Tiếng Việt
A man “breathes life” into immortal roses
(THPL) – Without studying at any school, the “engineer” Dinh Van Tuan (born in 1983) has a method of keeping the color of fresh roses intact over time.
The Mê Linh roses, when fresh, are cherished, but when they wither, they are discarded. Refusing to accept that rule, Mr. Tuan has brought a breath of fresh air that allows them to show off their beauty and fragrance, forever brimming with vitality.
“Engineer” steeped in flower science after 9th grade
Without hesitation, Mr. Tuan shared that he only completed 9th grade and then went through various professions such as: construction worker, factory worker, shoemaker, motorbike taxi driver… and finally found his calling in arranging fresh flowers.
Arranging fresh roses with his own hands in his village, he also personally discards the withered roses. It was then that Mr. Tuan pondered on how to make the roses of his homeland “immortal” and become the first Vietnamese rose brand that can expand its presence to many countries around the world.
Mr. Dinh Van Tuan, who has the technique of embalming “immortal” flowers, stays fresh and never fades.
The flowers are carefully marinated, the shape and color of the flowers remain intact as before.
In 2017, Mr. Tuan tinkered and learned from not only famous artisans making dried flowers in Vietnam such as People’s Artist Nguyen Ba Muu, Ms. Le Thi Viet… but also in other developed countries.
Like the previous Japanese method, Mr. Tuan used silica gel beads to marinate fresh flowers to absorb moisture. However, once the flowers are marinated and exposed to hot weather, they will absorb moisture back and must be thrown away completely. Having spent hundreds of millions of capital but still failed, Mr. Tuan was discouraged and thought he would give up.
In 2019, to revive his spirit, Mr. Tuan tried to create his own method of embalming flowers combined with advanced knowledge and technology from the Philippines. He shared that fresh flowers after being cut will be marinated for 7-10 days in Japanese sand, incubated at a temperature of 40-45 degrees to create a mold to keep the flowers intact. After marinating, the flowers are taken outside to dry for 2-4 days until the stems and sepals dry completely.
A flower that wants to become immortal must be carefully selected right from the beginning. Flowers must be cut in the morning before the sun has risen, so that the flowers still have enough moisture and freshness. For these flowers, do not choose fully bloomed flowers, only budding flowers.
The finished flowers will be skillfully put into the vase by the craftsman, arranged and combined to create an eye-catching design for the flower and the vase. The vase must also measure the mouth, cut the glass to 100% standard and be smooth. When the flower vase is full, immediately close the lid and pour glue so that air does not get inside the vase. The final step is to clean the glue, clean the dust and carefully close the break-proof box
“Everything has a difficult beginning” is Mr. Tuan’s favorite saying in his life as an immortal flower. He explained that even failing 10 times in the first attempt was a blessing. Because, that failure is like a valuable practical lesson for you to have a path in the right direction, not to fall into the same rut.
A lifetime of “coloring and fragrant” flowers and leaves
According to Mr. Tuan, if you want to build and develop the model, you must have 3 important pillars including: Capital, technology and marketing. The total investment capital for these 3 pillars is more than 8 billion VND. This is not a small number, the “captain” is no different from taking a gamble. That requires the owner to really have vision and love for the profession.
“Science is constantly developing. If we do not leapfrog and follow science, products and businesses will go backwards, especially for traditional products of craft villages,” Mr. Tuan emphasized. the difficulties of traditional businesses today.
Having determined to spend his life “coloring and fragrant” flowers and leaves, Mr. Tuan also hopes to pass on his craft as well as transfer technology to many local farmers. However, not everyone has a large amount of capital to be able to create a breakthrough and create their own path. Therefore, more than 40 local workers who own flower gardens came to participate in vocational training at each stage to gain prior experience.
“I really hope that not only I will hold the monopoly, but that many farmers will learn the trade and know the trade,” Mr. Tuan emphasized.
Mr. Tuan instructed workers at his factory to place the glass lid properly after completing the finished product.
To make products requires workers to be dedicated and fully converge all three elements: flowers, chemistry, and painting.
Flowers after marinating have a lifespan of 15-20 years, a unique and rare flower marinating method in the world.
Not only products made from Me Linh roses, Mr. Tuan also tested many other flowers such as lotus, water lily, orchids… depending on customer requirements.
To make products requires workers to be dedicated and fully converge all three elements: flowers, chemistry, and painting. Flowers are the raw materials and products of Me Linh rose craft village. Chemicals are special chemicals, not harmful to the environment or consumers’ health, and still retain the natural beauty of flowers. Painting is the thinking and feeling of the “artist” who creates works of art.
The flower embalming profession has gradually followed a trajectory, bringing stable income to Mr. Tuan’s family. He devoted all his faith and love to his profession, helping 20 local workers in the neighborhood have regular jobs.
As a disabled person, Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep (Van Khe commune, Me Linh district) feels extremely lucky because Mr. Tuan created the best conditions to learn the trade and work. Ms. Diep said that the work is not too difficult, the work is lighter than the work of processing leather shoes. On average, Ms. Diep works about 8 hours a day, earning a salary of 120,000 VND/hour.
Currently, many of Mr. Tuan’s unique marinated flower products are present in many provinces and cities, the market is not only limited to domestic and foreign markets. In March 2024, Mr. Tuan will have the first batch of goods exported to Thailand, which is the day and night wish of not only him but also the people of Me Linh rose village.
Quoc An (Article, photo)
