In Hoi An Tay ward, Da Nang City, Tran Thi Kim Soi has been transforming discarded fabric into fashionable accessories under the brand “Soi Handmade.”

With her unique creativity, one of her gift sets has been recognized with a three-star OCOP rating, contributing to environmental protection and promoting sustainable fashion in the community.

In 2017, while working at a fashion shop in Hoi An, Kim Soi noticed the large amount of fabric waste. With her background in fashion design, she began reusing scraps to create small accessories such as scrunchies, belts, earrings, and headbands.

“I saw bags of fabric waste being dumped untreated into the environment. Because it is difficult to decompose naturally, I was determined to recycle it into products that would attract customers,” she recalled.

Particularly with linen, a fabric currently in demand, her accessories paired perfectly with rustic, elegant clothing styles. Unexpectedly, the products she made from leftover fabric quickly attracted buyers at the shop, sometimes selling out faster than she could produce them.

Seeing the potential, she decided to start a business. She invited other women to join her in repurposing fabric into items like hair clips, scrunchies, and earrings for small pieces, and headbands or scarves for larger ones.

She also opened a workshop in Dien Ban Dong ward, Da Nang, employing 10 full-time workers and several part-time women from the local community.

In 2023, Kim Soi presented her idea at the Quang Nam Startup Innovation Festival, earning a consolation prize. The following year, she entered her handmade accessories into the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program.

After nearly a year of completing paperwork, designing samples, and competing, her fabric scrap accessory gift set was rated a three-star OCOP product by the Dien Ban Town People’s Committee in 2024.

Thanks to community activities, fairs, and promotional events, she not only gained exposure but also deepened her passion. Determined to pursue sustainable fashion, Soi Handmade has expanded its product line to include bags, clothes, pillow covers, and hats.

Among them, the eco-friendly “K’Lang fabric bag,” decorated with Co Tu ethnic brocade motifs, was also awarded a three-star OCOP rating in 2025.

Today, Soi Handmade offers more than 40 product lines, including clothing, aprons, accessories, household goods, and handbags, each with unique colors and designs.

Products are displayed and sold at three consignment locations in Hoi An and Hue, with steady direct retail and wholesale distribution. Online sales are also being piloted.

In addition, Soi Handmade organizes workshops and events to teach recycling techniques, spreading messages about environmental protection and green living. Every weekend, children, residents, and tourists visit her shop at Tan Thanh Beach to create their own handmade accessories.

The store also connects with other local businesses, selling souvenirs such as pottery, wool crafts, and natural essential oils. “These achievements motivate us to stay committed to our original goals. We hope to expand distribution, share our recycling methods, and empower others to create products that both protect the environment and increase income, because fabric waste exists everywhere,” Kim Soi said.

PV