A glittering future

Like most teenagers, 16-year-old Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura spends much of her time studying, listening to music or playing computer games.

But the youngest granddaughter of Thanphuying Lersak Sombatsiri, the owner of Nai Lert Park Raffle International, also has another extra-curricular activity - designing jewelled accessories to sell at her store, All That Glitters, which opened last August.

"I like stones, gems, glittering jewels as well as art. When I entered Mathayom 1, I started designing jewelled accessories," says Patcharavipa, who's just completed Mathayom 3 at Chitrlada School.

News of her bejewelled designs soon spread and before long the 13-year-old was answering calls from people eager to have her add glitzy art on their accessories. Soon Patcharavipa was moving away from touching up simple items like mobile phones, iPods, sneakers and pen cases to crash helmets, suspenders and laptops.

"My latest customer asked me to create a flashy design for his LCD screen. I hope my future challenges will include cars and furniture," she smiles.

Last year, the youngster approached her mother, Sanhapit Bodiratnangkura, about setting up her own shop. Though she was just 15 at the time, her mum said okay and gave the venture her blessing.

"My mother helped by providing the space in the hotel, but I'm responsible for all the expenses. My business is doing pretty well.

"As I'm just 16, my mother advises me to be careful. But she doesn't interfere."

All That Glitters offers costume jewellery designed under the "Romantic Rock" concept, a range of playful rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants priced at between Bt200 and Bt20,000. Each item is designed by Patcharavipa and unique.

"I've just renovated the shop. It was painted pink but all that sugary sweetness wasn't really me. I gave it the 'Romantic Rock' theme and also expanded the space," says Patcharavipa, whose musical tastes covers hard-core and trance.

She says she draws inspiration from her family members. "They're all very different," she laughs. "My inspiration comes from everyday life, my family and friends."

Apart from designing and having a say in the production process, Patcharavipa also chooses the gems and stones to be used. "My mother collects gems and I've been fascinated with them since I was a small child. I like rare stones. My collections are made from stone, jewellery, crystals and beads from China, India, Italy and New York."

The teenager has also made contact with New York costume jewellery brand, Kenneth Jay Lane, and will be its sole distributor from August. But that's not all, Patcharavipa is also hoping that her designs will hit the international market.

"I want to open shops in Japan, New York, Italy and England. These are big markets for the accessories business. Besides, they appreciate art and design more than Thai people."

In August, Patcharavipa is also heading to Britain to continue with her high-school studies once she graduates from Chitralada School. She says her mother has been trying to get her to study overseas from the age of 13, but she's been putting it off due to her hobby. Still, Patcharavipa says living overseas won't stop her from producing at least two collections a year.

Apart from heading for Britain, August will also see Patcharavipa organising her first fashion show. "It's my first show, but I don't want to give anything away apart from the fact that it will be taking place at Nai Lert Park."

However, she's quick to add that All That Glitters isn't just for making money. "Even though it's turned into a lucrative business, it's still my hobby. I take it seriously but, at the same time, I really enjoy it," she smiles.

Tanaporn Tangcharoenmankong

The Nation