Category: artisans

My name is Petch. I was born in 1964. My parents’ house is just 2-3 kilometers away from Bua Bhat. Of course I am Yong. I work here since I was 23 years old. It was the first year of Bua Bhat. Back then, Bua Bhat was a weaving factory. Not long after that I quite to enroll in a sewing school and then I got married. I have one daughter; she already graduated a bachelor degree, working in Bangkok. I came back to Bua Bhat in 1992 when my daughter was 3 years old going into Kindergarten. My job here is to cut and prepare fabrics for the seamstresses. I felt very responsible for my job, it is a very important part in the production process. Without me preparing fabrics in advance, the seamstress will have nothing to work on. I really enjoyed working here I have fun everyday. I really feel that I belong here.

Momma Chansom and me, Oyle both work here at Bua Bhat. Mom work here since 1989 when she was 39 years old. I was born in 1985. I have been coming here since I was a little. Every time school is off, I would be here keeping my mom’s company. I began sewing since I was 9 when mom brought home some extra work to do. She taught me how to sew after dad saw me playing with the machine. After that I started helping her out every time she brought home extra works. Dad also joined in. We had a happy family time.

I went to a university in Chiang Mai town, called Ratchapat, and work in Chiang Mai as a customer relation for 4 more years. Then I moved back here in 2010, because I want to be near my parents, and started working at Bua Bhat. Our family have very close tie with Bua Bhat. Dad used to work here for many years, and my brother also helped out with the construction every time. With a huge lawn and big trees, my nephews and the local kids come play here all the time. Bua Bhat has become like a second home for us.

I take care of all export customers, and also walk in customers at the showroom. Some time I help with packing too. Momma Chansome started as a weaver now she is a senior seamstress. She can also do various other task even fabrics dying. I can also do various type of handicarft work since I have had early practices. Our whole family is Yong.

My mom put me in to Bua Bhat in 2000 and told Ms. Wilai to do what ever she wants with me even though I already graduate a Bachelor degree. My family owns a retail shop in this village. I help them out everyday after work. I am the oldest one of an all girl family. After my mother passed away, I took my mom place and became the head of sale of our family shop. My dad is a manager and a cook. Our lady bosses taught me about the peaceful way of Buddhistism and meditation. I told my mom to think of Buddha when she was ill. At Bua Bhat, I am human resource, a buyer and assist my boss . Sometime I help Ms. Pen with production planning. Right here we all can be the designer in many way of working and processing, I am doing my best to make my mother in heaven proud.

Hello! My name is Pen. I am Yong, born here in Kor Sa Leam village. My ancestors come from Xishuangbanna, an ancient city now a part of China. My husband owns an heirloom pottery with drawing of a rooster on it, very similar to the famous Lampang’s hand painted rooster bowl. We think they have the same origin.
I work as a product manager for Buabhat since 1998. I plan out and schedule all the production process to match with each order’s shipping due. I have to schedule every step from gathering materials, dying, sewing, and assembling of each order. Since each step have a very different process and lead time, it is very important to plan out before we begin the production.
I think I am very lucky to have such an awesome team. Not only they are very good at what they do, but they are also very willing to help each other and every body can do wide range of jobs. Also, they can do their own quality control,  every body knows that Bua Bhat’s product is about the attention to detail and neatness of the work. I am sure that every piece that left this door was made with utmost care and attention. However, if you have any suggestions, we are very welcome!

Ms. Wilawan Paijitkanjanakul
Position : Cofounder & Financial Director
I am the youngest daughter of the family hence a nick name “Noi” which means tiny in Lanna dialect. I was born in 1957. I received a master degree in education from Chiang Mai University.  At Bua Bhat, I am responsible for all the money-related biz. Labor cost is undoubtedly the number 1 cost as our products are all made by hand. Each of our items is hand crafted with highest attention to detail while keeping in mind the quality and the aesthetics. Countless time consuming and labor intensive steps were dedicated into making them. I though we would cut out few steps just to save some time and cost, but it turn out that it was not the right solution to our challenge. Even cutting out the smallest step takes away our brand. Bua Bhat is what it is today because of these extra steps we take in to producing our products. But my mission is not over yet. I will keep researching ways we can reduce cost while maintaining our quality. You’ll see.