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"Sawaddee ka. I'm Jaifah Aksornsri or Fah, and my name means 'of the sky.' I was born on October 19,... read more
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Jaifah Aksornsri
"Sawaddee ka. I'm Jaifah Aksornsri or Fah, and my name means 'of the sky.' I was born on October 19, 1964 in Chiang Mai province. After my parents got married, they moved to a larger city to start their family and get a new chance in life. We are two children – my older sister and me.
"In town, my parents started making hill tribe dolls and silverware, and sometimes they sold antiques. My mom told me she'd take her goods in a bicycle basket or sometimes carry them her shoulder to sell at the hotel near the railway station. The same year I was born, they opened a shop. Many years later, they opened a bigger shop for silver and antiques. They loved to collect antiques and didn't want to sell them all. They wanted to protect many of them so that people from future generations could know about our art, styles and culture. My mother was the first person who thought of copying the antiques and selling the copies while keeping the originals. Part of our house is like an antique museum that we open to students and people who are interested.
"For many years, my parents tried to copy the antique style and became experienced in this. Then they branched out into lacquerware. Now my older sister works with the silver and antiques while I look after the lacquerware. After I graduated from college, I wanted to study for a master's degree or find a job like all of my friends did, but my parents wanted me to learn their work. They told me, 'This job is a real-life university.' I've learned by doing it all my life. They wanted me to succeed and try to protect their wisdom. This is my talent. I don't know where my skill and love for it comes from. My heart says it's because I've seen and been involved with my parents' work since I was young. Throughout my childhood, my friends were people who helped my parents, like the painter, the carpenter and the woodcarver.
"I grew up in the warmth of my family's love and understanding. My father taught us to do the best things in our lives. He taught me as I learned by doing that I should know where the wrong way is. My father always told us how our work should be of the best quality and please our buyers. The most important thing he taught us is to be honest in our work and with everyone. He passed away more than 15 years ago, but his words are still in my heart and go everywhere with me. I'm very proud of my parents – they were wonderful."
"In town, my parents started making hill tribe dolls and silverware, and sometimes they sold antiques. My mom told me she'd take her goods in a bicycle basket or sometimes carry them her shoulder to sell at the hotel near the railway station. The same year I was born, they opened a shop. Many years later, they opened a bigger shop for silver and antiques. They loved to collect antiques and didn't want to sell them all. They wanted to protect many of them so that people from future generations could know about our art, styles and culture. My mother was the first person who thought of copying the antiques and selling the copies while keeping the originals. Part of our house is like an antique museum that we open to students and people who are interested.
"For many years, my parents tried to copy the antique style and became experienced in this. Then they branched out into lacquerware. Now my older sister works with the silver and antiques while I look after the lacquerware. After I graduated from college, I wanted to study for a master's degree or find a job like all of my friends did, but my parents wanted me to learn their work. They told me, 'This job is a real-life university.' I've learned by doing it all my life. They wanted me to succeed and try to protect their wisdom. This is my talent. I don't know where my skill and love for it comes from. My heart says it's because I've seen and been involved with my parents' work since I was young. Throughout my childhood, my friends were people who helped my parents, like the painter, the carpenter and the woodcarver.
"I grew up in the warmth of my family's love and understanding. My father taught us to do the best things in our lives. He taught me as I learned by doing that I should know where the wrong way is. My father always told us how our work should be of the best quality and please our buyers. The most important thing he taught us is to be honest in our work and with everyone. He passed away more than 15 years ago, but his words are still in my heart and go everywhere with me. I'm very proud of my parents – they were wonderful."
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace
"Sawaddee ka. Im Jaifah Aksornsri or Fah, and my name means of the sky. I was born on October 19, 1964 in Chiang Mai province. After my parents got married, they moved to a larger city to start their family and get a new chance in life. We are two children – my older sister and me.
"In town, my parents started making hill tribe dolls and silverware, and sometimes they sold antiques. My mom told me shed take her goods in a bicycle basket or sometimes carry them her shoulder to sell at the hotel near the railway station. The same year I was born, they opened a shop. Many years later, they opened a bigger shop for silver and antiques. They loved to collect antiques and didnt want to sell them all. They wanted to protect many of them so that people from future generations could know about our art, styles and culture. My mother was the first person who thought of copying the antiques and selling the copies while keeping the originals. Part of our house is like an antique museum that we open to students and people who are interested.
"For many years, my parents tried to copy the antique style and became experienced in this. Then they branched out into lacquerware. Now my older sister works with the silver and antiques while I look after the lacquerware. After I graduated from college, I wanted to study for a masters degree or find a job like all of my friends did, but my parents wanted me to learn their work. They told me, This job is a real-life university. Ive learned by doing it all my life. They wanted me to succeed and try to protect their wisdom. This is my talent. I dont know where my skill and love for it comes from. My heart says its because Ive seen and been involved with my parents work since I was young. Throughout my childhood, my friends were people who helped my parents, like the painter, the carpenter and the woodcarver.
"I grew up in the warmth of my familys love and understanding. My father taught us to do the best things in our lives. He taught me as I learned by doing that I should know where the wrong way is. My father always told us how our work should be of the best quality and please our buyers. The most important thing he taught us is to be honest in our work and with everyone. He passed away more than 15 years ago, but his words are still in my heart and go everywhere with me. Im very proud of my parents – they were wonderful."
Thailand Fulfillment Hub
In Thailand, artistic skills and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. As you explore our Thailand Collection you will discover handwoven silks and hand embroidered textiles, celadon and benjarong pottery, teak carvings, lacquerware and exquisite jewelry. All are handcrafted in traditional and contemporary designs by talented Thai artisans.
Maker BadgeCaring for Children
Jaifah provides for her children the same sort of loving family environment that she grew up in.
Maker BadgeEnabling Education
Jaifah and her husband are actively involved in their children's education. They encourage not only their studies but all of the extracurricular activities that interest them.
Maker BadgeJob Creator
Jaifah is able to provide jobs for other artisans in her workshop.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
Growing up, Jaifah was surrounded with Thai antiques and artisan designs that her parents collected and made. From her mother and other artisans, she learned the traditional techniques that she uses to produce the high-quality wood and metal designs her workshop is known for. She has taught these techniques to many of the artisans that work with her. She hopes that someday her children will want to continue this work but, so far, they have shown little interest in pursuing it.
Maker BadgeEmpowering Women
The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
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