Onyx and Amethyst Beaded Necklace - Autumn Orchid

Artisan Organization: Kai Kittima

Country: Mexico

Sawasdee ka! My name is Kittima Ekmahachai or Kai. I am the elder daughter in the family and am very close to my younger sister because we are almost the same age. She is only one year old younger than I am. I was born in Nan province and grow up there. My family was a big family and everyone loved each other. Now I'm married and have a son and a daughter.

In high school, I studied science and mathematics for three years and, in 1981, I was admitted to Chiang Mai University's School of Economics. I graduated four years later. In 1986, I worked as a staff member at The Royal Project center. After two years, I was promoted to head of marketing at the Chiang Mai branch where I worked for nine years. I had to resign when my husband's mother got sick so I could take care of her. I did really like this job, so when I quit, I was sad. Two years later, I started to make jewelry.

"I've liked art since I was young. I get it from my grandfather – he really loved art, so art is in my blood. I grew up in a cultural Thai family. I studied in local Thai schools, learned Thai dance, sing old Thai songs and I like to go to the temple.

"I live my life with consciousness. I do everything for the present and future, leaving the past behind. I am very happy with the things I've done. I like crafting jewelry and I am so happy with it.

"The most challenging thing in my life is change. Many things in my life are always changing, so I have to make sure that I can accept it. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's bad, so change is quite challenging for me. And I am glad that all the changes so far in my life have been good.

"My most impressive experience was joining the library club and visiting the hill tribe villages to read, teach Thai dance and lots of fun activities. I am so happy to be giving instead of taking.

"I am so proud of my work. It comes from my heart. I use local materials that are easy to find and create designs in my own style.

"You bring together people who like art and culture from all over the world. This is a great opportunity for artists.""