17 February 2020

Acrylic paint on canvas

Ban sent me a link to watch a video about "a retailer that beats giants": a local mom-and-pop store called Saowanee Chamwa in Si Mahosot District, Prachin Buri Province. It narrates the story of the owner - an inspiring young lady named Kochnatakon Chaocharoen. I was impressed by her ideas and perception towards life and problem-solving since numerous small retailers have been struggling financially or have had to close as they are replaced by modern trade outlets such as 7-11.

However, Kochnatakon saw a gap that modern trade stores are unable to fulfill: providing certain services or products that are necessary to the local rural community, such as brazier, homemade traditional sweets, and assistance with tasks such as paying utility bills. The retailer helps to solve customers' daily issues, creating a loving bond between them as if they were family members. The owner recognizes the importance of happiness derived from helping others, not just monetary gain.

I was impressed with her caring attitude and way of life which portray her intelligence, selflessness, loving-kindness, and business acumen, all of which led her to see the core weakness of modern trade. This is the business that is not primarily driven by profit but by the happiness gained from sharing and helping others in society. The owner graduated with a degree in pharmacy and went to work as an au pair in America for two years. She used to dream of becoming a flight attendant but felt that her English was not good enough, hence her decision to go abroad. She returned home to take care of her ailing grandmother until she passed away. Though she thought of leaving Thailand again, her mom happened to fall ill, so she decided to stay home and care for her mother and family - running a retail store instead of pursuing her dream.

1,000,000 THB + 7% VAT