Friday, June 29, 2012

Friday Feature - Ratcha, from DooDesign

This week, I'm very excited to introduce Ratcha, from DooDesign. Ratcha makes some of the most adorable items I've come across on Etsy, and I'm thrilled that she's sharing a bit of her story with us. :)


Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a mom with two children. I am 40 years old. I grew up with an average family in a small town in northern Thailand. My mother is a seamstress and she has a sewing shop and native fabric store and it grew up, respectively. So, I learned many things from my mother about sewing in my childhood. After graduated a degree in fine arts, I had the opportunity to work in clothing design at Department of Export Promotion and Design Institute of Lanna in Chiangmai. Currently, I am working helping my brother in his Buddha factory as the export assistance.


When did you first begin creating?

As I can remember, I have started to build lots of things when I was young, I remember that I love to do a floating basket "Krathong" is made from banana leaves, and I do it sale in the festival as well. But, if it is to create products to sell in my store. I started creating it around 6-7 months ago.


What led you to open a shop for your art/craft?

Because have time for family and spending time at home enough. I use materials I have and bought some to produce as the product that I feel is valuable because it is a craft that anyone may be looking for. It is a great way to make money without having to go out. And it is the inspiration to lead me open the shop.

What is a typical work day like for you?

Part is that my responsibility as an employee in my brother’s factory. Another part is work that I am responsible for my children and parents as a daughter and a mom.


How do you juggle the many tasks of running a creative business?

My job is not that big and too much busy. So it is not difficult to manage or plan. I just think of what I will need to do tomorrow, supply of materials and creating when I have time. That is simple of care and manages to create my product each and every day.

What is your favorite item that you’ve created, ever?

It is the handbag that I have sold out. I created 2 handbags with wooden handles different color. One I placed in my shop. And the other one I gave to my mother a birthday present to her.


What is your favorite item in your shop, now?

My favorite item is the pink handbags with 2 fabric flowers that I have left 1 in my shop. It took time to create and I do like the silk flowers as well.


Is there anything that you would like to learn or do to expand on or improve what you create now?


No… ^_^

What advice would you share with other artists/crafters who sell their items?

Try to find time to learn and view the results of your friend seller and communication, exchange of ideas, talk or share links or blocks. And especially is community. Social network is another way to communicate news to the people in our world to let them know your shop.


Aside from creating, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy cooking, sporting, and taking a photograph everywhere I go.

If you could do anything at all, what would it be? Why?


Hahaa…ok. I wanted to create a new world of freedom, with the smile of the people. I believe this makes our planet livable. The problem with people in society came from "people" as the cause. The selfishness of the people caused by the violence. At the same time I do not want the flood, storm, earthquake or other natural disasters that cause the loss, fear it means the suffering of the people.


Where would you travel if time and money were no object? Why?

I would like to go to the beach or find beautiful island somewhere in the world. I will need to feel relax, no need to be worried for anything. Just lay down and do what ever I want to do.


Where can we find you online? (Etsy shop, blog, etc)

Etsy: http://www.doodesign.etsy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/DooDesign/337006332976116
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/doodesignshop
Blog: http://ratchaleonard.blogspot.com
Blog: http://doodesignshop.worldpress.com

Thank you, Ratcha, for taking the time to share a bit about yourself and your process!

2 comments:

Bebby said...

This is a great interview with Ratcha and I was pleased to learn more about her life! I love her pretty little items that appear in her shop and wish her heaps of sales!

Rhody's said...

Ratcha does beautiful work and I loved reading about her!!! Her work is amazing!!!!

Jan
Rhody