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Laddawan

"My collections are inspired by nature's beauty, such as the many kinds of flowers. I do love accessories. I have six sisters and want to present my womanliness. My works are quite delicate and utilize special techniques. Each step requires a lot of time and I add my love to every piece.

"My name is Laddawan Saelim, but you can call me Eiang. I was born on December 14, 1962, the youngest of seven children. My parents moved from China to northern Thailand. The lifestyle here motivated me to find challenges for my life. After receiving a bachelor's degree, I decided to study design in Bangkok, then I worked in a boutique for seven years. There, I experienced fashions from Thailand and abroad. But in 1987, I quit and moved back home where I worked as a marketing officer.

"One day, an American teacher taught me to do beadwork and I am very grateful. So I learned the technique by heart but adapted my work to include Thai designs and motifs from nature. At first, this was a hobby I shared with my elder sister. When I had more and more designs, she said we had to show them to others. We presented our work to friends and neighbors, and everyone liked it. That was in 2005.

"I eventually opened a shop to display my beadwork. Everyone has told me, 'Wow! Wonderful work,' and this makes me so happy. Princess Srirath, the Crown Prince's consort, stops by to buy my designs each time she visits our city. She is very knowledgeable about fashion, so this makes me proud and even happier.

"I have fallen in love with the charm of art, and say to myself, 'This is what I'll do for a long time.' This is what I love."