A Mother’s Day Surprise Inspired by My Khmer Roots

Mother’s Day is coming up, and I wanted to surprise my mom and my grandma, the two women who raised me, with something special that I made for them. 💐

To honor them, I decided to create a vase with flowers that remind me of my childhood and, most importantly, my Khmer culture. Growing up, certain flowers always stood out to me because of their beauty and meaning in Cambodian traditions.

For this piece, I chose champa flowers and champaka flowers. These flowers are known for their delicate beauty and fragrance, and they hold a special place in many Southeast Asian cultures. Every time I see them, they remind me of home, family, and the traditions that shaped who I am.

Creating this vase felt like a small way to say thank you to the women who taught me love, strength, and culture. Mother’s Day is about celebrating the people who guide us, support us, and help us grow. For me, that has always been my mom and my grandma.

This small surprise is more than flowers in a vase. It is a symbol of appreciation, memories from childhood, and a way to honor the Khmer culture that means so much to me. 🌸

You can watch Part I of this project here:
Watch the Instagram Reel