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Samit

"Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's center for art and crafts, so I consider myself very lucky to have been born in this province. I am Samit Imkate and I was born, raised and married here. My older sister lives with her husband in Nakonplathom province, so once a year we all go to visit my parents and stay with them. It's a special time for our family.

"I have a degree in Mass Communications and for 17 years I worked in different areas including advertising, jewelry, ceramics, interior décor, etc. I met with experts in these different fields, and it was them who inspired me to create my own products.

"Thailand is rich in silver mines. Silver is regarded as Chiang Mai's provincial product, which is one of the reasons I chose to become a designer and silversmith. Also, northern Thailand is home to six hill tribes, which include Karen, Hmong, Mien, Lahu, Ahka and Lisu. Each tribe has its distinct colorful style, which I find fascinating.

"Hill tribe fashions inspire all of my jewelry collections. I prefer to combine their different styles and execute them with silver and gemstones. The result is a beautiful piece of jewelry that integrates the art of northern Thailand. Some people may not approve of my mixing tribal artistries, but this is who I am. My ideas are different, which makes each piece I create unique.

"My admiration and passion for each of the six hill tribes inspired my "Tribal Fusion" collection, which features each tribe's beauty and charm.

"I believe happiness comes more from giving than from acquiring, and that success comes from the spirit. Believing in this has made me successful in many areas of my life and work.

"As a freelance designer, I don't have the time to promote my work worldwide. That is why I am happy to be featured in Novica's website. They assist me in exhibiting my work, which in turn becomes an incentive to keep on designing and crafting original jewelry pieces aimed at customer's satisfaction. My thanks to Novica."