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Aurai

"I am Siamese. I love my tradition and culture. So I want to present Thai products made by Thai artisans to the world.

"Before he met me, my husband continued his family's ancestral craft of sculpture and pottery. I do love this line of art, so I feel enjoyment in it. When shoppers say that my works are the symbol of my village, it makes me very happy.

"My name is Aurai Boonman, and my nickname is also Aurai. It means 'gold.' I was born on September 22, 1954 in Chiang Mai, the youngest of three children and we all still live in the same area. We are quite warm and help one another in our work. I was an employee until I married. Then I moved to live with my husband and we now have two sons.

"Since 1988, I have helped him with marketing while he manages design and the crafting process. That was a major change in my life.

"My life is normal – not so fancy. We scrimp and save, are patient, willing and diligent. I am satisfied in everything. I live with my family, have a career I love, and my children are good boys. I would like to continue this line of art into the next generations and even to other countries.

"To keep our pottery workshop going was such a challenge. I feel happy when we can produce pottery continuously and I strive in every way to make our livelihood secure. I am so impressed when people like my designs, and I create new ones all the time. I hope I will be able to be a leader in my family."