From rough seashells and snail shells, artisan Tran Thi Ngoc Hieu creates exquisite Vietnamese handicrafts, ranging from bracelets and brooches to jewelry boxes. These products are unique, rich in artistry, and define a distinct identity for Uniquegifts.
For further reading: The Bloom Launches 2026 Lunar New Year Gift Collection
The Inspiring Story of Artisan Tran Thi Ngoc Hieu
The “shell” is where a snail seeks refuge from danger or retreats from the outside world. Having endured 10 years of depression and self-consciousness after an unfortunate fate took away her ability to walk, Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Hieu once likened her life to that of a small snail, constantly hiding in her personal “shell” to avoid others due to shame about her appearance.
But a turning point came when she realized that her physical imperfections carried their own beauty. She stepped out of the darkness, striving to break free from her “shell,” and affirming her self-worth despite countless difficulties.
She found inspiration in the rough textures of real-life shells. While art or handicrafts made from shells are not new in Vietnam, Ms. Hieu is perhaps one of the rare artisans who simultaneously combines fragmented pieces with whole shells in a single creation. Furthermore, while many artisans meticulously choose the most eye-catching and perfectly bright shells, she is enthusiastic about shells that are flawed, chipped, or broken.
This Vietnamese artisan, Tran Thi Ngoc Hieu, breathes new life into these ordinary materials, transforming them into unique and sophisticated masterpieces that carry a humanistic message: everything has value if placed in the right position. People with disabilities, when given the opportunity, can also shine.
The “Shell Flower” collection: A testament to Vietnamese handicrafts
The Shell Flower Collection at Uniquegifts is a vivid demonstration of the Vietnamese handicraft spirit. Each bracelet, jewelry box, or paperweight is entirely handmade, preserving the natural color of the shells without any additives. The sophisticated lines and unique patterns make these meaningful gifts for family, friends, or partners. These products not only help consume a large amount of waste from the marine environment but also create genuine works of art.
The Symbiosis with Uniquegifts
At Uniquegifts, we are always searching for unique Vietnamese handicrafts that bear a profound artisanal mark. The shell gift collection—including bracelets, jewelry boxes, paperweights, and brooches—is a testament to that spirit.
The connection between Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Hieu and Uniquegifts began with empathy and a shared aspiration. Ms. Hieu shared: “When I learned about Uniquegifts, I didn’t just appreciate the brand; I appreciated the founder—someone who genuinely wants to introduce Vietnamese products to the international market. That aligns with my own desire: to create unique gifts so that when I introduce them to international friends, I can proudly say, ‘These are Vietnamese products.'”
This shared vision helps both parties collaboratively develop the Shell Flower Collection, where every gift is simultaneously art, a cultural narrative, and a story of Vietnamese people and their creative spirit.
For Uniquegifts, collaborating with artisan Hiếu is not just about delivering unique gifts; it is about continuing the journey of honoring Vietnamese culture, spreading sustainable values, and connecting the finest Vietnamese creativity with the world.
Author: Hồng Quyến – Minh Quân
Hồng Quyến – Minh Quân
