Rita Luu’s story starts in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, a city steeped in tradition and energy. From a young age, Rita was enchanted by Vietnamese ceramics – a beauty that has been crafted for centuries. Her weekends as a child were adventures, walking through markets and small workshops, absorbing the craft that turns clay into magic.

There was this one artisan, Mrs. Thuy, who was a clay whisperer. She taught Rita that every pinch, every movement of the hand was important. “It’s all in the details,” she would say, a phrase Rita still lives by today.

Fast forward to her college years in the US and Rita felt the pull of her heartstrings – a longing for the culture she left behind. What did she do? She created Clay & Leaf, a virtual platform to bring Vietnam’s best ceramics to the American doorstep.

But don’t think of Clay & Leaf as just a business. Oh no, it’s Rita’s love letter to her heritage. Every piece of ceramic tells a story, full of authenticity and charm. Rita isn’t selling pottery, she’s selling an experience. And she gives back too. A slice of every sale goes directly to the artisans, to help preserve their craft and communities.

Looking forward Rita’s plans are big. A catalog of artisanal treasures, cultural workshops that bring people together, collaborations that cross oceans. Rita is building a community where art lovers don’t just admire but also cherish and support traditional crafts.

Through Clay & Leaf Rita is not just introducing Vietnamese ceramics to the world; she’s inviting everyone to join in the beauty of a tradition that has been part of her life. She’s creating a space where every piece has a piece of history, to start conversations and connect with people around the world. So, are you ready to let a little bit of Vietnam into your heart?