Carving Out a Niche in Bangkok by Liz Grima March 27, 2010
Posted by admin in : Bangkok, Business, Entrepreneur, Interview, Uncategorized , trackback
Tell us your background?
I am an Australian and arrived in Bangkok on July 4th 2001. I was working for FutureBrand in Melbourne as a Design Manager which was my profession for 12 years before arriving here. I met my husband Gordon in Bangkok. Gordon was born here so marrying him meant that this was going to be my home, lucky me! We have 2 gorgeous children Saiburi is 6 and Harriet is 2.
After getting married I decided to leave my job and join Gordon working in our own business, Bangkok Dolphins, in an administration/Marketing role in between having 2 children and opening a Mexican Restaurant, Charley Browns in Sukhumvit Soi 11. I still juggle my time between Bangkok Dolphins and Charley Browns.
What made you decide to come to Bangkok?
I had been working on a very big project in Melbourne for 3 years, re –branding one of Australia’s big banks. After the project finished I really felt that I needed some time off so I decided to go traveling. I arrived in Bangkok to meet up with an old associate here and got offered a job. I loved the vibrancy of the city and decided to take the 12 month contract. During those 12 months I met Gordon here and I am still here working now on my own businesses.
You have a few businesses in Thailand, can you tell us about some of them?
Bangkok Dolphins is my main business. It is a swim school for children aged between 4 months and approx 15 years. It was opened in 1997 and is sill a very busy part of my life. Luckily for me Dolphins General Manager Cherry Tesswodi has proved to be a very valuable support and has taken some of the day to day problems from me.
Charley Browns Mexican restaurant is in Sukhumvit Soi 11. It was originally in Lad Prao area before we purchased the business and moved it to Soi 11 in 2004. In December we under went a major overhaul and I have been working on creating more exciting menu items.
What are some business tips for starting a business in Thailand?
Be very sure you want to have your own business before starting. The romantic idea that working for yourself creates freedom and is easier is a myth. Ensure you have the right support to make your business work from either people or information. There are so many opportunities here in Thailand but be prepared to be frustrated as well as rewarded.
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?