paper quilling is used to create home decorations, souvenirs, key holders, and art. Quillers must be meticulous and skillful. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuan, who has been involved in paper quilling for more than 2 years, said, “It was difficult at first. It took me more than a day to complete one picture. It takes time to become skilled and it requires creativity and concentration.”
In the past 6 years, Le Thi Mui, the business’s founder and instructor, has taught and created jobs for more than 30 disadvantaged and disabled women in Ea Kuang commune and nearby areas. Their average income is about 200 USD a month. Mo May of Ea Kuang commune said the job is not too hard and allows her to work flexible hours.
“This work is suitable for me. I can earn money while looking after my baby.”
 Mui stands at a booth displaying her quilling items. (Photo: VOV) |
Mui started learning the art of paper quilling in 2017 and soon became obsessed with it. One year later, she came up with the idea of starting a paper quilling business. With a loan of 3,100 USD from the Ea Kuang commune Women’s Union, Mui began her paper quilling start-up. In 2021, her project "The art of paper quilling" made the final round of the 4th Women’s National Startup Contest. This prompted her to seek new markets for her products.
“Our business now has 30 workers and has branches in Dak Lak, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai provinces. We create products imbued with the typical characteristics of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups and sell them abroad,” said Mui.
Each month Mui’s business produces some 5,000 items. It also designs paper quilling products for other companies.
“Despite many obstacles, Mui has done her best to expand her business to help more local women. Krong Pak district’s Women’s Union has created policies to support and replicate her project,” H’Yer Knul, Chairwoman of Krong Pak district’s Women’s Union, said.
Mui’s products are increasingly being sold online and she is now focusing on penetrating foreign markets.