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Ariya

"My attitude toward life is different. I believe that delight from my heart leads me to my many activities, private and social. Especially my work. If our hearts are cheerful, we can expand our happiness to the people surrounding us. Neither money nor treasures inspire living with happiness – these aren't permanent. I always thank God for my life and everything that has happened.

"My name is Ariya Sittisombat, and Kimmy is my nickname. I was born on June 28, 1962, and am the youngest sister of seven children, all born and raised in Chiang Mai. We are a big family, but love and care unites us and we follow the good precepts and ideals of our parents.

"In 1983, I graduated from Chiang Mai University's School of Humanities with a major in English and a minor in communication. After that, I took many varied jobs, such as painting embroidery patterns and teaching aerobic dance. I worked for a U.S. government consortium and was involved with Save the Children Fund. I also taught English to immigrants, and found helping others to be very rewarding. After a year in London for further studies, I returned to Thailand and worked as a translator and administration officer in the Consulate of India.

"Seven years later, I got married and quit working when my daughter, Mook-Kaew, was born. While she was a baby, I helped out with family finances by translating letters and documents, making flower arrangements, selling food at the Doikam Royal Project Fair, creating handicrafts and more. Too many jobs!

"When my daughter started school, I began doing what I love – designing and making chic cotton clothing. I used hand-loomed fabrics colored with natural dyes, and named my designs Mook-Kaew. When the market became saturated with cotton fashions, I decided to learn how to work in leather and had a wonderful teacher to whom I am grateful. These leather creations of mine are also handmade.

"Concentration and patience are very important for doing art work. But handmade leather needs more than this – it won't be perfect if we forget to add our love and happiness.

"I love the traditions of northern Thailand, and our art is reflected in my designs. I love things that are natural. Art and handicrafts always reveal the creator's feelings, and show us his or her message. While many of my designs have the same pattern, they differ in the details. They have my identity.

"Today I live with my husband and daughter. We are very happy. To be a mother is so worthwhile.

"I am respectful of human rights and I don't want to exploit anyone. Life is too short, and I believe we should spend it doing good things for ourselves and others. One of my goals is to donate a portion of my income to projects that rescue abandoned animals and assist the poor."