Our Story

For my grandparents —
Who endured the hardships of the Vietnam War and came to America as resilient refugees, building a life in Kentucky filled with love and lessons in resourcefulness. They rooted us in the land, introducing us to the nearly forgotten pawpaw and tending both local and Vietnamese plants to nourish our family. Their journey is a tapestry of cultural preservation, family unity, and a profound bond with nature.

Our Roots

Papaw Kentucky is born from resilience, resourcefulness, and the blending of two rich traditions — Vietnamese heritage and Kentucky soil. It began as a tribute to my grandparents, who arrived in America after the Vietnam War with nothing but determination, and built a life filled with love, ingenuity, and a deep respect for the land.

Coming Home

After graduating from Brown University, I returned to Kentucky with fresh eyes. What I once saw as ordinary — my grandparents’ home and garden — revealed itself as an extraordinary ecosystem. It wasn’t just a house; it was a living, breathing space that sustained our entire family through their careful stewardship.

The Pawpaw Discovery

On a visit to my grandma, I tasted a fruit I’d never truly noticed before: the pawpaw. With its jade-green skin and custard-yellow flesh, it carried flavors of banana, mango, orange, and pineapple — tropical notes growing right in our Kentucky backyard. This humble, often-overlooked fruit became a symbol of the way my grandparents seamlessly integrated Vietnamese culture and local plants, practicing sustainability long before it became a trend.

Why It Matters

The pawpaw represents more than flavor — it’s a testament to organic living, cultural harmony, and the beauty of overlooked treasures. Once dismissed as the “poor man’s banana,” it inspired me to elevate its story, sharing its taste and legacy with the world.

The Name

Papaw Kentucky is more than a playful nod to the Southern name for grandpa. It’s a celebration of my dual identity — American-born Vietnamese — and a tribute to the unconditional love, hard work, and gentle humor of my Papaw and Mamaw.

Our Promise

Every Papaw Kentucky product carries the heart of this story — a commitment to heritage, sustainability, and unity. By sharing our fruit, our plants, and our apparel, we aim to keep this legacy alive and inspire others to honor the roots that nourish them.

Join us in growing the Papaw Kentucky story — from our family to yours.