"As a child, my dreams were shaped by various factors. At that time, I believe I had no clear aspirations because I grew up in the countryside. My parents were farmers and they lived their entire lives in a small village, where opportunities were limited. In rural society, there is often a preference for familiar professions like government work, nursing, medicine, or teaching. I was raised with the belief that I should become a doctor and work in government service for a happy and comfortable life.

 

However, my perspective prevented me from seeing the multitude of career options beyond what was familiar to me. As a child, I followed the dreams of adults and aimed to become a dentist. But as I matured, I realised my aversion to hospitals, blood, and wounds, which made that path unsuitable for me.  Fortunately, I did not pursue that dream blindly and eventually discovered my true passion later in life— fashion."

"Starting from a transition period in life where I felt entrenched in office work, I began pondering my true passions — ones that could make a real impact on society and bring daily joy. During this time, I rediscovered the value of reed mats when I returned home to Maha Sarakham. Though common as household seating in the Northeast, I saw them differently.

 

I realised reed mats could be more than just a place to sit. Surprisingly, no one seemed to be exploring their potential beyond this. This realisation sparked my desire to connect local artisans with a wider market. And so, the idea for the Chaksarn brand was born — dedicated to transforming hand-woven reed mats into stylish bags."

"I believe that achieving a balance between innovation and tradition is crucial for sustainability. It's essential not to be biassed towards one side or the other but to integrate both in a supportive manner.

 

If we solely prioritise innovation and modernity, there's a risk of losing the charm of tradition, potentially impacting artisans' way of life. The cooperation may prove unsuccessful.

 

Conversely, if we overly cling to tradition without adapting to the times, our products may not meet market demands.

 

Therefore, sincerity in business is paramount — being genuine with customers and the community, avoiding exploitation. For me, achieving this balance ensures sustainability and success."

"I aspire to be both an individual and a brand that leads the charge in reshaping the attitudes of consumers, particularly among Thai people, towards fashion items crafted from Thai materials. My goal is to broaden the appreciation for and adoption of these products by showcasing modern, versatile designs that resonate with the contemporary era. These designs should be inclusive, suitable for all ages, and tailored to the weather conditions of Thailand.

 

While changing ingrained perspectives is challenging, my experience with creating Chaksarn reed mat bags over the past six years has shown me that it is possible.

 

Witnessing these bags find their way into the hands of young customers has been gratifying. Looking ahead, I envision dedicating myself even more to introducing Thai handicrafts into the fashion industry. By achieving this, we can improve society and help artisans' communities grow economically in a sustainable way.”