“To belong nowhere is a blessing and a curse, like any kind of freedom.”
-Leah Stewart
This is it, this is what I’ve been waiting for! Only 1 hour into my first sweaty walk through JJ market I have found a local artisan who, with her family, creates amazing pieces of Jewelry. Khun Sumitta lives with her family and, while paying her way through school, is creating jewelry and building a buisienss that not only sustains her but also her family. I am truly inspired!
I went in search of another artisan that I have encountered out and about at farmers markets. I found them, located in the clothing and accessories area (section 23 soi 17) in JJ Market. This area is filled with other hand-crafted jewelers. I spent about 30 minutes looking for something I loved at the right price point (I don’t have a lot of disposable income to get this thing off the ground!) I couldn’t find it…while I loved many of their pieces, I didn’t love anything enough to share with my readers. My husband patiently waited, sitting on the floor of the market (kinda gross!) for the whole time and then as we were leaving the relieved look on his face was removed when I said the words he hates to hear, “Oh, this is cute!”
I found a small stall with some jewelry that looked a bit Aztec/Native American to my American eye. You tell me…
Do you love it!?
I did! I proceeded to talk to the girl in the booth, Khun Sumitta about how she was born in the south of Thailand, her sister is the designer and is going to college for design. Her parents, and other siblings along with their kids are able to craft the pieces in their spare time and they sell both retail and wholesale. This is what I came to support!
In addition to her sister going to college, Khun Sumitta is also going to school herself and will graduate in 3 years. Her shop is located in JJ market at section 23 soi 17 Her family makes the pieces in their home in Bangkok. I plan to go visit soon and will write a full report!
I just want to thank everyone that has read these posts. It’s cathartic for me and even if you don’t buy anything I hope I’m opening your eyes a bit to the lifestyle of some of the folks who are making and selling these crafts.
Shop for it all here!