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Thanradee

"My name is Thanradee Mankhong. My family and friends like to call me 'Nok.' I was born in a small town in northern Thailand and have two younger brothers who have graduated from school and help my father in his rubber business. My parents were formerly government officials but have now retired.

After finishing high school in my hometown in 1990, I went on to major in political science with a minor in organizational psychology. When I graduated from the university, I worked at a number of jobs. Then, a friend invited me to join him and, together with another friend, we went to work designing and crafting decorative accessories for the home. After two years, I ventured out on my own, expanding my line to include shawls, handbags and more.

"My job is very different from what I studied in the university. My designs and products are exclusively Thai. I talk with craft experts and learn from them, and this has made me understand and love Thai handicrafts more and more. I supervise every step of the process, and work with a team of talented designers and craftsmen to develop items that are unique. Each one is a quality work filled with our Thai identity. I feel very proud that my products are well received by customers.

"My everyday routine includes going to the temple to meditate. I follow Buddha's teachings about living, because it has to do with cause and effect. It makes me think about good and bad results before I act. Buddha's teachings guide my thoughts and actions. Once I had heavy sorrow, and I began leaning on Buddha's teachings. It helped me understand myself, other people and the world as a whole.

"In the future, I would like to set up a foundation to assist children and the elderly. I want to help them and give them a chance. I'd want the older people to take care of the children and children would in turn make the elders happy.

"If everybody in the world feels as we do, they will love our Thai culture. Novica is a way to show everything Thai to the world and share our happiness through Thai products, too."