Affectionately known as “The Shell Lady,” Hiếu transforms ordinary seashells into delicate works of art. Despite her physical disability, she radiates optimism, connects communities, and creates with a heart for both people and the environment.
One afternoon, while visiting an áo dài boutique at “Chợ Quê,” I happened to notice a necklace made of seashells and couldn’t help blurting out: “How beautiful!” That simple remark led the shop owner to introduce me to Hiếu. At first, we only chatted online. When I briefly shared about the Uniquegifts project, her eyes lit up—she felt an instant connection to the vision. By the very next weekend, we had already met in person.
I was surprised to see Hiếu driving her three-wheeler over 40 kilometers from Đồng Nai to Ho Chi Minh City, just to sell her handmade crafts at a small corner of the Youth Cultural House every weekend. Sitting in her wheelchair, with hands not fully whole yet incredibly dexterous, she patiently strung together tiny seashells into delicate artworks. Smiling, she said: “Everyone has value, the important thing is knowing where your value lies.”
From then on, we met more often. What drew me to Hiếu was her radiant smile, her optimism, and especially her sharp intuition—whenever I shared an idea, she would immediately grasp it and bring it to life, often without the need for much explanation.
Despite living with a disability, Hiếu creates art with deep care for nature. She only uses common, easily found shells in Vietnam, deliberately avoiding rare species to help preserve marine life. I still remember our very first meeting—she introduced me to an ASEAN cultural exchange event, and upon hearing about my vision for Uniquegifts, she offered to create exclusive seashell designs for the project. Not only that, she connected me with suppliers and even introduced me to some of her loyal customers.
Her openness and willingness to build bridges between people and values became the thread that tied us together. Whenever she finished a new piece or had a fresh idea, we would call to share with each other. What I admire most about Hiếu is not only her artistry but also her generosity. She takes part in countless community activities—selling seashell paintings to raise funds, helping create jobs for others with disabilities, and joining organizations to spread positive energy.
What’s even more remarkable is her commitment to physical training—something many able-bodied people often neglect. She practices yoga, swimming, and even gym workouts to stay strong. Reflecting on herself, she humbly said: “I’m lucky because I’ve received help from many people. Now that I’m doing better, I want to help others too.”
To me, Hiếu is more than an artist who transforms seashells into art. She is a living testament to resilience, gratitude, and a deep love for life. People call her “The Shell Lady”—a name as gentle as it is strong, just like the woman herself.
