Phuong, based in Hanoi, says she was inspired during a trip home when she saw piles of corn husks burned, leaving behind thick smoke. 

"I wondered: why not revive them, instead of letting them pollute the air?" she recalled.

Most of her creations use corn husks, chosen for their texture and pliability. 

She also incorporates leaves, dried branches, sesame husks and other natural materials.

To ensure longevity, Phuong developed processes for bleaching and drying the husks, so the flowers resist mold and decay, even in Vietnam's humid climate.

Her workshop, nestled in a lane off Xuan La Street, serves both as her studio and classroom. 

There, she teaches local women, seniors and disadvantaged individuals the craft, sharing both technique and an opportunity for supplemental income. 

Phuong has established supply chains from Thanh Hoa, Lao Cai and Thai Nguyen Provinces, paying farmers to collect corn husks that would otherwise be wasted.

Ta Thi Thao, one of her students, said she was drawn to Phuong's work by its beauty and purpose. 

"Seeing everyone's dedication in making something beautiful out of waste — I wanted to learn," Thao said.

Phuong also runs a YouTube channel to showcase her process and to reach people nationwide. 

Overseas orders for her dried husk flowers have begun to arrive.

For Phuong, the goal goes beyond art.

"Turning trash into flower… the happiest part is knowing I've done a small thing for the environment," she said. 

She hopes that this craft can become a stable livelihood for women, the elderly, and marginalized groups across Vietnam.