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About SuMa

Highland Artisan of the Black Hmong

Made slowly. Made by hand.

Handwoven. Connected to tradition.

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Meet Su Ma

At the age of eight, Su Ma began weaving alongside her mother.

In the mist-covered mountains north of Sa Pa, Vietnam, lives Ma Thi Su, known to friends and family as Su Ma. She is a Black Hmong craftswoman who has been weaving since she was eight years old.
 
Taught by her mother and the women of her village, Su Ma learned the way many traditions survive: not from books, not from guides, but from memory, repetition, and care.
 
For many years, she made clothing and blankets only for her family. Today, to support her household, she travels steep mountain paths to sell her work at the Sa Pa market sometimes on foot, and when fortunate, by motorbike. The journey is long. The work is demanding.
 
And now, with the help of friends, translation tools, and a simple smartphone, Su Ma can share her story and the spirit of her people with the world.

Not from guides.
But from memory, repetition, and care.

What she creates today is not new.
It is a continuation. A legacy.

Where she’s from

Lao Chải village

22.3304° N, 103.8470° E

Su Ma lives in a small hamlet near Lao Chải village, part of the Hoàng Liên commune in Sa Pa District high in Lào Cai Province in northern Vietnam. This region is known for terraced rice fields, forested mountains, and a rich diversity of ethnic minority communities.
 
The Black Hmong are known for indigo-dyed clothing and intricate embroidery—traditions tied to land, daily life, and the seasonal rhythm of the mountains.

The craft

Art from the mountains of the Northwest.

Art from the mountains of the Northwest.
Su Ma’s textiles are more than beautiful—they are cultural artifacts. Each piece begins in the fields, where hemp is grown and harvested. The fibers are softened, spun, dyed with fermented indigo leaves, and woven into fabric using foot-powered wooden looms.

The motifs on her blankets and clothing reflect Hmong spirituality, clan identity, and connection to nature. These designs are passed down orally, not written—kept alive by women like Su Ma.

In addition to her own creations, Su Ma helps source authentic Hmong goods from surrounding villages throughout Lào Cai province—traditional jewelry, home goods, ceremonial clothing, musical instruments, and more—each handmade and deeply rooted in culture.

Friendship

A story of connection

Connecting cultures, sharing love.

Through translation tools and the kindness of friends, Su Ma formed a meaningful friendship with members of the Babongo community in Gabon, Central Africa. Several members share one phone, and through that device they’ve built an ongoing exchange of messages, photos, and stories—sharing knowledge about agriculture, traditional fabrics, natural medicine, and land-based living.

It’s a story of curiosity, cultural preservation, and global Indigenous solidarity—proof that even from remote villages, real bridges can be built.

Experience H'Mong Culture

Plan Your Journey to the
Sa Pa Highlands

For those seeking something beyond the typical travel experience, Su Ma welcomes visitors who wish to explore the mountains and villages of Sa Pa with her. Whether you are an artist, a traveler, or a cultural explorer, spending time with Su Ma offers a rare opportunity to experience daily life, local traditions, and the beauty of the highlands.

  • 1.   Contact Su Ma with your travel dates
  • 2.   Travel to Hanoi, Vietnam
  • 3.   Continue to Sa Pa (5–8 hour journey)
  • 4.   Meet in Sa Pa town
  • 5.   Begin the village experience

Su Ma welcomes visitors with generosity and does not require payment. If you spend time exploring with her, a small tip in Vietnamese dong is encouraged as a gesture of respect and direct support for her family and community.

Contact Me

Interested in purchasing Su Ma's textile products, placing a custom order, or planning a visit?

Please reach out directly — she would love to hear from you.

Contact Methods:
  • WhatsApp
  • Zalo
  • Email
Support Notes:
  • Shipping available to most countries
  • Shipping from Sa Pa, Vietnam
  • Bulk and custom orders available
Contact Su Ma