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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
COCO DE CHOM was created out of the joy we get from traveling inspired by the incredibly talented artisans in Thailand who make each piece and carry it through this traditional way.
COCO DE CHOM comes from my name “Chom-ta-le”, it means enjoy the sea in Thai.
My mom and I established the Coco de Chom brand in 2020 during the first Covid-19 lockdown. We decided to use our time at home to do something positive, so we conceptualized and launched our handcrafted line of tie dye kimono robe, maxi dress, and maxi kaftan, which are exclusively available online.
Since we were both born in Thailand, we used the inspiration from our homeland’s incredible beaches and tropical scenery to inspire our designs. Though we live in the U.S now, Thailand will always hold a special place in our hearts, and it continues to influence how we design each of our pieces.
Honoring our heritage and making an impact in our homeland is very important to us and remains at the core of our brand.
What does the average day look like for you now as an entrepreneur (especially compared to past jobs/days)?
My typical day involves attending 2-3 classes at McCombs. Afterward, I manage my online business by curating engaging social media content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Additionally, I allocate time for essential business activities such as conducting photoshoots for new collections, creating promotional content videos, and monitoring customer reviews and stock levels. Besides these entrepreneurial responsibilities, I also fulfill my duties as the president of the Thai Association of Austin, overseeing the planning of association events.
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
I have learned that I have to hustle every day; it is all about adjusting to a changing environment. Coco de Chom has taught me how to deal with customers, shipping, manage the budget, develop a return policy, design a website, and how to market through social media. Between my desire to own my own business, COVID changing the way we live, and the problems we had, I have learned that every challenge presents a new opportunity to learn, to grow, and to take risks without a guaranteed return.
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
While packing, modeling, and photographing items for my mom's online business in Thailand, I learned early on that I wanted to own my own business. After school, I went straight to her vintage thrift store, to assist as a cashier; I learned how to do basic math from there, ten or twenty percent off. Seeing my mom running her own business made me realize that my ambition was to operate my own business, no matter how big or small.
In 2014, my mother and I attended Elle Fashion Week in Bangkok. Seeing the models walk the runway in high-fashion pieces captivated me, and I was soon lost in the mesmerizing detail, excitement, and glamour. Since then, I have been inspired to create a place for myself in the beautiful world of fashion and I constantly monitored, adapted, and incorporated new trends into my business.
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
My two proudest moments:
1) One such moment was the fulfillment we experienced when contributing to the community in Thailand. Currently, we are actively collaborating with the Children's Village School, directing a portion of each sale towards initiatives like vegetable, mushroom, and chicken farming, among other projects. Witnessing the smiles on the children's faces as they observed their mushrooms grow, cook them, and subsequently sell them at the market was truly heartwarming.
2) Another proud achievement was when Coco de Chom was selected to participate in the Hook'd Magazine Spring Fashion Show. The joy I felt knowing that our clothing line would be showcased at such an event was indescribable. It represented not just a recognition of our brand but an opportunity to share our unique designs with a wider audience, marking a significant milestone for our journey.
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success
What’s a fun fact about you?
I'm allergic to cats, but I have 3 cats at home
About The Author:
Founder of COCO DE CHOM
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