YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

In the heart of Amnat Charoen City lies the village of Na Mo Ma, renowned for its exquisite reed mats. Our paths crossed with Mae Nim quite by chance during a trip to Khon Kaen, where she was showcasing her mats at an event. We were immediately captivated by her craftsmanship – the mats, handbags, and other creations were undeniably impressive. However, we saw an opportunity to elevate the designs, making them more appealing to a younger demographic.

Soon after, we were thrilled to participate in a project with the 7th Regional Industry Promotion Center. We were particularly excited to learn that Mae Nim's group had been selected. While we were confident in their skills, we weren't entirely sure they could execute the intricate mat patterns we envisioned. Yet, we were banking on their decades of experience weaving reeds.

To our delight, they exceeded all expectations. The group meticulously followed our designs, down to the last centimeter. They later confessed that they, too, had initial doubts about our modern patterns. But once the finished products emerged, they were amazed by their contemporary beauty. The team then ingeniously repurposed the woven mats into pillows and tree pot.

To enhance the products' appeal to a higher-end clientele, we suggested using a thick, black rope for a more refined edge. Our aim was to cater to customers seeking not just traditional mats, but items that seamlessly integrate into their lifestyles and reflect their values. By transforming the mats into novel products, the group not only discovered their untapped potential but also explored new avenues for their craft, ensuring their work's relevance in the modern world.

Following our collaboration, Mae Nim, the group's leader, began showcasing the new products at various events. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with younger customers flocking to her kiosks. The group experienced a significant boost in revenue, particularly from this new demographic. We visited her booth, and we were impressed to see how they had adapted our designs into handbags, which quickly became a top seller. Despite their seniority, we were inspired by their dedication to preserving the local tradition of reed mat weaving.

By drawing greater attention and financial success to their craft, we hope to encourage younger generations in their community to embrace and evolve this precious skill. This, in turn, could help stem the migration to larger cities, allowing the local economy to flourish.