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Chuleekorn
"Growing up in Bangkok, I always played boy-games with my brothers. Not having any sisters to play with, I learned instead to assemble robots and airplanes. To this day we have dozens of aircraft collections which made ourselves. <br><br>"Another activity I enjoyed doing was going with my mom to buy fabric to be tailored into clothes at Bang Lam Phoo Town. Back then there weren't many ready-made clothes like there are now, and Bang Lam Phoo was the commercial town for most fabric shops. We usually went there every week, but the shops I was more interested in were bead and craft equipment shops, where I would admire the colorful beads while mom selected her textiles. Mom would allow me to buy just a few beads and I remember that I didn't do anything with those beads, just keep them where I could admire their exotic beauty. <br><br>"I was born into a warm and loving family, and my parents' main concern was that we'd grow to become good people and not get into trouble. Though they didn't pressure us with our studies, I finished high school with good grades and they supported me when I had the opportunity to study Graphic Design in Australia. During my free time, I would assemble aircrafts to help me feel less homesick. <br><br>"I also enjoyed crafting art jewelry. I saw one of my friends wearing an original necklace which I loved, so I started to study how to make jewelry and bought a starter kit. I made my first pendant with natural beads and gave it to my classmate on her birthday. I wasn't sure she would love it, but luckily she did! Many of my friends asked me to make some for them too!<br><br>"When I returned to Thailand, I started working in a manufacturing company thanks to my expertise with RC airplane. I hadn't even studied in this field; it all came from my childhood games with my brothers! After that, I got a job with a renowned graphics company, where I would spend almost all day and night working. I had earned a lot from working, but one day I began to realize that I was away from family, friends, and the things that I love. I would hardly talk with my parents and friends. Therefore, I chose to quit even though some people thought it wasn't a good decision to leave a job where I was earning more than most people my age. I did not know what to do next, but I needed to spend time with my family, have free time to go on holidays, eat together with family and friends, and do what I love: drawing and art jewelry. <br><br>"I had time to visit my relatives in Chiang Mai and I fell in love with the city. My relatives suggested I buy land next to them and build my own home, and I agreed immediately! With my parents' blessings, I moved there with my dog and built a one-bedroom house. I love the way of life here, I have more time and I enjoy looking after the vegetables I plant. I usually give some to my neighbors and when they cook them in curries, they let me have some in return. I have adapted well to the Chiang Mai way of life, and even my parents say they've noticed it has done me good to live here. <br><br>"Moving to Chiang Mai has given me the chance to work on things I prefer. I began to knit necklaces with unusual stones and rope. I taught myself how to crochet the candle rope, insert a beautiful stone and knit it into bracelet or necklace.<br><br>"I would send the finish pieces to my mother, she has experience in several crafts, and she would reply back with some advice on how to improve. One day I got a very good opportunity from my friend who gave me her area at the walking street market on Sundays to sell my necklaces. I was quite concerned because I had never sold at a market, but nevertheless, the response was better than expected!<br><br>"With my background in arts, my designs have evolved since then, blending thread colors, laces, and colored stone. Some days I sit and enjoy late-night knitting sessions because I can't wait to see how the necklace looks when finished. I have improved my knitting and crochet skills so I include other local materials such as clothes from the different hill tribe's which are embroidered with beautiful patterns. <br><br>"I've found such a favorable demand for my products that I've enlisted the help of a woman who has known me since I was little, as well as a that of a neighbor. Thanks to their help, I am able to design new products. All of this encouraged me to take part in continuing to grow so people can find out more of Thailand through me and my products. I hope you like them!"
